Why doesn't the LaCrosse display the outside temperature?
4 Answers
It may be that the knob has not been rotated to the appropriate position. Start the engine, then turn on the vehicle's electronic systems. There is a knob on the left turn signal lever. Rotating it once shows the average fuel consumption, and rotating it twice displays the outside temperature. Below is some related information about the LaCrosse: 1. Body dimensions: The Buick LaCrosse has a length of 5026mm, width of 1866mm, height of 1462mm, and a wheelbase of 2905mm. 2. Powertrain: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the Buick LaCrosse delivers a maximum torque of 170 horsepower, with a maximum power speed of 5600 rpm and a maximum torque speed ranging from 2000 to 4000 rpm. This engine features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block.
I've encountered the issue of the LaCrosse not displaying the outside temperature quite a few times. The main reason is usually a faulty outside temperature sensor located near the front bumper - these are particularly prone to getting clogged with mud/water or damaged by road debris. Some models also have one mounted under the side mirrors, which can get damaged by high-pressure car washes. Wiring issues are common too, whether from rodent damage or oxidized connectors causing poor contact. If the fuse blows, the entire sensor loses power and the dashboard won't display anything. Another sneaky cause is system freeze - just disconnect the battery negative for a few minutes to reset. First check the fuse box, then inspect if the sensor is covered in grime. If that doesn't work, visit a shop to scan for trouble codes - replacing the sensor only costs around 100 yuan. Avoiding deep puddles while driving helps prolong the sensor's lifespan.
My old LaCrosse had the same issue last year, suddenly stopped displaying the outside temperature while driving. First, I checked the sensor in the middle of the front bumper and found the cable had loosened after going through a puddle last time. Even after reconnecting it tightly, it still didn't work. The mechanic said the sensor itself was broken. This tiny thing, about the size of a fingernail, is particularly vulnerable at the front of the car. It can short-circuit from moisture seeping in during rain, crack from freezing in winter, or degrade from high temperatures in summer. He advised me to avoid spraying water directly at that spot when washing the car. Later, replacing the sensor solved the problem for 130 yuan. Also, pay attention to the fuse—there's a dedicated 5A fuse for the temperature display in the fuse box behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. If it blows, the dashboard will go blank. Although it's a minor issue, it's quite annoying, especially on long trips when you can't see the outside temperature changes.
This issue with the LaCrosse is mostly caused by a faulty temperature sensor. The sensor is usually located near the front grille and appears as a small plastic head with a wire. First, turn off the engine and check if it's blocked by mud or leaves. Try cleaning it with a damp cloth. If that doesn't work, inspect the fuse—either behind the small storage compartment on the left side of the cabin or in the engine bay fuse box. A blown 10A fuse for the external temperature sensor can also cause this. Wiring issues are also common—loose connectors or short circuits due to worn insulation can interrupt the signal. A less common reason is a faulty backup sensor under the rearview mirror. For a DIY fix, try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for three minutes to reset the system. If none of these solutions work, you’ll likely need to replace the sensor, which costs around 200 RMB including labor at a dealership.
