Parts for your 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander-Temperature sensors

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors are absolutely used on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. Technical sources that confirm this include the Mitsubishi Motors Factory Service Manual for the 2014–2016 Outlander (engine control, HVAC, CVT and, for PHEV models, EV-Battery sections), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and standard OBD‑II diagnostic parameter listings and DTCs. These documents show multiple temperature inputs feeding the engine control unit, climate control, transmission control and, in PHEV variants, the battery management system.

On this model, temperature sensors are fitted to do more than just run a dash gauge. They help the vehicle warm up cleanly, keep fuel economy in check and protect major components from heat-related damage. Key sensors include:

• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor: governs fuelling, ignition timing and radiator fan operation, and helps the ECU manage cold starts and idle speed.
• Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor: fine‑tunes air–fuel mixture and spark, adjusting for Aussie/Kiwi climate swings.
• Ambient/outside air and A/C evaporator temperature sensors: drive the climate control’s comfort and demist performance while preventing evaporator icing.
• CVT fluid temperature sensor: protects the Jatco CVT by adjusting pressure, ratio control and limp strategies when things get hot.
• PHEV battery temperature sensors (PHEV only): balance and protect the high‑voltage pack during charge/discharge and rapid DC fast‑charging.

There’s no fixed replacement interval in the service schedule, these sensors are generally “inspect/diagnose and replace on condition.” As part of routine servicing, a workshop will often:

1. Scan live data with a suitable tool (e.g., MUT‑III) to verify ECT, IAT, ambient and CVT temps read plausibly from cold to hot.
2. Check connectors and grounds for corrosion, loose pins or coolant wicking into plugs.
3. For ECT or CVT concerns, compare measured resistance against the factory temperature–ohms chart.
4. If replacing the ECT: work on a stone‑cold engine, drain a little coolant, swap the sensor with a new seal, and tighten to factory torque spec. Refill with the correct Mitsubishi long‑life coolant, bleed air and clear codes.

Tell‑tale symptoms of a dodgy temperature sensor include rough cold starts, high idle, poor economy, radiator fans running constantly, erratic A/C, CVT limp mode or an incorrect outside‑temp reading. Relevant OBD‑II codes commonly seen are P0115–P0119 (ECT), P0128 (coolant temp/thermostat performance), P0113 (IAT) and P0072–P0073 (ambient). For PHEV battery temperature faults, only qualified EV technicians should diagnose and repair due to high‑voltage safety requirements.

Look after the cooling system (fresh coolant at the correct interval, clean radiator/condenser fins, no oil leaks onto looms) and these sensors typically last many years. When one does fail, it’s usually a straightforward fix that restores smooth running and protects the Outlander on long Kiwi or Aussie drives.

Popular questions

Does the 2015 Outlander have more than one temperature sensor?
Yes. It uses several: engine coolant, intake air, ambient/outside air, A/C evaporator and CVT fluid temperature sensors. PHEV variants add multiple battery pack temperature sensors for the high‑voltage system.

This network of sensors lets the ECU, TCM and HVAC unit manage fuelling, shift strategy and cabin comfort while safeguarding components under tough conditions.

How can an owner spot a failing coolant temperature sensor on a 2015 Outlander?
Common clues are hard cold starts, over‑rich running, a high or hunting idle, the radiator fans stuck on, poor fuel economy or a temp gauge/reading that doesn’t make sense. A scan tool showing implausible ECT readings when the engine is cold or warm is another giveaway.

Checking for related fault codes (like P0115–P0119 or P0128), inspecting the connector and verifying resistance against the factory chart will confirm the diagnosis.

Is there a service interval to replace temperature sensors on this model?
No set interval. They’re checked during routine servicing and replaced only if readings, resistance or operation are out of spec, or if a fault code or drivability symptoms point to a failed sensor.

Keeping the cooling system healthy and electrical connectors clean greatly extends sensor life. PHEV battery temperature sensors are not a DIY item—leave those to qualified EV technicians.