Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2020 Honda Cr-v-Temperature sensors
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2020 Honda CR‑V Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are absolutely used throughout the 2020 Honda CR‑V. Honda’s factory service information for the 2017–2022 CR‑V series (ServiceExpress) lists the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor in the Engine Controls section, the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor, an Outside/Ambient Air Temperature sensor for the HVAC and dash display, an A/C evaporator temperature sensor, and a transmission fluid temperature input for the CVT. These are also reflected in typical OBD‑II diagnostics for the model (e.g., P0117/P0118 ECT, P0113 IAT, P0071–P0073 ambient, P0711 transmission fluid temp). The owner’s manual references the outside temperature display, which relies on the ambient temperature sensor, further confirming fitment.
On the 2020 CR‑V, temperature sensors do the quiet heavy lifting. The ECT sensor tells the engine computer how hot the coolant is so it can manage warm‑up, fuelling, ignition timing, cooling fan control, and overheat protection. The IAT sensor helps trim fuelling based on air density. The ambient sensor feeds the dash’s outside temp and helps the climate control make smarter choices. The A/C evaporator sensor prevents the system from icing up. The transmission control uses fluid temperature to adjust shift logic and protect the CVT. Hybrid variants also use battery temperature sensors to safeguard the high‑voltage pack.
They’re not a regular “replace by X kilometres” item, but they do deserve attention during servicing:
- Scan for codes and data: If the CR‑V shows an overheat warning, odd temp readings, sluggish A/C, or poor economy, a quick OBD scan will often point to a suspect sensor.
- Cooling system care: Fresh Honda‑spec coolant and proper bleeding protect the ECT sensor and prevent false overheating due to air pockets.
- Air intake hygiene: A clean air filter and intact intake ducting keep the IAT honest. Oil mist and dust can skew readings.
- Front‑end checks: The ambient sensor sits behind the grille/bumper, road debris and minor nudges can damage or unplug it.
- Transmission servicing: Sticking to Honda CVT fluid intervals helps the transmission measure and manage temperature reliably.
When replacement is needed, use genuine‑quality sensors, replace sealing washers/O‑rings, and torque to spec. After ECT work, top up and bleed coolant, after any sensor replacement, clear codes and perform an idle learn with a scan tool if required. That keeps the CR‑V running sweet and the climate control behaving as it should.
Popular questions
How can someone tell a temperature sensor is failing on a 2020 CR‑V?
Common signs include a hard cold start, rich running, the radiator fan running oddly, an overheat warning without real overheating, a wildly inaccurate outside temperature on the dash, weak A/C, or a CVT that feels off when cold. A scan tool will usually show implausible temperature readings or log a relevant DTC.
Do temperature sensors need routine replacement?
No. They’re monitored by the car’s diagnostics and are replaced only if faulty or physically damaged. Good coolant, clean intake plumbing, and timely CVT fluid changes go a long way to preserving accurate sensor readings.
Where is the outside/ambient temperature sensor on a 2020 CR‑V?
It’s mounted ahead of the radiator, typically behind the grille or front bumper area. That spot keeps it in free airflow. Because it’s up front, it can be knocked or unplugged during bumper work, so it’s worth a quick visual check if the outside temp reading looks off.
