External temp

Hiya,

I have a 1998 2.5DSE and no matter what the outside temperature is when you start up it always reads 0oc for about 5 minutes after which it slowly creeps up to the correct temperature. I have already replaced the external temp sensor and it made no difference. It's not a major problem but on a baking hot day the air con does'nt start to blow cold until it starts to read above freezing on the gauge.

I had exactly the same issue on mine, even after I replaced the ext sensor. The problem was solved (incidentally) when I changed the fascia heater controls.
I got one on ebay but I would be careful as it seems a common fault and I could easily sell my one (I replaced it as I had a distributor circuit fault, which I still have but the temp is now fixed, so I haven't gone after the guy that sold it to me) giving the next person the same problem.