The ambient air sensor display takes so many minutes of driving to reset it and display the temperature. Did you drive the vehicle to see if the display changes to the correct temperature? The information is contained in the vehicle owner’s manual.

Did you buy a GM sensor?

Did you inspect the wiring harness connector for corrosion?

GM sells an ambient air temperature connector pigtail, which would enable you to replace the connector (and not the entire harness).

If the display does not reset after a drive, I would suggest checking the existing connector. It may be too corroded to clean with contact cleaner, and you may want to replace it.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I bought the car 2 weeks ago and it has been like this ever since. The vehicle connector as well as the old and brand new sensors look pristine. The sensor was purchased at Autozone.

 

Press and hold the recirc and AC buttons for 10-15 seconds. It'll reset the sensor connection to the BCM/HVAC controller.