Mysterious hole in in front grille

[carrot]

I apologise if this has been discussed already, but I’ve noticed a mysterious hole in the front grill of my mid 23, 2nd generation, MG4 SE LR. It’s on the right hand side of the active grill. It’s square and looks like it has a small nozzle inside it.
Does anybody know what its purpose is?
I’ve had some spots of what looks and feels like very thin clear oil in this area a couple of times and wondered if it could be coming from the nozzle in this hole.
My local MG dealer said that there is no oil in this area but I think there must be some hydraulics and pumps (therefore oil) somewhere under the bonnet.
I look forward to any ideas that you might have.

 

[MG Clive]

I'd guess it's the outside temperature sensor.

 

[carrot]

Thanks, that would make sense, as it’s got to be open to the elements to work properly. Got to say though, up close it does look like it could squirt liquid.

 

[LenEV2016]

I'd guess it's the outside temperature sensor.

That's what it is, it's a daft place to have it where it is

 

[dsimpkins]

Yes, I believe it is the outside temperature sensor. I remember @Bricktop X PWR had a faulty one on his car, and he posted photos of it, same location.

 

[carrot]

Thanks for your replies. That’s answered my question about the mystery hole, so I won’t cover it up now that I know its purpose!

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

Here is the FULL debacle should you be unlucky enough to have this sensor fail.

To be fair, It's not seemingly a common fault which is good news.

And it is in a stupid location, open to the elements!

Every other manufacturer manages to keep them out of harms way behind bumpers or in the space between the plastic wheel well liner and the body of the car.

Click on the blue lettering.....

Thread 'Outside temperature reading, gone doolally.' Outside temperature reading, gone doolally.

 

[Tuareg]

The problem with 'protecting' temp sensors in wheel liners/behind grills etc is that they get covered in traffic dirt/film very quickly. While this won't give a failure, the accuracy will be compromised. The position on the MG is good as it allows the sensor to be cleaned by rain/moisture or manually.

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

The problem with 'protecting' temp sensors in wheel liners/behind grills etc is that they get covered in traffic dirt/film very quickly. While this won't give a failure, the accyracy will be compromised. The oositiin on the MG is good as it allows the sensor to be cleaned by rain/moisture or manually.

Every other manufacturer manages to hide the sensor with zero issue in my experience.

I've never had a previous vehicle have an ambient air temperature sensor fail in my ownership.

I suspect mine was it by a stone and snuffed it.

That would be impossible if hidden.

 

[Tuareg]

Every other manufacturer manages to hide the sensor with zero issue in my experience.

I've never had a previous vehicle have an ambient air temperature sensor fail in my ownership.

I suspect mine was it by a stone and snuffed it.

That would be impossible if hidden.

I had problems on my BMW and VWs with the temp sensor showing inconsistent readings, in both scenarios, dirt was the culprit, the sensor itself was fine when cleaned.

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

I had problems on my BMW and VWs with the temp sensor showing inconsistent readings, in both scenarios, dirt was the culprit, the sensor itself was fine when cleaned.

And.....I never had a single issue regards to a temperature sensor on any of my many BMW and VW/AUDI products.

 

[Tuareg]

So......MG is no different, some have an issue with the temp sensor and some don't (the vast majority) as with VW/BMW/AUDI/etc

 

[ReintjeWA]

Every other manufacturer manages to hide the sensor with zero issue in my experience.

I've never had a previous vehicle have an ambient air temperature sensor fail in my ownership.

I suspect mine was it by a stone and snuffed it.

That would be impossible if hidden.

Peugeot (used to?) hide the exterior temp sensor on the underside of one of the wing mirrors. But it could be shielded by a little plastic bulb, I’ve never checked to see if it is the actual sensor or not. I think you raise a good point with it being vulnerable to impact damage where it sits currently.

 

[salty]

Thought it was a Lazer Beam, when I first saw it. Ideal for dispatching Twonks.
Gutted when I found out it wasn't.

 

[LenEV2016]

Thought it was a Lazer Beam, when I first saw it. Ideal for dispatching Twonks.
Gutted when I found out it wasn't.

Does your laser beam dispatch all twonks

 

[salty]

Does your laser beam dispatch all twonks

Absolutely!

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

Absolutely!

Shame it won't work on here!

Does your laser beam dispatch all twonks

Edit: Thought better of it.....

Got enough warnings.

 

[slmorgan42]

Lol funny I noticed today and then spotted the sensor behind it.

 

[LenEV2016]

Shame it won't work on here!

Edit: Thought better of it.....

Got enough warnings.

What did you think about please share I have no imagination and need things spelt out for me to get it

Shame it won't work on here!

Edit: Thought better of it.....

Got enough warnings.

How much battery does the laser use?
What's your current state of charge?

Quick sums being done in my head

 

[salty]

How much battery does the laser use?
What's your current state of charge?

Quick sums being done in my head

Lose about 10% for every hit.
Bloody worth it though.