External temperature sensor erroneous readings

[roadkingsrule]

Hello all, I have a 2015 Transit Connect XLT with 36.5K miles. Today, while driving in 89 degree heat, the air conditioned suddenly stopped blowing cold air. I looked at the gauges & everything was normal. When I looked at the external temperature display, it showed -6 degrees Fahrenheit. I stopped & turned the van off & restarted it. No change, no AC. Three hours later, after driving & making a few stops, the temp. showed 41 degrees. I tried the AC again & it started to blow somewhat cold air. After driving a while longer, the outside temp showed 82 degrees & the air worked as it should. It is supposed to be in the high 80's to low 90's for the foreseeable future with over 70% humidity. (NW Ohio) Anybody experience this before? I bought an extended warranty just before the 3/36 expired, so I can take it in, but I have to pay a $100 deductible. I'm an ex-professional wrench, so I can replace a sensor if that's the culprit. Thanks!

[Altransit]

I don't think that the sensors are that expensive, so it's got to be worth a try before you go any further.

The sensor is in the front of the RH wheel arch on the big Transit, not sure if the Connect is in the same place