on a 1990 300te there is this sensor, right where you describe, looks like a diode almost. I think it's virtually the same part that is employed to tell you what the the outside temputure is on the dash. Mine was not engaged in the intake when I bought the car, it was laying down on the intake side. I found it and reinstalled it and it didn't make any difference as to the engine performance, but nevertheless, I don't like that kind of stuff. I think it has more to do with warm weather than in the cold months.