Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch)

Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated heating and air conditioning systems that are highly efficient in achieving and maintaining comfortable cabin temperatures for the passengers. They are able to do this by using a series of sensors that work together to activate and regulate the AC system. One of the primary sensors that plays a key role in the operation of the AC system is the ambient temperature sensor, also commonly known as the ambient temperature sensor switch.

Vehicles in hot or cold extremes will require significantly more effort from the HVAC system to both cool and heat the cabin of the vehicle. For this reason, it is important for the system to be aware of the temperature of the environment that the vehicle is in. It is the job of the ambient temperature sensor to measure the external temperature of the vehicle as a reference point for the computer to make calculations. The computer will continuously monitor the signal from the ambient temperature sensor and make automatic adjustments as needed to maintain cabin temperature. When the ambient temperature sensor fails, there will usually be a few symptoms that may alert the driver that a problem with the sensor has occurred and it should be inspected or replaced if needed.

1. The AC auto mode will not work

Most modern vehicles have an auto AC setting that will allow the vehicle to automatically set and regulate the temperature. The AC system will simply read the ambient and cabin temperature sensors data and continuously cycle the AC system on and off as required to keep the cabin cool. When the ambient temperature sensor fails, the system does not have a reference point from which to base it’s automatic calculations and the setting will not work.

2. Inconsistent cooling

Another symptom of a bad or failing ambient temperature sensor is inconsistent cooling. As the ambient temperature sensor plays a direct role in the automated function of the AC system, when it is having a problem this may interfere with the system’s ability to cool the vehicle. If the ambient temperature sensor fails or is sending out an inconsistent signal, then the AC system may have trouble maintaining cool and comfortable cabin temperatures.

3. Incorrect reading on temperature gauge

Another more obvious symptom of a bad or failing sensor is an incorrect reading on the vehicle’s temperature gauge. Most vehicles will have some sort of display somewhere on the interior of the vehicle that indicates the outside temperature of the vehicle, usually read by the ambient temperature sensor. If the reading on the gauge or indicator is off by more than a few degrees, then the sensor should be replaced, as the incorrect reading may interfere with proper AC system functions.

The ambient temperature sensor plays an important role in the overall operation of the AC system. For this reason, if you suspect that your ambient temperature sensor has failed, or is having a problem, have a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the AC system and replace the sensor if necessary.


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Ben

42 years of experience
1589 reviews
Ben
42 years of experience
Kia Soul L4-1.6L - Heating AC Inspection - Houston, Texas
Ben is the consummate professional - knowledgeable, but additionally friendly and personable. I appreciate his honesty and willingness to help.
Volkswagen Beetle - Heating AC - Houston, Texas
i am well satisfied with Mr Smith working on my car(s). He replaced the Jaguar fuel pump like an expert, and then he diagnosed the VW bug ac compressor and fixed it on the spot. I would recommend him to anyone with a car issue

Diana

19 years of experience
130 reviews
Diana
19 years of experience
Hummer H2 V8-6.0L - Heating AC - Brooklyn, New York
Diana is a pro. She made sure everything was ready beforehand, and arrived early, ready to go. She knew her stuff and took the old headers off my Hummer H2 in half the time any other mechanic quoted me. Highly recommended!
Saab 9-3 - Heating AC - Fords, New Jersey
Very professional, prompt and courteous. Knowledgeable in her trade, thorough and informative in description of diagnosis.

Peter

44 years of experience
1397 reviews
Peter
44 years of experience
Saab 9-3 L4-2.0L Turbo - Heating AC - Phoenix, Arizona
He knows what he's doing. Very polite and explained everything. I would no doubt use him again. I highly recommend him.
Mazda Miata - Heating AC - Peoria, Arizona
We are so thrilled to have found Peter as our new mechanic. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. He is also friendly, professional, and extremely honest. He explained to us exactly what services were needed on our vehicle to repair the air conditioner and provided us with an written estimate of the cost. He literally saved us thousands of dollars in repair costs. A local major competitor quoted us a repair cost of a minimum of $1,400 and said that the cost would go up to $2,400 if they discovered an additional part was required. Peter charged us only $202, plus performed the work at our home. The air conditioner in our 2004 Mazda Miata has honestly never worked so great--it always blew out warm air. We just assumed it was how that particular car was manufactured. We would highly recommend Peter to anyone who is in need of an experienced and honest mechanic.

Johnny

34 years of experience
392 reviews
Johnny
34 years of experience
Honda Accord V6-3.5L - Heating AC - Sacramento, California
Johnny showed up early to the appointment and was very thorough in his inspection. He promptly recommended the service to fix the items that are needing repairs. He was very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend him for service.

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