Acura RSX Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(184)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(184)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

How much does a Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Acura RSX Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $163 with $68 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2005 Acura RSXL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$251.89Shop/Dealer Price$303.62 - $419.42
2002 Acura RSXL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$231.89Shop/Dealer Price$283.65 - $399.47
2004 Acura RSXL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$231.89Shop/Dealer Price$283.65 - $399.47
2006 Acura RSXL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$231.89Shop/Dealer Price$283.61 - $399.40
2003 Acura RSXL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$231.89Shop/Dealer Price$283.67 - $399.52
Show example Acura RSX Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement prices

What is the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) all about?

Modern automotive HVAC systems have advanced by leaps and bounds over those used just a few years ago. Today, many high and even mid-range cars offer automatic climate control. This function basically allows you to “set it and forget it,” allowing the car’s computer to control the heating and cooling based on your preferred interior temperature. In order to do this, the computer needs information about not only the temperature inside the car, but also the ambient temperature outside the car.

The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper. Its only job is to monitor air temperature (which it does through increasing/decreasing resistance in response to temperature fluctuations). This information is transmitted to the car’s computer, which then adjusts the climate control to meet your specifications.

If the ambient temperature sensor is damaged or fails, the car’s computer will not be able to automatically control the HVAC system, and the heater and air conditioner will only work in manual mode.

Keep in mind:

  • Because of its location, the ambient temperature sensor can be easily damaged in even minor front-end collisions.
  • Sensor failure is common even without an accident.

How it's done:

  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is verified to see if it needs to be replaced
  • The defective ambient temperature sensor switch is removed
  • The new ambient temperature sensor switch is installed
  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is tested for operation
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the ambient temperature sensor switch

Our recommendation:

Without the information provided by the ambient temperature sensor, your car’s computer does not have sufficient data to control the interior temperature, and will revert to manual HVAC control. You’ll still be able to use your air conditioner and heater, but only in manual mode, not in auto. If you suspect a problem with the ambient temperature sensor, have it diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics and replaced if necessary.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch)?

  • HVAC auto mode will not work
  • HVAC auto mode produces delivers inconsistent/incorrect operation
  • HVAC will only work in manual mode
  • Outside temperatures may display incorrectly

How important is this service?

Having automatic climate control is definitely a convenience, but not critical to the operation of your vehicle. The heater will still operate to clear the windows and provide heating and cooling on manual mode. If the ambient temperature sensor is faulty, have it replaced.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Acura mechanics

Real customer reviews from Acura owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(184)

Rating Summary
173
3
3
2
3
173
3
3
2
3

Danny

11 years of experience
269 reviews
Danny
11 years of experience
Acura RSX L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Although Danny was a bit late for the appointment time, he did call me to tell me he was going to be late. He is very nice and explained the problems my car had. Thanks dude.

Lee

19 years of experience
113 reviews
Lee
19 years of experience
Acura RSX L4-2.0L - 75 Point Safety Inspection - Richmond, Virginia
Lee showed up early and did a great job with the inspection and explanation of findings.

Patrick

33 years of experience
1412 reviews
Patrick
33 years of experience
Acura RSX L4-2.0L - Starter - San Marcos, Texas
He’s a great professional and even did extra work for the aesthetics of my vehicle. Finished the job quick and my car runs like a champ!

Clifton

30 years of experience
289 reviews
Clifton
30 years of experience
Acura RSX L4-2.0L - Oil Change - West Palm Beach, Florida
Great as always!

Excellent Rating

(184)

Rating Summary
173
3
3
2
3
173
3
3
2
3
Number of Acura RSX services completed
2024+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Acura MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does an Intake Manifold Runner Control Last?
Having Having the right air and fuel mixture in a car’s engine is the only way for it to run at peak performance. Older vehicles really had no way to control the flow of air that came into their engine....
How to Get Rid of Your Old Car
When your vehicle is no longer roadworthy, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth any money. No matter how old or run down you vehicle might be, there’s still a chance to get money for it. There are a lot of...
What is Usage-Based Car Insurance?
There’s There’s no avoiding the fact that you need car insurance (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-car-insurance) to own or operate a vehicle. Without it, any damage or liability would fall squarely on your shoulders as the offending driver and the financial burden would be...

Air sucking noise at low RPM during acceleration

Inspect the inlet air tube between the throttle body and the mass airflow sensor. You most likely will find that the tube may be loose, has disconnected, or has cracks in the hose itself. If it is damaged then replace...

Fuel in fuel rail but will not start up

Fuel could be in the fuel rail but if the fuel pressure is inadequate and/or the injectors are not functioning of course the engine won't start. Inadequate fuel pressure could be caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator and injectors...

Any DIY service manuals available? 2007 Mercedes S550

Hello - except for the Mercedes factory Service Manual/DVDs, the usual sources of quality aftermarket service manuals (i.e. Bentley) are bare on this one. Haynes/Chiltons don't yet cover anything this new either, certainly not for S-class models. Your best bet...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com