BMW 645Ci Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

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Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a BMW 645Ci Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $158 with $63 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 BMW 645CiV8-4.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$241.47Shop/Dealer Price$290.59 - $398.58
2005 BMW 645CiV8-4.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$246.75Shop/Dealer Price$302.22 - $429.19
Show example BMW 645Ci 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.

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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(24)

Rating Summary
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Rodric

14 years of experience
414 reviews
Rodric
14 years of experience
BMW 645Ci V8-4.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Ontario, California
He was caught in traffic but made sure to call prior to arrival and kept in touch till he arrived. It was raining but he did a thorough review of the car. He got he on the phone before he left the dealership and walked me through the findings. I asked him to do a couple more items and he gladly obliged. I was very happy with the service.

Grzegorz

41 years of experience
473 reviews
Grzegorz
41 years of experience
BMW 645Ci V8-4.4L - Battery - San Francisco, California

Patrick

32 years of experience
369 reviews
Patrick
32 years of experience
BMW 645Ci V8-4.4L - Camshaft Position Sensor - Las Vegas, Nevada
Patrick is a great guy and really knows his stuff. Yourmechanic.com rips you a new one on parts and labor but i guess you pay for not having the headache. I paid 370 labor for 3 hours and 255 for parts that go for 65 bucks on parksgeek.com and even cheaper on a few other sites but for original bmw parts it is 65 and they charged 255. Fyi. If it can wait a couple days, buy the parts first

John

27 years of experience
1019 reviews
John
27 years of experience
BMW 645Ci V8-4.4L - Check Engine Light is on - Hitchcock, Texas
Again, John was right on time. Took care of my issue and was great explaining what was wrong.

Excellent Rating

(24)

Rating Summary
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Number of BMW 645Ci services completed
264+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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