Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $138 with $43 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2013 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$205.99Shop/Dealer Price$238.74 - $314.49
2014 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$180.75Shop/Dealer Price$212.21 - $284.04
2017 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
2016 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.74 - $294.48
2018 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.77 - $294.55
2015 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
Show example Ford C-Max 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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Alfred

13 years of experience
512 reviews
Alfred
13 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Oil Change - San Francisco, California
This was the second time Alfred has come to work on my car and both times were great. He was polite, fast, helpful and clear. My car and I couldn't be happier! Thanks!

Johnny

33 years of experience
279 reviews
Johnny
33 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Control Arm Assembly Replacement (Front Lower Left, Front Lower Right) - Fair Oaks, California
Awesome!

Jonathan

35 years of experience
487 reviews
Jonathan
35 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Car Battery Replacement - Largo, Florida
On time, extremely friendly and job was well done!!!

Mazyar

8 years of experience
481 reviews
Mazyar
8 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Battery - Roswell, Georgia
Replacing a battery used to be child's play .... not any more. The 12 volt battery died on my C-Max hybrid so I looked up the procedure on You Tube, like we all do with everything. Special knowledge, special equipment, resetting the systems, YIKES. Mark knew it all and had the job done in an hour. Plus he's a great guy. I'm thinking of buying a van like the one he drives and he took the time to tell me all the pros and cons of that model. I thought an honest mechanic was a thing of the past, but Mark proved me wrong. Thanks, Mark, for fixing my car and restoring my faith in humanity. And thanks to YourMechanic for partnering with Mark.

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