Lexus RX300 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Costs

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

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.

See availability

Customer Ratings

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Lexus RX300 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $136 with $41 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2003 Lexus RX300V6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$197.15	Shop/Dealer Price$235.19 - $309.94
1999 Lexus RX300V6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$203.85	Shop/Dealer Price$248.60 - $343.39
2002 Lexus RX300V6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$203.85	Shop/Dealer Price$248.60 - $343.39
2001 Lexus RX300V6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$203.85	Shop/Dealer Price$248.56 - $343.32
2000 Lexus RX300V6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$203.85	Shop/Dealer Price$248.62 - $343.44

Show example Lexus RX300 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 Lexus mechanics

Real customer reviews from Lexus owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(324)

Rating Summary

304

10

2

1

7

304

10

2

1

7

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

TJ

26 years of experience

362 reviews

TJ

26 years of experience

by Elizabeth

Lexus RX300 V6-3.0L - Steering Rack Mounting Bushings Replacement - Punta Gorda, Florida

Very professional and knows his job very well

Scott

34 years of experience

548 reviews

Scott

34 years of experience

by Yongjin

Lexus RX300 V6-3.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Broomfield, Colorado

He arrive and work on time. and He is kindness.

Brett

25 years of experience

213 reviews

Brett

25 years of experience

by Daniel

Lexus RX300 V6-3.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Charlotte, North Carolina

On time, courteous and knowledgeable. We discussed my findings prior to him starting. I liked that he was open to discussion. He got right to it, and issued the estimate promptly. The car was fixed quickly

Angelo

32 years of experience

76 reviews

Angelo

32 years of experience

by Jerry

Lexus RX300 V6-3.0L - Ignition Coil - Frisco, Texas

Very professional and timely. Communication was excellent. Thanks!

Excellent Rating

(324)

Rating Summary

304

10

2

1

7

304

10

2

1

7

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

Alternator or Car Battery: How to Tell Which Part Is the Problem

When When you need to go somewhere and your car won’t start, it’s not unreasonable to think that you could have a car charging problem. A jump start might fix it in the short term and get you to work...

P2315 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil F Primary Control Circuit Low

P2315 P2315 code definition The P2315 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that there is a problem with the ignition coil F primary control circuit. Related Trouble Codes: P2300 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit Low P2301...

How to Replace an Electronic Ignition Pickup

The electronic ignition pickup is part of the ignition distributor. Signs of failure include intermittent misfiring or failure all at once.

Gas Pedal is very hard at beginning and RPMs drop.

If the throttle assembly has a cable that attaches the pedal to the throttle valve, the cable must be inspected to see if it is binding within the insulation. Excessive carbon build-up may cause the throttle plate to stick (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body),...

I have a 2001 Saab 93 turbo automatic and it keeps stalling. Once it does, I have to wait about 20-30 mins to restart.

Hi there. Check the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) and see if they have been replaced. The plugs in your engine are designed to last between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Replace the spark plugs if they have not been changed. If the...

Car revs a little when driving in 4th gear

What you are describing is often a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's...

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