Mazda 3 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Costs

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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 Mazda 3 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $140 with $46 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2011 Mazda 3L4-2.5L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$374.15	Shop/Dealer Price$448.94 - $650.81
2009 Mazda 3L4-2.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$357.35	Shop/Dealer Price$432.96 - $637.24
2007 Mazda 3L4-2.3L Turbo	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$357.35	Shop/Dealer Price$432.96 - $637.24
2005 Mazda 3L4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$185.99	Shop/Dealer Price$218.74 - $294.48
2017 Mazda 3L4-2.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$303.63	Shop/Dealer Price$365.82 - $529.83
2016 Mazda 3L4-2.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$303.63	Shop/Dealer Price$365.81 - $529.80
2006 Mazda 3L4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$362.35	Shop/Dealer Price$437.82 - $642.00
2012 Mazda 3L4-2.3L Turbo	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$359.15	Shop/Dealer Price$434.19 - $636.26

Show example Mazda 3 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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Jacob

12 years of experience

by Sam

Mazda 3 L4-2.3L - Car is not starting - Irving, Texas

Very professional, very quick, and impressive enough to be my dad’s go-to mechanic from now on. Gave the best possible advice after paying for diagnostics test and even had time to check another car as well. Very friendly, professional, and knowledgable!

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35 years of experience

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Jonathan

35 years of experience

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by Christopher

Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Brake Master Cylinder - Port Richey, Florida

Did a great job with my old mazda

Lucas

21 years of experience

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Lucas

21 years of experience

by Kelly

Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Oil Change - Los Angeles, California

As always, Lucas did a wonderful job on my cars servicing. Today was my third service using him and will continue to do so. Hiring Lucas is like having a friend who knows cars come by to do some work on it. Always shows up with a smile and ready to work, does a great job, very professional and friendly, and knows his stuff!!! No high pressure up-sell tactics which is a huge plus with using Your Mechanic. Thank you Lucas! See you in 7,500 miles!

Duran

17 years of experience

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Duran

17 years of experience

by Sulaiman

Mazda 3 L4-2.3L - Door does not lock or open - Fishers, Indiana

Reached early and was extremely helpful. Found the issue even though it was a lot of work. A lot of mechanics weren't even ready to have a look at the issue because of the difficulty to diagnose. Would definitely recommend Duran.

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