Mazda Miata 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 Mazda Miata Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $177 with $82 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Mazda MiataL4-1.8L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$322.95Shop/Dealer Price$384.94 - $548.41
1994 Mazda MiataL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.33 - $441.04
1995 Mazda MiataL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.33 - $441.04
2000 Mazda MiataL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$302.95Shop/Dealer Price$364.94 - $528.40
2004 Mazda MiataL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$302.95Shop/Dealer Price$364.97 - $528.47
1992 Mazda MiataL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$336.83Shop/Dealer Price$407.31 - $596.20
1990 Mazda MiataL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$341.83Shop/Dealer Price$412.17 - $600.96
2002 Mazda MiataL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$307.95Shop/Dealer Price$370.19 - $533.86
Show example Mazda Miata 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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Excellent Rating

(263)

Rating Summary
246
7
5
1
4
246
7
5
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4

Patrick

15 years of experience
406 reviews
Patrick
15 years of experience
Mazda Miata L4-1.6L - Starter - Richmond, Virginia
He finished in good time I thought and the repairs did the trick! Very personable and easy to talk to. He clearly knew what he was doing.

Chris

16 years of experience
419 reviews
Chris
16 years of experience
Mazda Miata L4-1.8L - Spark Plugs - San Francisco, California
Excellent work.

Andrew

11 years of experience
841 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
Mazda Miata L4-1.6L - Car will not turn over - Olathe, Kansas
Andrew is accurate, honest and professional w/ troubleshooting & repairs.

Roberto

12 years of experience
304 reviews
Roberto
12 years of experience
Mazda Miata L4-1.8L - Oil Change - Houston, Texas
Friendly, knowledgeable, and he did a great job.

Excellent Rating

(263)

Rating Summary
246
7
5
1
4
246
7
5
1
4
Number of Mazda Miata services completed
2893+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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