Mercedes-Benz 500SL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(11)

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.

Customer Ratings

(11)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz 500SL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $114 with $19 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$152.19Shop/Dealer Price$178.99 - $220.02
1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$344.17Shop/Dealer Price$424.00 - $624.03
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$344.17Shop/Dealer Price$424.00 - $624.03
1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$344.17Shop/Dealer Price$423.96 - $623.96
Show example Mercedes-Benz 500SL 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 Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(11)

Rating Summary
11
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
0
0

Jay

37 years of experience
953 reviews
Jay
37 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - replace fuel injector housing pressure regulator hydraulic solenoid or actuator - Chino Hills, California
Great experience

John

27 years of experience
1019 reviews
John
27 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - Car idle is rough - Texas City, Texas
Nice job works to get it right

Jahmar

18 years of experience
36 reviews
Jahmar
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - fuel distrbuter - Boca Raton, Florida
Everything was very professional.

Jay

37 years of experience
953 reviews
Jay
37 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - Starter - Chino Hills, California

Excellent Rating

(11)

Rating Summary
11
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
Number of Mercedes-Benz 500SL services completed
121+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Top 10 Scenic Drives in Missouri
There’s a reason why Missouri is called the “Show Me State,” and a part of that may be because it shows visitors plenty of scenic views. From the Ozark Mountains with lush forests, to the strong waters of the Mississippi...
Industry News for Automotive Techs: October 8-14
50 MPG Chevrolet Cruz Diesel, Mazda's G-Vectoring drive system, Uber and Volvo collaborate on autonomous cars, and Hubb's new reusable oil filter.
How to Replace a Condenser Fan Relay
A condenser fan relay operates the fan that removes heat from the engine. If faulty, it will not allow the A/C to blow cool air or function at all.

How do I check the health of my seat belts?

It’s important to periodically inspect your seat belts, to make sure that they are in good health. A seat belt that is dying should be replaced immediately. To inspect the seat belts, extend them from the retractors and use your...

P0022

Hi there. The Lucas oil stabilizer should not have caused any issues. The P0019, P0022, P0300, P0305, P0307, and P0308 codes are all related to bank(2). The camshaft position out of sync has, more than likely, led to the misfire...

Codes P0016 and P0017

Hi There, Code P0017 relates to the crankshaft position sensor. A crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is an electronic device used to monitor the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft. This information is used by engine management systems to control...

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