Mercedes-Benz C320 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

(60)

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

(60)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz C320 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $136 with $41 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$196.37Shop/Dealer Price$234.22 - $308.38
2002 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$176.37Shop/Dealer Price$214.25 - $288.43
2005 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$176.37Shop/Dealer Price$214.25 - $288.43
2001 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$176.37Shop/Dealer Price$214.21 - $288.36
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320V6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$176.37Shop/Dealer Price$214.27 - $288.48
Show example Mercedes-Benz C320 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

(60)

Rating Summary
56
0
2
0
2
56
0
2
0
2

Eduardo

19 years of experience
550 reviews
Eduardo
19 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - AC Condenser - Houston, Texas
Quick and well informed, experience, professional...thanks

Pardeep

21 years of experience
1078 reviews
Pardeep
21 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Oil Change - Mountain View, California
Great mechanic, he definently knows what he is doing when it comes to European cars. Highly would reecomend to my friends and peers.

Michael

22 years of experience
67 reviews
Michael
22 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Car is not starting - Las Vegas, Nevada
he was very knolagable and found the problem wright away

Rigoberto

11 years of experience
739 reviews
Rigoberto
11 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C320 V6-3.2L - Car is not starting - Chicago, Illinois
Very knowledgeable!!!

Excellent Rating

(60)

Rating Summary
56
0
2
0
2
56
0
2
0
2
Number of Mercedes-Benz C320 services completed
660+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Maine Speed Limits, Laws, and Fines
Following Following is an overview of the laws, limits, and fines as they relate to speeding traffic violations in the state of Maine. Speed limits in Maine 75 mph: I-95 between Old Town and Houlton 70 mph: most of the...
How to Check for Faulty Dashboard Lights
Dashboard lights (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-are-the-different-codes-that-can-light-up-on-my-dashboard) are very important indicators on your vehicle’s instrument panel that are connected to certain monitors and gauges throughout various parts of the vehicle, such as the engine and the exhaust/emissions system. A dashboard light is triggered when...
How to Replace a Camshaft Seal
Camshaft seals are round, rubber oil seals between cylinder heads and valve cover gaskets. Worn out cam seals need to be replaced to prevent oil loss.

Check engine light comes on when fuel gauge drops to 1/4 tank or lower.

Hi there, thanks for writing in. It sounds like your car is experiencing misfires due to low fuel. Even though your tank reads 1/4 full, the fuel level sender may be incorrect. This could be compounded by the fact that...

There is a high pitch noise coming from speakers when using the air conditioning.

Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. Check the ground wires to the fan motor. The noise is the current from the fan motor going through the speaker wires. The stereo may be mounted on the same ground as the...

My 2006 Pontiac g6 2.4l is losing fuel pressure and is taking longer to start, also smell gas

You will need to have the complete fuel system checked for line or pump leaks to find cause of fuel smell first since you may have a leaking pressure line or top of fuel pump on tank. Once leak is...

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