Mercedes-Benz E420 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

(24)

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

(24)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz E420 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $218 with $19 for parts and $199 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1995 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$490.66Shop/Dealer Price$589.71 - $804.16
1994 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.77 - $762.27
1997 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$236.68Shop/Dealer Price$282.79 - $338.30
Show example Mercedes-Benz E420 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

(24)

Rating Summary
18
2
1
0
3
18
2
1
0
3

Manuel

32 years of experience
581 reviews
Manuel
32 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Oil Change - Aliso Viejo, California
Very good experience!

TJ

22 years of experience
34 reviews
TJ
22 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Radiator - Glen Burnie, Maryland
See the rating areas

Ben

41 years of experience
1433 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - AC Compressor - Houston, Texas
Friendly and professional. Even pointed out a few problems that another mechanic told me would be much more difficult to trouble shoot.

Ben

41 years of experience
1433 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Alternator - Houston, Texas
Fast work. Friendly. Very competent.

Excellent Rating

(24)

Rating Summary
18
2
1
0
3
18
2
1
0
3
Number of Mercedes-Benz E420 services completed
264+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P0423 OBD-II Trouble Code: Heated Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank l)
P0423 P0423 code definition Heated Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank l) What the P0423 code means P0423 is an OBD-II generic code that the engine control module (ECM) got input from the heated catalyst efficiency sensor for bank 1 that...
P2544 OBD-II Trouble Code: Torque Management Request Input Signal A
P2544 code means an input signal malfunction has been detected in a powertrain-related control module due to problems with electrical input signals
How to Replace a Headlight Closure Relay
Your headlights depend on the headlight relay located in your vehicle’s fuse box. Occasionally these relays need to be replaced.

Car Not Starting - 2013 Dodge Charger

Hey there. I would start with testing your battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-car-battery) and alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-test-your-alternator_2) with a multi-meter. Good batteries hold a charge of 12.6 volts or higher. If the battery is low, try to jump start it. If this starts your...

Car turns off out of nowhere

Hello, I would suggest testing your alternator. If jump starting will start your vehicle, use a multi meter to test your alternator while the vehicle is running. Good alternators test in the range of 13.8 to 14.2 volts. If it...

Upon locking the door and exiting the car. The alarm started screaming and I cant turn it off. What can I do?

Hi there. It sounds like the "panic" function of the key fob is stuck. Remove the key battery and inspect the function of the panic button. If it is not operating correctly, then replace the key fob case if available...

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