Subaru Forester Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement at your home or office.

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Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Subaru Forester Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement is $123 with $28 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1999 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$183.09Shop/Dealer Price$208.24 - $258.94
2006 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$168.17Shop/Dealer Price$195.11 - $251.14
2003 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$161.09Shop/Dealer Price$186.26 - $236.97
2005 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$191.25Shop/Dealer Price$223.93 - $297.25
2014 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$158.67Shop/Dealer Price$184.62 - $239.91
2000 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$161.09Shop/Dealer Price$186.26 - $236.97
2007 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$173.67Shop/Dealer Price$200.46 - $256.37
2004 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeCoolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) ReplacementEstimate$196.75Shop/Dealer Price$229.72 - $303.25
Show example Subaru Forester Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement prices

What is the Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) all about?

The coolant temperature switch, also called the coolant temperature sensor, is a switch that reads the engine coolant temperature and sends a signal to the engine control module, or ECM, to control other functions of engine operation such as the air-fuel ratio.

It is also called a switch because on some cars, it is used to turn on the engine cooling fan at a specific temperature. This aids in the engine warm-up process as well as keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature.

Keep in mind:

  • The coolant temperature switch is a crucial part of the cooling system. If faulty, it can cause severe internal engine damage due to overheating, incorrect air-fuel ratio, or incorrect ignition timing. It can also cause shorter life to the cooling fan motor or other electrical components of the cooling system.
  • Some vehicles are equipped with a separate sensor to display the engine temperature to the driver via the temperature gauge.

How it's done:

  • The Coolant Temperature Switch is verified that it needs to be replaced. The coolant is drained until the switch is exposed.

  • The defective Coolant Temperature Switch is removed by disconnecting the connector and removing it from the manifold.

  • The new Coolant Temperature Switch is installed into the mounting hole in the manifold and the electrical connector is reconnected. The coolant is then refilled.

  • The Coolant Temperature Switch is tested for operation, codes cleared, and retested to ensure all codes have been resolved.

  • The vehicle is road tested to ensure proper operation of the Cooling System.

Our recommendation:

If you suspect that your coolant temperature switch has failed, have one of our licensed mechanics come out immediately to diagnose the problem.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor)?

  • Check Engine light on
  • Engine overheating
  • Cooling fan runs intermittently
  • Engine misfires, stalls, or idles roughly
  • Erratic coolant temperature

How important is this service?

This part, when faulty, could cause the fan to run intermittently or not at all, which in turns causes overheating or overuse of the cooling fan motor. Whenever overheating occurs, severe engine damage is a possibility.

The engine air-fuel ratio is what keeps it running smoothly. If the ratio gets skewed, the engine will have poor fuel economy and run poorly or not at all. The coolant temperature switch is important because it gives the ECM the information it needs to make this calculation and run the engine optimally. YourMechanic will be able to tell you if this part is performing correctly.

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Rating Summary
586
9
5
2
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586
9
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7

Scott

36 years of experience
898 reviews
Scott
36 years of experience
Subaru Forester H4-2.5L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Phoenix, Arizona
Super quick and communicative. Answered all my questions. Went above and beyond with the coolant aspect of the fix. Thank you again!

Kenneth

16 years of experience
113 reviews
Kenneth
16 years of experience
Subaru Forester H4-2.5L - Car Battery Replacement - Alameda, California
Really nice guy. Knows his stuff and was even able to give me a quote for other things I need to take care of!

Jeffrey

27 years of experience
870 reviews
Jeffrey
27 years of experience
Subaru Forester H4-2.5L - Car is making a noise - Charlotte, North Carolina
Jeffrey was prompt, responsive, and very patient as I asked many questions. He drive my car with me to hear the sounds that were bothering me. I highly recommend Jeffrey!

Danny

11 years of experience
269 reviews
Danny
11 years of experience
Subaru Forester H4-2.5L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Trenton, New Jersey
Very knowledge of what he's doing and well manner...

Excellent Rating

(609)

Rating Summary
586
9
5
2
7
586
9
5
2
7
Number of Subaru Forester services completed
6699+
services done by our mechanics
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700+
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