Volvo 850 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 Volvo 850 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $163 with $68 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1997 Volvo 850L5-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$250.25Shop/Dealer Price$294.07 - $403.01
1994 Volvo 850L5-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.25Shop/Dealer Price$274.08 - $383.04
1996 Volvo 850L5-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.25Shop/Dealer Price$274.08 - $383.04
1994 Volvo 850L5-2.3L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.25Shop/Dealer Price$274.06 - $383.00
1995 Volvo 850L5-2.3L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.25Shop/Dealer Price$274.10 - $383.07
1993 Volvo 850L5-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.25Shop/Dealer Price$274.08 - $383.04
1995 Volvo 850L5-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$235.25Shop/Dealer Price$278.95 - $387.80
1996 Volvo 850L5-2.3L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$235.25Shop/Dealer Price$279.32 - $388.46
Show example Volvo 850 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

(45)

Rating Summary
42
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42
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Tien

23 years of experience
903 reviews
Tien
23 years of experience
Volvo 850 L5-2.3L Turbo - Window fell inside the door - San Leandro, California
Ok time and was ready before appointment

Dave

23 years of experience
303 reviews
Dave
23 years of experience
Volvo 850 L5-2.4L Turbo - Smoke from engine or exhaust - Santa Cruz, California
Excellent in every way!

Mark

24 years of experience
116 reviews
Mark
24 years of experience
Volvo 850 L5-2.4L - Strut Assembly Replacement (Front) - Waukegan, Illinois
Very helpful and a quick worker!

Andrew

11 years of experience
845 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
Volvo 850 L5-2.4L - Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Kansas City, Kansas
Andrew came through prepared and ready for the challenge to fix my passenger axle he had all the tools and was fast and efficient I thought it was going to take longer then an hour but he got it done with some time to spare he was professional and he really impressed me with his work I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone who needs excellent affordable work and I will most definitely be getting more work done from YourMechanic thanks Andrew.

Excellent Rating

(45)

Rating Summary
42
2
0
1
0
42
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1
0
Number of Volvo 850 services completed
495+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volvo MECHANICS
600+
experts on our platform

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