Best Prices for Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement

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

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(41)

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

(41)

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

It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don't have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office.

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement pricing for various cars

CarsEstimateParts CostLabor CostSavingsAverage Dealer Price
2016 Volvo XC60$169$23.01$145.99-29%$130.51
2011 Hyundai Tucson$227$80.83$145.99-20%$188.33
2016 Chevrolet Trax$153$7.48$145.99-33%$114.98
2014 Cadillac ATS$202$12.59$189.78-32%$152.34
2013 Lexus LS600h$200$54.43$145.99-23%$161.93
2010 Chevrolet Corvette$171$24.76$145.99-29%$132.26

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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.


Recent Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(41)

Rating Summary
40
0
0
0
1
40
0
0
0
1

Mike

27 years of experience
265 reviews
Mike
27 years of experience
Volvo S40 L5-2.5L Turbo - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement - Farmington, Michigan
Mike was given the wrong address and wrong phone number, but luckily the wrong address was across the street from me. Mike got right to work, found the problem and repaired it. Works great now!

Stephen

26 years of experience
48 reviews
Stephen
26 years of experience
Ford Edge L4-2.0L Turbo - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement - Charleston, South Carolina
Stephen was very knowledgeable in auto mechanics. Very personable with customer and explains what is happening. Very courteous.

Stacy

25 years of experience
511 reviews
Stacy
25 years of experience
Chrysler Town & Country V6-3.6L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - Jonesboro, Georgia
Stacy was awesome. He explained things to me as well and checked all of my fluids. Great experience, would definitely use again.

Albert

16 years of experience
46 reviews
Albert
16 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C230 V6-2.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - San Bernardino, California
Absolutely knowledgeable and professional!!! Albert was great. Fast, explained in detail everything I needed to know about the condition of my car. I’m a lady understandably objective to mechanics, but Albert was unmistakably trustworthy and efficient. I appreciate all your assistance Albert! And... I’ll definitely recommend him to friends and family. P.S. My car is PURRRRRING!!!!!

Recent articles & questions

How Often Should the Ignition System Be Inspected?
Your Your ignition system is a critical part of both your car and daily driving experience. If it isn't working correctly, you could experience anything from poor engine operation to engine stall or failure to start. It’s critical that you...
Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania defines distracted driving as anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. This includes the driver taking their hands off of the steering wheel or their eyes off of the road. Some of...
P0445 OBD-II Trouble Code: Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted
Trouble code P0445 means the evaporative emission control system purge control valve has a problem.

Truck overheating

If your coolant is low, you may have a leak that needs repaired. If your coolant level is normal, the problem may be with your thermostat (this part regulates engine temp), the cooling fan, or radiator. You need to have...

Car got hot and lost all spark,it turns over but thats it.

There may be a couple of possibilities at play here. The overheating issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection) may be related to a faulty thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement), coolant temp sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement) relay or potentially a blown head gasket. This can cause the car to run...

Will 01 grand am wheels n tires 205/55r16 fit my 91 Bonneville?

I am pretty sure GM did not change the bolt pattern between these two year of vehicles. As a precaution, count the number of lugs and measure the length between the lug studs and compare it on both wheels. Make...

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