Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.
Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.
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.
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
| Cars | Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Savings | Average Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Toyota Corolla | $136 | $41.08 | $94.99 | 8% | $148.58 |
| 2013 Jeep Patriot | $119 | $23.80 | $94.99 | 9% | $131.30 |
| 2009 GMC Envoy | $108 | $12.90 | $94.99 | 10% | $120.40 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 | $136 | $40.69 | $94.99 | 8% | $148.19 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz B250 | $181 | $86.40 | $94.99 | 6% | $193.90 |
| 2009 BMW M3 | $602 | $79.18 | $522.44 | 10% | $670.43 |
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.
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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.