Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $130 with $35 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2013 Kia SorentoL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$240.91Shop/Dealer Price$282.39 - $384.33
2018 Kia SorentoV6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$164.29Shop/Dealer Price$191.63 - $251.12
2017 Kia SorentoV6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$164.29Shop/Dealer Price$191.63 - $251.12
2004 Kia SorentoV6-3.5LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$210.45Shop/Dealer Price$249.31 - $343.40
2015 Kia SorentoV6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$236.61Shop/Dealer Price$282.05 - $395.79
2014 Kia SorentoV6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$236.61Shop/Dealer Price$282.03 - $395.76
2016 Kia SorentoV6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$196.50 - $255.88
2016 Kia SorentoL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$196.87 - $256.54
Show example Kia Sorento 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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Rating Summary
592
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Luis

13 years of experience
50 reviews
Luis
13 years of experience
Kia Sorento V6-3.3L - Battery - Homestead, Florida
Luis was kind, professional, informative, and very knowledgeable.

Ronald

41 years of experience
301 reviews
Ronald
41 years of experience
Kia Sorento L4-2.4L - Starter - Humble, Texas
Ron was punctual, very polite and reassuring despite the weather he made me feel the work would get done. I hope I can get him for subsequently all of my repairs if needed.

Rigoberto

11 years of experience
739 reviews
Rigoberto
11 years of experience
Kia Sorento L4-2.4L - Evaporative Emission Control Canister - Chicago, Illinois
The entire My Mechanic experience was fantastic from start to finish. The online platform to request a bid and book an appointment was seamless. The communication from there all the way until Rigoberto showed up at our door was perfect. Rigoberto was also excellent. Clearly knowledgeable, asked good questions, made some recommendations and was in and out with the new part installed in less than 45 minutes. Really an incredible experience all the way around. I will be recommending Rigoberto and My Mechanic to all.

Gregory

31 years of experience
382 reviews
Gregory
31 years of experience
Kia Sorento V6-3.3L - Alternator - Denver, Colorado
Arrived on time. Did the job quick with no hassles. Great service!

Excellent Rating

(628)

Rating Summary
592
15
4
2
15
592
15
4
2
15
Number of Kia Sorento services completed
6908+
services done by our mechanics
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