Ford Ranger Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Costs

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

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.

See availability

Customer Ratings

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Ford Ranger Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $129 with $34 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2002 Ford RangerL4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$193.95	Shop/Dealer Price$223.69 - $290.41
1998 Ford RangerV6-4.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$185.99	Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1994 Ford RangerV6-3.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$209.75	Shop/Dealer Price$248.46 - $342.04
2005 Ford RangerL4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$173.95	Shop/Dealer Price$203.69 - $270.40
2006 Ford RangerL4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$173.95	Shop/Dealer Price$203.72 - $270.47
1988 Ford RangerL4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$185.99	Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1992 Ford RangerV6-4.0L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$167.21	Shop/Dealer Price$193.90 - $251.72
1992 Ford RangerL4-2.3L	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$190.99	Shop/Dealer Price$223.99 - $299.94

Show example Ford Ranger 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.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee

Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(921)

Rating Summary

870

30

9

2

10

870

30

9

2

10

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Jeffrey

27 years of experience

870 reviews

Request Jeffrey

Jeffrey

27 years of experience

Request Jeffrey

by Linton

Ford Ranger V6-3.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Charlotte, North Carolina

Jeffrey was very professional and personable. He arrived on time (actually early), explained the repair and completed his work in a timely fashion. This was my first experience using a mobile mechanic, and I am very pleased with the service and the cost.

Paul

25 years of experience

261 reviews

Paul

25 years of experience

by Melvin

Ford Ranger V6-4.0L - Thermostat Housing - Las Vegas, Nevada

Excellent mechanic, honest top notch. You can't go wrong with Paul. One of the few best in Vegas.

Joseph

33 years of experience

540 reviews

Joseph

33 years of experience

by Greg

Ford Ranger V6-3.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Dallas, Texas

Excellent service. Got me up and running. Quick, efficient and he took time to explain what was causing the problem.

Peter

43 years of experience

1321 reviews

Peter

43 years of experience

by Samuel

Ford Ranger V6-3.0L - Battery Terminal Ends - Buckeye, Arizona

Solid service, would definitely recommend over any shop.

Excellent Rating

(921)

Rating Summary

870

30

9

2

10

870

30

9

2

10

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?

Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...

How to Diagnose an Ignition Key That Won’t Turn

If your car key won't turn in the ignition and your steering wheel locks it's easy to fix. Try jiggling the steering wheel and checking the battery.

How To Fix Common Electric Window Issues

Sometimes, Sometimes, your car needs fixes that are more about convenience than anything else, and this is true in the case of a broken component (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-power-window-switch) in a window. If your window is stuck down, you can sometimes help it...

How do I defog the side mirrors?

If equipped, your side mirrors will automatically defog when you turn on the rear window defogger.

No power to the fuel pump and the fuel relay is not getting power.

Hello. If you there is no power to the fuel pump or the relay, then there may be a possible electrical issue with the vehicle. I would first verify that the main EFI, fuel pump, and ignition fuses are not...

Thank you. Do I need to replace the caliper

Depending on the condition of the rotor and caliper it may or may not need to be replaced. If you are referring to them catching fire when you mention "burning" this would suggest that they may have heated up due...

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 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com