Kia Optima 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 Optima Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $118 with $23 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2014 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$184.29Shop/Dealer Price$211.62 - $271.09
2007 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$309.35Shop/Dealer Price$372.96 - $541.24
2011 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$296.55Shop/Dealer Price$356.96 - $515.64
2015 Kia OptimaL4-2.4L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$164.29Shop/Dealer Price$191.61 - $251.08
2013 Kia OptimaL4-2.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$296.55Shop/Dealer Price$356.97 - $515.67
2012 Kia OptimaL4-2.4L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$296.55Shop/Dealer Price$356.96 - $515.64
2004 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$145.97Shop/Dealer Price$167.35 - $209.24
2007 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$314.35Shop/Dealer Price$378.19 - $546.66
Show example Kia Optima 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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Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(691)

Rating Summary
652
14
8
2
15
652
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15

Marco

11 years of experience
73 reviews
Marco
11 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.0L Turbo - Oil/Fluid Leak - Riverside, California
Mechanic was great, very knowledgeable helpful and commutative. Could ask for a better experience.

John

27 years of experience
1019 reviews
John
27 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Car is not starting - Webster, Texas
I started this experience with a side of caution because I have never heard of anyone using this kind of service. That was easily put to rest and I will absolutely use this service again in the future because of John's professionalism and politeness. He discuss with me before the appointment exactly what he was going to do, and that is exactly what he did. I didn't get any of the "auto shop sales pitches" for things I didn't need done, and that was very refreshing. I highly recommend John and will definitely be using him again.

Shaun

10 years of experience
542 reviews
Shaun
10 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Oil Change - Mesa, Arizona
Good

Patrick

15 years of experience
406 reviews
Patrick
15 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.0L Turbo - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Placentia, California
Patrick showed up within the designated arrival timeframe, got straight to work, and was able to complete my brake pad replacement in just over an hour. Provided a complete report, and didn't leave any mess. Very nice first experience with Patrick/YourMechanic.

Excellent Rating

(691)

Rating Summary
652
14
8
2
15
652
14
8
2
15
Number of Kia Optima services completed
7601+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1000+
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