Kia Rio Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

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

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(351)

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

(351)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Kia Rio Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $123 with $28 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2013 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$208.83Shop/Dealer Price$242.29 - $320.17
2001 Kia RioL4-1.5LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.31 - $442.60
2012 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.31 - $300.20
2003 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$150.31Shop/Dealer Price$174.14 - $223.12
2014 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.32 - $300.23
2006 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$336.83Shop/Dealer Price$407.31 - $596.20
2016 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$193.83Shop/Dealer Price$227.17 - $304.96
2017 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$193.83Shop/Dealer Price$227.54 - $305.62
Show example Kia Rio 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 Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(351)

Rating Summary
330
14
1
2
4
330
14
1
2
4

Scott

34 years of experience
548 reviews
Scott
34 years of experience
Kia Rio L4-1.6L - Canister Purge Solenoid - Denver, Colorado
Scott was good quick I would book him again. Just had one question not sure how to get a hold of him

Jerimiah

19 years of experience
328 reviews
Jerimiah
19 years of experience
Kia Rio L4-1.6L - Spark Plug Replacement - Las Vegas, Nevada
Very friendly and professional. Explained things simply and walked me though what had happened and how to avoid prior damage. Very helpful , fast and efficient.

Krystal

17 years of experience
106 reviews
Krystal
17 years of experience
Kia Rio L4-1.6L - Brake Caliper Replacement (Passenger Side Rear) - New Lenox, Illinois
She was very knowledgeable about cars and had the expertise to fix it right. Thanks Krystal!!!

Bret

42 years of experience
54 reviews
Bret
42 years of experience
Kia Rio L4-1.6L - Camshaft Position Sensor - Hercules, California
He is on time. He is friendly. Excellent services. Very informative.

Excellent Rating

(351)

Rating Summary
330
14
1
2
4
330
14
1
2
4
Number of Kia Rio services completed
3861+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P2007 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed Bank 2
P2007 P2007 trouble code definition P2007 is a general OBD2 code that indicates a malfunction in the intake manifold runner control circuit. This code is similar to P2004, P2005, P2006, P2008, P2009, P2010 and P2015. What the P2007 code means...
How to Repossess a Car
If If you have sold a car but the buyer has breached the terms of the contract, then you are allowed to repossess the vehicle. Repossessing your car means that you reclaim it as your own due to the failed...
How to Install Mud Flaps
Mud flaps provide a splash guard for the water that sprays against car tires. Mud guards can be drilled into the car or installed with screws.

What does it mean when I go to start my car and the engine doesn't turn on, there is only a click?

Hi, thanks for your question. It seems the problem is in the battery power supply to the car. It could be a bad battery or connections to the battery. It could even be both. Here at YourMechanic, we can have...

Car wont jump start even with new battery.

You might want to first check and see if any diagnostic trouble codes (OBD-II codes) have been stored. Prior to performing diagnostics be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery. New batteries are not necessarily charged at time of...

I have a 2007 chevy impala ltz with 3 codes coming on P0121 / P1516 / P2135 ,accelerater pedal an throttle body have been replaced

Trouble Code P0121 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0121-obd-ii-trouble-code-tps-a-circuit-range-performance-problem-by-jay-safford) can set if there are faults in the wiring or terminal connections to the throttle/accelerator position sensor. Circuity integrity should be checked and the output of the sensor should be viewed on a scan tool to...

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