Kia Spectra5 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 Spectra5 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $178 with $83 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2009 Kia Spectra5L4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$280.03Shop/Dealer Price$331.29 - $462.57
2006 Kia Spectra5L4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$555.85Shop/Dealer Price$681.08 - $1034.24
2007 Kia Spectra5L4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.31 - $442.60
2008 Kia Spectra5L4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.29 - $442.56
2005 Kia Spectra5L4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$555.85Shop/Dealer Price$681.10 - $1034.27
Show example Kia Spectra5 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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Excellent Rating

(38)

Rating Summary
36
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36
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AL

12 years of experience
236 reviews
AL
12 years of experience
Kia Spectra5 L4-2.0L - Radiator - Beaverton, Oregon
He's a REALLY nice and REALLY friendly guy!! He showed up EARLY which I was not expecting - I appreciate that about him. He was very knowledgeable about what he was doing. He even showed me a few things that I can do on my own to help improve my car's efficiency. Thank you so much man!! You really are a kick ass guy!!

Joel

11 years of experience
153 reviews
Joel
11 years of experience
Kia Spectra5 L4-2.0L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Lewisville, Texas
This was .y second service appointment. Impressed once again with Joel's expertise. Very professional and courteous. He also took the time to go over the repairs in detail which he completed Another job, well done!

Jasmine

23 years of experience
102 reviews
Jasmine
23 years of experience
Kia Spectra5 L4-2.0L - Exterior Door Handle Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Very fast, friendly,honest and helpful. Highly recommended

Victor

11 years of experience
211 reviews
Victor
11 years of experience
Kia Spectra5 L4-2.0L - Car is not starting - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Victor showed up on time and figured everything out that I needed to know in a timely and professional manner.

Excellent Rating

(38)

Rating Summary
36
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0
0
1
36
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1
Number of Kia Spectra5 services completed
418+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

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