Kia Sportage 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 Sportage Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $137 with $42 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2006 Kia SportageV6-2.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$198.07Shop/Dealer Price$228.84 - $298.65
2012 Kia SportageL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.31 - $300.20
2014 Kia SportageL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.31 - $300.20
2017 Kia SportageL4-2.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.29 - $300.16
2013 Kia SportageL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$188.83Shop/Dealer Price$222.32 - $300.23
2006 Kia SportageL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.31 - $442.60
2010 Kia SportageL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$195.65Shop/Dealer Price$229.45 - $308.60
2007 Kia SportageL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$195.65Shop/Dealer Price$229.82 - $309.26
Show example Kia Sportage 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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Peter

25 years of experience
514 reviews
Peter
25 years of experience
Kia Sportage L4-2.4L - Electric Problems - North Hollywood, California
Very happy with Peter's service. Pinpointed the engine problem quickly and provided options to resolve. Would definitely recommend Peter and will be using his services again in the future.

Miguel

21 years of experience
232 reviews
Miguel
21 years of experience
Kia Sportage L4-2.0L Turbo - Air Filter - Newark, New Jersey
So awesome!

Brandon

20 years of experience
773 reviews
Brandon
20 years of experience
Kia Sportage L4-2.0L - Starter - Clermont, Florida
One of the best person to deal with. He is good and does the job great. He is one you can count on to do the job right.

Mack

22 years of experience
114 reviews
Mack
22 years of experience
Kia Sportage V6-2.7L - Timing Belt - Burleson, Texas
Knowledgeable and friendly

Excellent Rating

(318)

Rating Summary
306
10
1
1
0
306
10
1
1
0
Number of Kia Sportage services completed
3498+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
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experts on our platform

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