Lexus RC200t 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 Lexus RC200t 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
2017 Lexus RC200tL4-2.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$160.11Shop/Dealer Price$181.39 - $222.73
Show example Lexus RC200t 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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4,308
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Alfred

13 years of experience
519 reviews
Alfred
13 years of experience
Lexus RC200t L4-2.0L Turbo - Oil Change - South San Francisco, California
Right on time and finished worked a lot faster than I had expected!

David

13 years of experience
424 reviews
David
13 years of experience
Lexus RC200t L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Marietta, Georgia
David was very thorough in the pre-purchase inspection of my 2017 Lexus RC 200t. He was able to identify that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. This was something not evident in the CARFAX report. I had the dealer replace it for me at no cost. David also has experience in the car sales industry and gave me some good insight. I highly recommend him.

Adam

17 years of experience
48 reviews
Adam
17 years of experience
Lexus GS300 L6-3.0L - 90,000 Miles Maintenance Service - Palo Alto, California

Paul

23 years of experience
329 reviews
Paul
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Oil Change - Tampa, Florida
Paul was great. He was on time and very professional.

Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
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4,308
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78
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