Lexus RX400h 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 RX400h Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $136 with $41 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2007 Lexus RX400hV6-3.3L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$197.15Shop/Dealer Price$235.19 - $309.94
2006 Lexus RX400hV6-3.3L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$203.85Shop/Dealer Price$248.60 - $343.39
2008 Lexus RX400hV6-3.3L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$177.15Shop/Dealer Price$215.22 - $289.99
Show example Lexus RX400h 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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Rating Summary
81
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Jay

37 years of experience
947 reviews
Jay
37 years of experience
Lexus RX400h V6-3.3L Hybrid - Timing Belt - Riverside, California
He was awesome and fixed a bent engine brace.

Jose

9 years of experience
63 reviews
Jose
9 years of experience
Lexus RX400h V6-3.3L Hybrid - Fog/Driving Light Bulb Replacement (Driver Side, Passenger Side) - Menlo Park, California
Extremely happy with Jose’s service. Easy to communicate with and very thorough. I hope he is happy with this company and stays for a very long time. I will book him again in the future and surely recommend YourMechanic.com to my friends.

James

30 years of experience
873 reviews
James
30 years of experience
Lexus RX400h V6-3.3L Hybrid - Valve Cover Gasket - Orlando, Florida
James was an excellent mechanic. He was knowledgeable and friendly!

H

26 years of experience
828 reviews
H
26 years of experience
Lexus RX400h V6-3.3L Hybrid - Oil/Fluid Leak - Menlo Park, California
Awesome experience! Honorio fully explained and solved it infront of me thus preventing future repeated problems. I felt fully taken care of and in safe hands for a change. I will never go anywhere else from here on out.

Excellent Rating

(87)

Rating Summary
81
4
0
0
2
81
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2
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