Mazda Protege 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 Mazda Protege Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $177 with $82 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1997 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.5LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$280.03Shop/Dealer Price$331.29 - $462.57
1999 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$302.95Shop/Dealer Price$364.96 - $528.44
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.33 - $441.04
1990 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.31 - $441.00
1994 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.35 - $441.07
1995 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$259.25Shop/Dealer Price$310.33 - $441.04
1999 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.6LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$307.95Shop/Dealer Price$369.82 - $533.20
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.5LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$265.03Shop/Dealer Price$316.54 - $448.02
Show example Mazda Protege 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

(182)

Rating Summary
168
5
1
1
7
168
5
1
1
7

Samadullah

10 years of experience
31 reviews
Samadullah
10 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.6L - Battery Terminal Ends - Alexandria, Virginia
Very professional.

Matthew

11 years of experience
136 reviews
Matthew
11 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Window Regulator Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Las Vegas, Nevada
The experience I had with Matt diagnosing my car and fixing it was very good. He was very focused on the problem he diagnosed and didn't look for other things that could have been wrong to get more services out of me. I asked him a lot of questions and I'm a little mechanically inclined so I listened very carefully. He's very smart and crafted at what he does. He was very practical in my goals I was trying to achieve. He was very respectful of my concerns and ensured whatever needed to be done that it would get done. He delivered without disappointment. I have a list of quotes for my car I'm going to get done next year and I hope that Matt will be around as I'd like to appoint him to them. Thank you Yourmechanic.com and Matt!

Manuel

41 years of experience
132 reviews
Manuel
41 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.5L - Strut Assembly Replacement - San Antonio, Texas
AWESOME job!! My struts were repaired while my car sat in my driveway and I didn't have to risk my life or the lives of my children driving the car all over town to a mechanic to get it done. The work is done at a reasonable price and at my convenience. My mechanic was polite and did a great job! He left my driveway and my car just as clean as he found it. I would highly recommend to anyone needing car repair!

Steven

14 years of experience
425 reviews
Steven
14 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.6L - Brake safety inspection - Phoenix, Arizona
excellent work and very friendly and explaining everything to you.

Excellent Rating

(182)

Rating Summary
168
5
1
1
7
168
5
1
1
7
Number of Mazda Protege services completed
2002+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
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