Mercedes-Benz 300E 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 Mercedes-Benz 300E Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $324 with $125 for parts and $199 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$490.66Shop/Dealer Price$589.71 - $804.16
1990 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.77 - $762.27
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.77 - $762.26
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.69 - $762.12
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.83 - $762.37
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-2.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$448.66Shop/Dealer Price$547.77 - $762.26
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$459.16Shop/Dealer Price$557.77 - $771.89
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300EL6-3.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$459.16Shop/Dealer Price$559.14 - $774.29
Show example Mercedes-Benz 300E 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

(16)

Rating Summary
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Grzegorz

41 years of experience
473 reviews
Grzegorz
41 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 300E L6-2.6L - Oil Change - Daly City, California
Grzegorz Kilon arrived 35 minutes late. When he arrived, he did not have the filter. He came back 10:35 AM from the supposedly 9 AM appointment. Would have avoided the delay if he had it in the beginning. Also, PENZOIL was indicated that was used in receipt. He used an O'Reilly brand oil.

Chris

22 years of experience
2235 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 300E L6-3.0L - Heater Blower Motor - Sun City, California
Chris did a great job and I'm damn happy he did it and not me! His few hrs. would have meant 12 hrs. for me.

Dante

36 years of experience
98 reviews
Dante
36 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 300E L6-3.0L - Other Inspections - Long Beach, California

Paul

23 years of experience
302 reviews
Paul
23 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 300E L6-3.0L - Ignition Coil - Tampa, Florida
Paul was very competent, and went out of his way to get my mom's car running again.

Excellent Rating

(16)

Rating Summary
14
1
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14
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Number of Mercedes-Benz 300E services completed
176+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
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