Mercedes-Benz 400SE 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 400SE Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $220 with $125 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SEV8-4.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$364.17Shop/Dealer Price$443.97 - $643.98
Show example Mercedes-Benz 400SE 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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Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(5,692)

Rating Summary
5,298
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5,298
192
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Dellano

18 years of experience
520 reviews
Dellano
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz CLK550 V8-5.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement - Bowie, Maryland
Very pleasant, and efficient. Knowledgeable about repair. Was able to come ahead of scheduled appointment time which was much appreciated.

Albert

15 years of experience
46 reviews
Albert
15 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C230 V6-2.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - San Bernardino, California
Absolutely knowledgeable and professional!!! Albert was great. Fast, explained in detail everything I needed to know about the condition of my car. I’m a lady understandably objective to mechanics, but Albert was unmistakably trustworthy and efficient. I appreciate all your assistance Albert! And... I’ll definitely recommend him to friends and family. P.S. My car is PURRRRRING!!!!!

Maxwell

18 years of experience
390 reviews
Maxwell
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz C230 V6-2.5L - Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) - Spring, Texas
Maxwells is very knowledgeable about his job. He’s very easy to work with an a great talker lol.

Kyle

11 years of experience
68 reviews
Kyle
11 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GL450 V8-4.6L Turbo - Oil Change - Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Kyle was on time, professional, knowledgable and personable. Great person! Knock the job out and pointed out the front brakes need replacing and explained while showing me the issues of concern. I will be requesting Kyle for the brake job and I highly recommend his services!

Excellent Rating

(5,692)

Rating Summary
5,298
192
54
28
120
5,298
192
54
28
120
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