Mercury Topaz Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(1,383)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(1,383)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

How much does a Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercury Topaz Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $129 with $34 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1987 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$217.49Shop/Dealer Price$251.24 - $327.74
1992 Mercury TopazV6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$209.75Shop/Dealer Price$248.46 - $342.04
1988 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$195.49Shop/Dealer Price$229.26 - $305.77
1994 Mercury TopazV6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$209.75Shop/Dealer Price$248.44 - $342.00
1991 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$171.71Shop/Dealer Price$199.55 - $258.24
1986 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1992 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$190.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.62 - $299.28
1989 Mercury TopazL4-2.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$177.21Shop/Dealer Price$205.29 - $264.17
Show example Mercury Topaz 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.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mercury mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercury owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(1,383)

Rating Summary
1,297
50
9
6
21
1,297
50
9
6
21

Jose

10 years of experience
285 reviews
Jose
10 years of experience
Mercury Topaz L4-2.3L - Car is not starting - Zephyrhills, Florida
Very professional, on time and polite.

Andrian

32 years of experience
185 reviews
Andrian
32 years of experience
Mercury Topaz L4-2.3L - Battery Cable Replacement (Negative) - Pompano Beach, Florida
A nicer person you could NOT find. Friendly, knowledgeable and timely. Goes the extra mile to make sure the job is done correctly and point out other issues to consider. Would NOT hesitate to book with him for future repairs or recommend to others. If you require auto service - BOOK HIM!!!

Edgar

8 years of experience
202 reviews
Edgar
8 years of experience
Mercury Grand Marquis V8-4.6L - Windows - Kyle, Texas
We like Edgar

Jerel

11 years of experience
125 reviews
Jerel
11 years of experience
Mercury Mountaineer V8-4.6L - Oil Change - Raleigh, North Carolina
Jerel did an outstanding job!

Excellent Rating

(1,383)

Rating Summary
1,297
50
9
6
21
1,297
50
9
6
21
Number of Mercury services completed
15213+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercury MECHANICS
600+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Replace Your Power Windows
Though Though some cars still come with manual windows, they are few and far between. Manual windows had few failures as there were not many moving parts. Electric windows, on the other hand, have more moving parts, as well as...
P0045 OBD-II Trouble Code: Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit/Open
P0045 Trouble Code definition P0045 is the code for Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit/Open What the P0045 code means This code...
Washington Speed Limits, Laws, and Fines
Following Following is an overview of the laws, limits, and fines as they relate to speeding traffic violations in the state of Washington. Speed limits in Washington 75 mph: designated sections of freeways and interstates 70 mph: other rural freeways...

What does the up-shift light mean?

The up-shift light is on your instrument cluster if your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission. The up-shift light will illuminate when a shift to a higher gear would increase the fuel economy of your vehicle. When you shift...

The car jerks and the lights flicker when idling.

I would recommend to start by checking the alternator connector, battery connections, battery cables including the wire to the main fuse/relay box, and grounds. If you hold the engine rpm to a stable 1000 rpm with the throttle, check to...

The new speed sensor is doing the same thing as the old one

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com