Subaru SVX 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

(2,293)

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

(2,293)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Subaru SVX Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $178 with $83 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1993 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$280.03Shop/Dealer Price$331.29 - $462.57
1997 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$421.51Shop/Dealer Price$489.82 - $633.89
1992 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.31 - $442.60
1995 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$421.51Shop/Dealer Price$489.76 - $633.78
1996 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$421.51Shop/Dealer Price$489.86 - $633.96
1994 Subaru SVXH6-3.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$260.03Shop/Dealer Price$311.31 - $442.60
Show example Subaru SVX 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 Subaru mechanics

Real customer reviews from Subaru owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(2,293)

Rating Summary
2,185
56
15
10
27
2,185
56
15
10
27

Gary

27 years of experience
226 reviews
Gary
27 years of experience
Subaru SVX H6-3.3L - Air Filter - Emeryville, California
Based on this experience, I'd say I have a new source for my car services. Thanks.

Charles

34 years of experience
342 reviews
Charles
34 years of experience
Subaru SVX H6-3.3L - Alternator - Austin, Texas
Professional and thorough. Charles did a great job.

Fernando

11 years of experience
71 reviews
Fernando
11 years of experience
Subaru Outback H4-2.5L - Car is overheating - Arlington, Washington
Very easy to understand about what I needed to do.

David

10 years of experience
170 reviews
David
10 years of experience
Subaru WRX H4-2.0L Turbo - Oil Change - Orlando, Florida
great

Excellent Rating

(2,293)

Rating Summary
2,185
56
15
10
27
2,185
56
15
10
27
Number of Subaru services completed
25223+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Subaru MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Windshield Wiper Refill
Common signs include streaks on your windshield, wipers that bounce as they operate, screeching noises, and visible damage to the wiper blade refill.
Windshield Laws in Washington
Any Any time you drive a vehicle on the roads in Washington, you know you have to follow the traffic rules to make sure you and those around you make it to the desired destination. Motorists are also required to...
How to Replace an Electronic Ignition Pickup
The electronic ignition pickup is part of the ignition distributor. Signs of failure include intermittent misfiring or failure all at once.

How do I adjust the brightness of the lighting on the instrument panel?

You may want to adjust the lighting on the instrument panel to make it less bright or to increase the brightness, depending on your personal preference. Locate the button for adjusting the brightness of the panel lighting, which is located...

Steering wheel shaking

It is not good to hold the steering all the way to the left or right against the stops. This can stress the power steering components. Some shaking at the stops can be normal. I would ask for help from...

Slave cylinder for clutch

The clutch slave cylinder is external outside the transmission. It can be replaced without removing the transmission.

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 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com