Toyota Prius V Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Costs

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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 Toyota Prius V Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $118 with $23 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2014 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$161.13	Shop/Dealer Price$182.67 - $224.77
2012 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$141.13	Shop/Dealer Price$162.68 - $204.80
2016 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$141.13	Shop/Dealer Price$162.68 - $204.80
2018 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$246.61	Shop/Dealer Price$294.51 - $415.72
2017 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$141.13	Shop/Dealer Price$162.70 - $204.83
2015 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$141.13	Shop/Dealer Price$162.68 - $204.80
2013 Toyota Prius VL4-1.8L Hybrid	Service typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement	Estimate$146.13	Shop/Dealer Price$167.55 - $209.56

Show example Toyota Prius V 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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Jay

37 years of experience

953 reviews

Jay

37 years of experience

by Kyle

Toyota Prius V L4-1.8L Hybrid - Oil Change - San Bernardino, California

Jay is awesome. Had him out for my wife's car multiple times and now the only one working on my car....

James

12 years of experience

233 reviews

James

12 years of experience

by Tony

Toyota Prius V L4-1.8L Hybrid - Oil Change - San Francisco, California

James became my very 1st mechanic on Yourmechanic, and kindly called me the day before to confirm the appointment. On the day of, the car he was working on before mine, had major problems that delayed my appointment so I was initially worried. What made up for the hiccups was how well James communicated with me and kept me in the loop. We pushed back my appointment for later that day, but when he arrived, he was quick and efficient. I also had a chance to ask all the questions I had about my car and basically got mechanic 101 from James. He was very knowledgeable, skilled, and was prepared with all the necessary tools. He even went out of his way to do a quick inspection on my other vehicle since I had asked about future repairs. Overall, I felt I got a tremendous amount of value and service from James and the Yourmechanic team. I'm hooked and started telling my friends right away. I'll definitely use the service again.

Farnaz

20 years of experience

80 reviews

Farnaz

20 years of experience

by Lee

Toyota Prius V L4-1.8L Hybrid - Spark Plugs - Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Texted me and asked if he could come earlier, which I was please to accept. Did the repair that I had asked for quickly and finished sooner than I expected. Pointed out a couple of items that will need repair, but did not pressure me to do them now. Will certainly use him again, and recommend him to my friends.

Miles

8 years of experience

3 reviews

Miles

8 years of experience

by Kelly

Toyota Prius V L4-1.8L Hybrid - Oil Change - Marietta, Georgia

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