Ambient Air Temp Sensor - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tsakhan · 03-08-2010, 06:47 PM

Hello

I have a 07 Corolla S, i had front end accident Jan of 2009, had that repaired. In May of 2009 i took it to my Toyota dealer to have a 120 point inspection just to make sure the repairs were done properly. The car passed the 120 point inspection there was nothing wrong with it at that time (which is after the accident). The inspection included electrical system / sensors. About a week ago my Temperature sensor in the dash started to give me wrong readings it was telling me its -46 outside. I took it to my dealer they charged me $99.99 and told me that the car was involved in a front end crash and they (body shop) probably did not replace the broken sensor. But my concern is if its due to the crash why is it going bad now about a year after the crash. I think they just don't want to fix it and blaming the crash for it. Plus why didn't it show up in the 120 point inspection. I spoke to the manager they told me to pay about $400 and they will install a new sensor.

Please let me know what you guys think. I really appreciate it.

NMGeorge · 03-08-2010, 11:25 PM

I think you are being ripped off. BTW: CNN posted a national survey on the cities that were the best and worst on getting your car repaired, yup, Chicago was the worst! That's OK, Albuquerque was just a small bit better. I've seen the sensor... can't be that hard to replace. Get one out of a salvage vehicle and try it yourself?

TrdSpeed140 · 03-09-2010, 01:14 AM

so they charged you almost a hundred dollars to tell you something that you already knew, and now they want another 400 just to put on a new ambient air temp sensor?! RIP OFF!!!

tsakhan · 03-09-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrdSpeed140

so they charged you almost a hundred dollars to tell you something that you already knew, and now they want another 400 just to put on a new ambient air temp sensor?! RIP OFF!!!

Yup they charged me $100 and told me it was involved in a accident and body shop didn't replace it. I doubt they even spent more then 5 mins looking at it.

TrdSpeed140 · 03-09-2010, 02:45 PM

I would try a parts store like Advance Auto or anything like that and see if they carry the sensor, more than likely they will since it's a very simple type of sensor. should be fairly cheap and you can probably install it yourself.

tsakhan · 03-10-2010, 11:53 AM

I found some exposed wires and i taped them up, now everything works fine. Should i go back to the dealership to get my $100 back as they misdiagnosed the problem. They told me the whole sensor is bad and so is the wire harness. Please advise

NMGeorge · 03-10-2010, 12:29 PM

for $100.00, heck yeah! It's obivious they didn't trouble shoot your car. Be polite, but FIRM.

tsakhan · 03-10-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMGeorge

for $100.00, heck yeah! It's obivious they didn't trouble shoot your car. Be polite, but FIRM.

Tried no luck, was told diagnostic fee is non refundable. Is there any other way i can get my money back? Beside calling the credit card. IE filing a complain with toyota or something?

nosaint0 · 03-12-2010, 02:08 PM

Hi. You said you found some loose wires. Where did you look? Where is the sensor located? Mine recently quit working and I'm trying to fix it. Any ideas would help. Thanks.

tsakhan · 03-12-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosaint0

Hi. You said you found some loose wires. Where did you look? Where is the sensor located? Mine recently quit working and I'm trying to fix it. Any ideas would help. Thanks.

Yeah don't take it to the dealer. They will rip you off. The wire and sensor is right behind the Toyota grill. The sensor it self is located on the radiator mount pretty much directly behind where the front lic plate is located. The jiggling the wires out of the harness there are two wires one going to the horn the other to sensor. One of my wires were exposed plus had corrosion so yeah make sure those issues are addressed. Worst comes to worst your sensor is out, do it your self instead of dealer the part is $47.50 + tax from the dealer. Its pretty much plug and play. Before buying the part check the fuse to make sure the fuse isn't shot.

dirtywzl · 11-05-2011, 12:44 PM

You can pick the sensor up for about 20.00$ new at most auto parts stores, and installation takes about 20 mins depending on the location of the sensor. Save yourself acouple hundred and do it yourself. Its a simple unplug and then plug the new one in. Some models require removal of the front bumper and the location is on the drivers side behind the bumper on most models. May add some time.

devinsdad · 11-06-2011, 01:19 PM

Hell, you went there knowing it was not working...all the dealer did was confirm what you already knew! I'd try the service manage first, if the charge is really unrefundable, have them cut you a $100 credit for future maintenance or a couple oil changes on the house. Give them a chance to make good before going too much further.