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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an evaporator temperature sensor?
Where can I get my evaporator temperature switch replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my evaporator temperature sensor?
What happens if I don’t replace my evaporator temperature sensor?
What is an evaporator temperature sensor?
Can I replace my evaporator temperature switch myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an evaporator temperature sensor?

The average cost to replace an evaporator temperature sensor is $284. That includes $119 for replacement parts and $165 for the mechanic’s labor costs. But remember, those numbers are estimates, and the actual price you’ll pay will be based on your car and location.

How long does it take to replace an evaporator temperature sensor? The sensor’s location between the firewall and dash makes it difficult to access and replace. While replacement times can vary depending on the car, a trained mechanic will most likely take between three and seven hours to complete the service.

Here’s a breakdown of evaporator temperature sensor replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 25, 2024	Terry, 21 Boston, MA	Eagle Talon	$268	$136	$131	1.4 Hours
April 17, 2024	Curtis, 34 San Bernardino, CA	Mazda CX-5	$303	$136	$166	1.4 Hours
April 16, 2024	Devin, 35 Auburn, WA	Kia Sorento	$322	$136	$186	1.4 Hours
April 14, 2024	Carl, 39 Reno, NV	Mercury Sable	$320	$136	$183	1.4 Hours
April 11, 2024	Emily, 44 Homestead, FL	Chevrolet Traverse	$297	$136	$161	1.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my evaporator temperature sensor replacement?

You should consult your vehicle repair guide and

owner’s manual

to find detailed information about the HVAC system in your car. But here’s a general overview of the parts you may need:

Evaporator temperature sensor: This is the primary part you’re going to replace. A new one can cost anywhere from $20 to upwards of $100.

Seals and o-rings: It’s a good idea to replace the seals and o-rings when you replace the sensor. These can cost between a few dollars and $20.

Refrigerant: Depending on your car, you may have to evacuate and recharge the AC system refrigerant. Refrigerant can cost between $20 and $50.

Some reputable brands we recommend for evaporator temperature sensors are ACDelco, Standard Motor Products, and Beck Arnley. For seals and o-rings, notable brands such as ACDelco, Fel-Pro, and Victor Reinz offer reliable sealing solutions. When buying refrigerant, consider brands like Interdynamics, FJC, and ACDelco. You can find these parts at various retailers, including AutoZone, Amazon Advance Auto Parts, and RockAuto.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to automotive repair jobs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally the best option.

OEM parts are designed specifically to fit your car. They come with a manufacturer’s warranty and are made of reliable, high-quality materials.

Aftermarket parts are easily available at a variety of stores and tend to be cheaper. While aftermarket parts may be of lower quality, there are high-quality premium options available. If you choose to go the aftermarket route, don’t forget to check the part number to confirm the new sensor works with your car.

Where can I buy the parts for my evaporator temperature sensor replacement?

You can buy OEM parts from your local dealership or authorized parts supplier. You can purchase aftermarket parts from your local auto parts stores—like O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, or AutoZone—or online from stores like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my evaporator temperature switch replaced?

Finding a trustworthy repair shop can be difficult. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

lets you compare repair estimates and hourly rates from thousands of shops across the U.S.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly rates from local shops to give you fair price estimates. Use it to learn about diagnostic charges, budget upcoming maintenance, and find the shops in your neighborhood with the best reviews.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to find excellent repair services in your area.

196 Reviews

Byrider Nashville

1815 NW Broad St, Madison, TN

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Switch

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$187

(Parts - $75, Labor - $112)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (629) 207-4640

171 Reviews

Vandorn Auto Repair

4938C Eisenhower Ave, Springfield, VA

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Switch

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$285

(Parts - $75, Labor - $210)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$170

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 751-1499

175 Reviews

Kevin's Mobile Repair

(Remote Truck Service), Norcross, GA

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Switch

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$194

(Parts - $75, Labor - $119)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$85

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (770)-595-6687

169 Reviews

Discount Tire & Service Centers - Clovis 2

698 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA

Evaporator Temperature Sensor Switch

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$250

(Parts - $75, Labor - $175)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$140

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (559) 940-6297

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my evaporator temperature sensor?

If you’re wondering how to replace your evaporator temperature sensor, here are the general steps your mechanic will follow:

Disconnect the car battery

Remove the dashboard

Locate the AC evaporator core

Locate the evaporator temperature sensor on the evaporator

Disconnect the sensor’s electrical connector

Remove the sensor’s mounting bolts

Remove the old sensor

Position the new sensor and install the mounting bolts

Connect the electrical connector

Replace all of the dash panels and components

Start the car and turn on the air conditioner

Wait five minutes to ensure that the AC is blowing cold air

Turn the car off

Start the engine again and turn the AC off

Ensure that no cold air is blowing

Take the car for a 10-mile test drive with the AC on to ensure it works properly

What happens if I don’t replace my evaporator temperature sensor?

If you don’t replace a malfunctioning evaporator temperature sensor, you’ll likely face the following issues:

Poor cooling: The evaporator temperature sensor helps regulate the AC system’s cooling process. If it fails, the system may be unable to adjust the cooling output, leading to poor cooling and a hot cabin.

Inconsistent temperature control: A faulty evaporator temperature sensor can cause the AC system’s temperature control to behave erratically. You might notice the system flips between hot and cold air without you ever touching the controls.

Reduced fuel economy: If the AC system doesn’t work properly, it can put extra stress on the engine. This can lead to increased fuel consumption.

HVAC system damage: If you ignore a faulty evaporator temperature sensor, it could lead to more damage to the HVAC system, including AC compressor and compressor clutch damage.

What is an evaporator temperature sensor?

An air conditioning evaporator temperature sensor—also known as an evap temperature switch, evaporator temp sensor, or evaporator core temperature sensor—monitors the temperature of the refrigerant in the AC evaporator core. The AC system uses the information from the sensor to regulate the cooling process and maintain a consistent cabin temperature.

When should I replace the evaporator temperature switch on my car?

Since there are no set replacement intervals for the evaporator temp sensor, you’ll only need to replace yours when it displays signs of failure. Here are the most common signs that you need a new sensor:

The AC system doesn’t blow cold air: One of the primary symptoms of a bad evaporator temp sensor is a lack of cold air from the AC system.

The AC temperatures fluctuate: Fluctuating AC temperatures are a common sign of a faulty evaporator temperature sensor. If the sensor sends incorrect signals to the computer, the AC system may behave erratically. The temperature may bounce between hot and cold, putting more stress on the system.

The AC compressor doesn’t turn on: The evap temperature sensor plays a key role in turning the compressor on and off. If the sensor fails, it may disable the compressor altogether.

Keep in mind: These symptoms may indicate other HVAC issues, like a faulty condenser or a bad cabin air filter. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a professional mechanic.

How often should I replace my evaporator temperature sensor?

The evaporator temperature sensor is not a regular maintenance item. There are no set replacement intervals for the sensor, and you’ll only need to replace yours if it fails. Some of the most common signs of sensor failure include AC temperature fluctuations and a lack of cold air.

Can I replace my evaporator temperature switch myself?

An AC evaporator temperature sensor replacement is not the most accessible DIY project. It requires mid-to-advanced level automotive repair skills and knowledge of car HVAC systems. While experienced home mechanics should be able to handle the project, novices are better off contacting a professional.

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FAQs

Where is the evaporator temperature sensor located?

The evaporator temperature sensor location can vary from car to car. But in most vehicles, it’s attached to the evaporator core, which is located between the firewall and dashboard.

How do I know if my evaporator temperature sensor is bad?

The most common signs of a bad evaporator temperature sensor are:

Inconsistent cooling

Delayed cooling

Frequent AC compressor cycling

Inaccurate temperature readings

A check engine light

What is the code for an evaporator temperature sensor?

A common diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for the evaporator temperature sensor is P0535. The code indicates that the sensor’s voltage readings are lower or higher than normal.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.