how much is a temperature sensor for a car

[EmersonRose]

The cost of a car temperature sensor, specifically the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, typically ranges from $50 to $250, including parts and labor. The final price depends heavily on your car's make, model, and where you have the work done. The part itself can be as cheap as $20 for a basic sensor or over $150 for a sophisticated OEM part for a luxury vehicle. Labor at an independent shop might add $50-$100, while a dealership could charge $100-$200.

The primary cost factors are:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Common domestic or Asian cars often have cheaper, readily available parts. Luxury European brands usually command a higher price.
• Sensor Type: Basic two-wire sensors are less expensive. More advanced sensors integrated into a larger housing or with additional functions cost more.
• Part Quality: You can choose an inexpensive aftermarket part, a more reliable brand-name aftermarket part (like Standard Motor Products or Bosch), or a premium Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part from the dealer.
• Labor Source: A dealership is the most expensive option. An independent mechanic offers a middle ground. For those with DIY skills, replacing the ECT sensor is often a straightforward job on many engines, costing only the price of the part.

Vehicle Type	Aftermarket Part Cost Range	OEM Part Cost Range	Independent Shop Labor (Est.)	Dealership Labor (Est.)	Total Job Cost Estimate
Common Compact Car	$20 - $50	$60 - $120	$50 - $100	$100 - $200	$70 - $320
Midsize SUV/Truck	$30 - $80	$80 - $150	$75 - $125	$120 - $220	$105 - $370
Luxury European Car	$80 - $150	$150 - $250	$100 - $150	$150 - $250	$250 - $500

If you're experiencing issues like poor fuel mileage, an overheating gauge, or the check engine light is on, a faulty ECT sensor is a likely culprit. Getting a precise diagnostic code read at an auto parts store can confirm this before you spend any money.

[DiBrooklyn]

Honestly, if you're a bit handy, you can save a ton. I just did mine last weekend. The sensor for my Ford Focus was $25 at the auto parts store. It took me 20 minutes with a basic socket set. Watching a quick video online showed me exactly where it was. The dealers wanted almost $300 for the same job. It's one of the easier fixes if you're comfortable poking under the hood.

[StKinsley]

As a mechanic, I see this a lot. The price isn't one-size-fits-all. A Honda Civic sensor is cheap and easy to access. But on some German models, the sensor is buried deep, requiring hours of labor. I always recommend a quality brand-name part over the cheapest option. A failing sensor can cause real engine problems, so it's not a repair to ignore. Get a proper diagnosis first.

[VanEvelyn]

Don't just buy the first sensor you see online. The cost varies wildly. Call your local dealership for a quote on the OEM part, then check prices at advance auto or rockauto for an aftermarket alternative. The difference can be $100 or more. Also, ask a trusted independent mechanic for their all-in price. They often use reliable parts at a better labor rate than the dealer.

[DeRiver]

The cheapest part of this is often the sensor itself. The real cost is the labor if you can't do it yourself. I paid about $180 total at my local shop. The sensor was around $40, and the hour of labor was the rest. It fixed my check engine light and rough idling immediately. It's a maintenance item that's worth addressing quickly to avoid worse engine performance or fuel economy issues down the line.