Buick Roadmaster 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

(34)

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

(34)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Buick Roadmaster Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $111 with $16 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1994 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$198.07Shop/Dealer Price$228.84 - $298.65
1993 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$233.55Shop/Dealer Price$278.21 - $389.64
1991 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$233.55Shop/Dealer Price$278.21 - $389.64
1995 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$126.41Shop/Dealer Price$144.26 - $175.32
1992 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$233.55Shop/Dealer Price$278.22 - $389.67
1996 Buick RoadmasterV8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$126.41Shop/Dealer Price$144.28 - $175.36
Show example Buick Roadmaster 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 Buick mechanics

Real customer reviews from Buick owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(34)

Rating Summary
30
2
0
1
1
30
2
0
1
1

Jean

25 years of experience
70 reviews
Jean
25 years of experience
Buick Roadmaster V8-5.7L - Heater Blower Motor - Loganville, Georgia
Perfect. Good problem solver.

Edgar

8 years of experience
202 reviews
Edgar
8 years of experience
Buick Roadmaster V8-5.7L - Fuel Pressure Regulator - Austin, Texas
Great job Edgar!

Emanuel

16 years of experience
45 reviews
Emanuel
16 years of experience
Buick Roadmaster V8-5.7L - Inspection / Diagnostics - Mattapan, Massachusetts

Glenn

21 years of experience
38 reviews
Glenn
21 years of experience
Buick Roadmaster V8-5.7L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Indianapolis, Indiana
Great !

Excellent Rating

(34)

Rating Summary
30
2
0
1
1
30
2
0
1
1
Number of Buick Roadmaster services completed
374+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Buick MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How to Buy Good Quality Ball Joints
Even Even though the name sounds small, the function is big. Ball joints help support your car’s weight by serving as a connection and pivot point between the suspension and your tires. In today’s cars these parts are typically lubricated...
Understanding the Differences in Car Seats
If If you spend enough time studying crash test data, or walking up and down store aisles looking for the perfect car seat, you’ll discover that after a while they all look alike. Although the seats may all look the...
The Guide To Colored Curb Zones in Kansas
Kansas Kansas parking laws: understanding the basics Kansas drivers are responsible for parking properly and abiding by the laws. They also need to ensure that their vehicle does not become a hazard when it is parked. There are a number...

Using 10w-30 accidentally instead of 5w-30

Yes, it's just a little bit heavier (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-does-motor-oil-viscosity-matter), nothing much. You'll get slightly lower gas mileage, but that's the only thing. A lot of guys, as their engines get older, go and switch to 10-30w anyways, when they get older...

Car jerks when putting in drive.

The jerking reaction when putting the vehicle into drive suggests that your transmission may be low on fluid. Automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a transmission...

Struts or Compression Rods Maybe??? 2005 infiniti G35

Hello - given your mileage, your front struts and strut bearing plates are most likely candidates for the suspension noises (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/suspension-up-front-makes-a-ton-of-noise-creaks) you describe. Colder weather will make turning noises louder (or "creakier"). Having a helper "rock" each side of the...

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 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com