GMC C1500 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

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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 GMC C1500 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $110 with $15 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1988 GMC C1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$205.99Shop/Dealer Price$238.74 - $314.49
1981 GMC C1500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1992 GMC C1500V6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.13 - $173.52
1982 GMC C1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.74 - $294.48
1991 GMC C1500V6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.15 - $173.55
1980 GMC C1500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1995 GMC C1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$190.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.62 - $299.28
1981 GMC C1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$190.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.99 - $299.94
Show example GMC C1500 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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Jeffrey

27 years of experience
870 reviews
Jeffrey
27 years of experience
GMC C1500 V8-5.0L - Brake light is not working - Charlotte, North Carolina
Great service, issue was fixed and explained in detail.

Brikk

18 years of experience
389 reviews
Brikk
18 years of experience
GMC C1500 V8-5.0L - Exhaust Gas Recirculation/EGR Valve - Matthews, North Carolina
I appreciate the work that brick does I just wish that the company's pricing is far as the $70 charge would go toward the work that's going to get done

Quentin

22 years of experience
213 reviews
Quentin
22 years of experience
GMC C1500 V6-4.3L - Starter - Humble, Texas
PIECE OF CAKE

Tyrone

19 years of experience
105 reviews
Tyrone
19 years of experience
GMC C1500 V8-5.7L - Inspection / Diagnostics - Houston, Texas
Wow. What can I say. The reviews regarding Tyrone are 100% . He originally came to replace a starter motor but refused to begin installation until he had done a full diagnostic report. How right he was. The problem was not the starter but a small problem with air intake. So much for us dummies! This guy is so honest and legit with his knowledge and full of courtesy. I,ve got to recommend this guy a hundred times over. Trev Banks Houston

Excellent Rating

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Number of GMC C1500 services completed
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