GMC Sierra 1500 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

(376)

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

(376)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a GMC Sierra 1500 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $105 with $10 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2009 GMC Sierra 1500V8-6.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$134.97Shop/Dealer Price$149.97 - $172.45
2017 GMC Sierra 1500V8-5.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$120.05Shop/Dealer Price$136.33 - $162.64
2001 GMC Sierra 1500V6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$114.97Shop/Dealer Price$129.98 - $152.48
2004 GMC Sierra 1500V8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$114.97Shop/Dealer Price$129.96 - $152.44
2008 GMC Sierra 1500V6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$114.97Shop/Dealer Price$130.00 - $152.51
2009 GMC Sierra 1500V6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$114.97Shop/Dealer Price$129.98 - $152.48
2011 GMC Sierra 1500V8-6.0L HybridService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$119.97Shop/Dealer Price$134.85 - $157.24
2006 GMC Sierra 1500V8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$119.97Shop/Dealer Price$135.22 - $157.90
Show example GMC Sierra 1500 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 GMC mechanics

Real customer reviews from GMC owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(376)

Rating Summary
347
14
6
1
8
347
14
6
1
8

Warren

15 years of experience
64 reviews
Warren
15 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-4.8L - Car Inspection - Katy, Texas
Awesome and honest mechanic.

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-5.3L - Oil Change - Peoria, Arizona
Very good

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-5.3L - Tune-up - Peoria, Arizona
Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable

Russell

27 years of experience
271 reviews
Russell
27 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-4.8L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Fairfield, California
Great job. Completed quickly with his knowledge of the vehicle.

Excellent Rating

(376)

Rating Summary
347
14
6
1
8
347
14
6
1
8
Number of GMC Sierra 1500 services completed
4136+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT GMC MECHANICS
900+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Land Rover LR4
There’s There’s just something about a Land Rover. Maybe it’s that easily discernible English air, or the fact that it subtly calls out “luxury” while maintaining that off-road ruggedness that tells you it’s no prissy city car. The 2012 LR4...
How Long Does a Rear Window Defogger Switch Last?
Your Your car’s cabin protects you and your passengers from the elements, harsh sunlight, wind and more. However, having an enclosed cabin can lead to visibility problems when the air is particularly humid. While your front defogger works through the...
How to Put Air in Your Car Tires
Tire Tire maintenance is part of responsible vehicle ownership and maintenance. Your tires are the one component on your car that is always in contact with the road surface and is your preliminary source of traction. If your tires are...

What does the system message notification mean?

If your car is equipped with an information center, you’ll occasionally see messages come across the screen. These range from things like maintenance reminders to information about problems with your vehicle’s systems. You should see the notification system come on...

My gas mileage has dropped to 22 mpg, what could be the cause?

When a vehicle gets poor fuel economy, it's typically due to an electrical sensor that is faulty, such as the oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement), the air fuel ratio sensor, dirty fuel injectors, or the throttle body being dirty. Driving habits can...

My 2006 Dodge Charger failed emissions twice. The first time for MIL Command status and second time for KOER Result

The underlying fault depends on exactly which codes have been stored by your vehicle's OBD-II system. Those codes can be downloaded using a hand-held scanner but then each code has to be separately diagnosed, that is parts have to be...

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