GMC Sonoma 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

(90)

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

(90)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a GMC Sonoma 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
1999 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$189.29Shop/Dealer Price$217.87 - $281.09
1992 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.13 - $173.52
2002 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.88 - $261.12
2003 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.86 - $261.08
1996 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$246.75Shop/Dealer Price$294.72 - $416.07
1997 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$246.75Shop/Dealer Price$294.71 - $416.04
1994 GMC SonomaL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$251.75Shop/Dealer Price$299.57 - $420.80
2004 GMC SonomaV6-4.3LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$174.29Shop/Dealer Price$203.12 - $266.54
Show example GMC Sonoma 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

(90)

Rating Summary
86
1
0
2
1
86
1
0
2
1

Jose

17 years of experience
154 reviews
Jose
17 years of experience
GMC Sonoma L4-2.2L - Water Pump - Las Vegas, Nevada
I gave him a 5 star , he is very knowledgeable mechanic , give me some pointers too . I will surely recommend him to my friends !

Greg

22 years of experience
353 reviews
Greg
22 years of experience
GMC Sonoma L4-2.2L - Check Engine Light is on Inspection - Mesa, Arizona
If you want a job done well and timely, pick Greg as your mechanic. I will definitely use him again.

Arsenio

38 years of experience
44 reviews
Arsenio
38 years of experience
GMC Sonoma L4-2.2L - Alternator - Orlando, Florida
Did a great job

Nazareth

27 years of experience
281 reviews
Nazareth
27 years of experience
GMC Sonoma V6-4.3L - Loss of power - Rosemead, California
Courteous. Experienced. Answers questions readily. Thorough.

Excellent Rating

(90)

Rating Summary
86
1
0
2
1
86
1
0
2
1
Number of GMC Sonoma services completed
990+
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 Honda CR-Z
In In the tradition of the sporty CRX, the CR-Z boasts some of the similar look, without quite the same amount of pep. That’s because the CR-Z is Honda’s eco-friendly offering and a pretty unique one to boot – (as...
How to Remove Salt Stains From the Carpet in Your Car
Just Just as little mishaps and bits of grime make their way into your home that necessitate cleaning, your car's interior carpet periodically needs attention to stay fresh as well. Those who live in colder climates with regular snowfall often...
P2137 OBD-II Trouble Code: A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low Bank 2
What What the P2137 code means? P2137 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the throttle pedal position sensors B and C voltages do not correlate to each other for return voltage to the ECM....

How does four-wheel drive lock mode work?

While your car will automatically turn on four-wheel drive when it senses slipping (if it’s equipped), you can also turn it on manually and lock it. This is helpful for situations where you need ongoing assistance to get out of...

Tire pressure warning system lights up because i used a nonsensored valve.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an integrated system that cannot be disabled. When you did not install a correct tire pressure sensor and installed a regular valve stem the TPMS senses the missing sensor and turns on the...

Whats antifeeze better in bmw e61, g11 or g12?

Antifreeze for the vehicle needs to be safe for aluminum radiators or you will have problems of corrosion and metal damage if it is not safe for use in the aluminium radiator cores and heater cores. When you purchase 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