Oldsmobile 98 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 Oldsmobile 98 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $125 with $30 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1989 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$198.07Shop/Dealer Price$228.84 - $298.65
1995 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$158.67Shop/Dealer Price$184.61 - $239.88
1990 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1996 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$158.67Shop/Dealer Price$184.59 - $239.84
1985 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.87 - $278.71
1993 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$158.67Shop/Dealer Price$184.61 - $239.88
1991 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$163.67Shop/Dealer Price$189.47 - $244.64
1994 Oldsmobile 98V6-3.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$163.67Shop/Dealer Price$189.84 - $245.30
Show example Oldsmobile 98 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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Excellent Rating

(34)

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Joseph

33 years of experience
540 reviews
Joseph
33 years of experience
Oldsmobile 98 V6-3.8L - Crankshaft Position Sensor - McKinney, Texas
Fast, efficient and extremely convenient. Joseph is friendly and knowledgable on the necessary repairs and did it for a fair price. We will be using him again in the very near future.

Raymond

37 years of experience
407 reviews
Raymond
37 years of experience
Oldsmobile 98 V6-3.8L - Check Engine Light is on - Henderson, Nevada
Raymond is a very experienced mechanic. The problem is with this car is that the OBD reader is neither series 1 or 2, it is in between so the standard readers will not read the OBD codes. Raymond did some fuel and ignition test to discover what might be needed to correct the ignition issues.

Steven

14 years of experience
425 reviews
Steven
14 years of experience
Oldsmobile 98 V6-3.8L - Radiator Hose Repair - Tempe, Arizona
Steven was fantastic! He finished it in half the time that was suggested, and he charged me a lot less. He let me know about any other issues that might be wrong, and he was super friendly. Definitely looking for his help again in the future.

Breck

20 years of experience
681 reviews
Breck
20 years of experience
Oldsmobile 98 V6-3.8L Turbo - Spark Plugs - Houston, Texas
Excellent service. Prompt and punctual. I appreciate his knowledge of automobiles. I appreciate his friendly demeanor. I appreciate how he explains things as well.

Excellent Rating

(34)

Rating Summary
33
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1
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Number of Oldsmobile 98 services completed
374+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Oldsmobile MECHANICS
300+
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