Pontiac Sunbird 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

(5)

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

(5)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Sunbird Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $126 with $31 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1992 Pontiac SunbirdV6-3.1LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$177.57Shop/Dealer Price$203.22 - $257.65
1994 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.23 - $237.68
1988 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.23 - $237.68
1988 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$156.51Shop/Dealer Price$181.89 - $235.52
1990 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.25 - $237.71
1991 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.23 - $237.68
1990 Pontiac SunbirdL4-2.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$161.51Shop/Dealer Price$186.77 - $240.32
1994 Pontiac SunbirdV6-3.1LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$162.57Shop/Dealer Price$188.47 - $243.10
Show example Pontiac Sunbird 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 Pontiac mechanics

Real customer reviews from Pontiac owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(5)

Rating Summary
5
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0

Andrew

11 years of experience
867 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
Pontiac Sunbird L4-2.0L - Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Kansas City, Missouri
Very good experience with this service, Andrew was a true life saver. Will definitely be using this service again. I will definitely recommend this service to everyone that needs or could use it. Thank you

Michael

40 years of experience
131 reviews
Michael
40 years of experience
Pontiac Sunbird L4-2.0L - Car is overheating - Columbus, Ohio
Michael was very professional, kind, courteous, attentive. He listened to what I had to say and helped to find the solution to the problem. Thank you, Mike, for everything you did to get me back on the road. 

Paul

10 years of experience
38 reviews
Paul
10 years of experience
Pontiac Sunbird L4-2.0L - Ignition Lock Assembly - Austin, Texas

John

6 years of experience
35 reviews
John
6 years of experience
Pontiac Sunbird V6-3.8L - Car does not move when I step on the gas pedal Inspection - Renton, Washington
John was super awesome and honest. He showed and explained why I needed certain things and was very helpful in making a well informed decision. Highly reccomend him.

Excellent Rating

(5)

Rating Summary
5
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
Number of Pontiac Sunbird services completed
55+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does a Front Output Shaft Oil Seal Last?
For For those who operate a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, there are a number of important parts that are necessary. The front output shaft oil seal is one of those parts, and is a gasket that is circular...
The Guide to Legal Car Modifications in Pennsylvania
ARENA Creative / Shutterstock.com Whether you currently live in Pennsylvania or will be moving there, you need to know the regulations on vehicle modifications. The following information will help you make sure that your modified car or...
What are the Car Pool Rules in Colorado?
Car Car pool lanes are abundant in the state of Colorado, and they’re responsible for greatly helping out most of the state’s drivers. Car pool lanes allow vehicles with multiple occupants to bypass regular traffic, as cars with a single...

2002 duramax went into limp mode after fluid ad filter change

Hello, I can help you with this! When doing a transmission service for this vehicle, you will set a (DTC) trouble code for a low pressure condition with transmission. This is a normal condition when replacing the filter and...

Oil and battery light keeps coming on

It sounds like you may have a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator charges the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while the engine turns...

I have a 2001 Chevy s10 it keeps on dieing when I stop on a red light when I try to give it gas it stops it died on me at Taco Bell window my brother take me to to work it does on him 15 times I need help it cranks up good

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