Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire 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
1998 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$249.55Shop/Dealer Price$293.19 - $401.61
1997 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$229.55Shop/Dealer Price$273.21 - $381.64
2000 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$229.55Shop/Dealer Price$273.21 - $381.64
1996 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.21 - $237.64
2004 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.90 - $261.15
1997 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$157.57Shop/Dealer Price$183.23 - $237.68
2001 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$174.29Shop/Dealer Price$202.75 - $265.88
1995 Pontiac SunfireL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$162.57Shop/Dealer Price$188.47 - $243.10
Show example Pontiac Sunfire 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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Johnny

33 years of experience
279 reviews
Johnny
33 years of experience
Pontiac Sunfire L4-2.2L - Starter - Fair Oaks, California
Absolutely amazing!!! Friendly, knowledgeable, awesome. We have found our mechanic. Thank you so much. Very, very satisfied.

Joshua

27 years of experience
709 reviews
Joshua
27 years of experience
Pontiac Sunfire L4-2.2L - Fuel Pump - Oakley, California
My mechanic and the overall team were fair, trustworthy, and responsible. Excellent communication on every level. Thanks

Daniel

21 years of experience
346 reviews
Daniel
21 years of experience
Pontiac Sunfire L4-2.2L - Car is not starting - Richmond, Texas
Great!!

Nathaniel

10 years of experience
327 reviews
Nathaniel
10 years of experience
Pontiac Sunfire L4-2.4L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Arrived on time and completed the repair (window regulator) in a timely manner.

Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
79
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79
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Number of Pontiac Sunfire services completed
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