Pontiac Tempest 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 Tempest 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
1991 Pontiac TempestL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$176.51Shop/Dealer Price$201.89 - $255.53
1990 Pontiac TempestL4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$156.51Shop/Dealer Price$181.91 - $235.56
1991 Pontiac TempestV6-3.1LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$156.51Shop/Dealer Price$181.91 - $235.56
1990 Pontiac TempestV6-3.1LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$156.51Shop/Dealer Price$181.89 - $235.52
Show example Pontiac Tempest 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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Rating Summary
1,986
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1,986
77
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H

26 years of experience
828 reviews
H
26 years of experience
Pontiac Tempest L6-3.8L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - Los Altos, California
On time. A true gentleman. Skilled with cars that date over many years. He knows older cars including many classics. Younger mechanics probably would know know a thing about a 4BBL Carburetor. One can see that he has a true love of cars & the work he does. This is only one experience so I would hope to see him back when needed.

Chris

22 years of experience
2235 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Pontiac Tempest V8-5.3L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Laguna Niguel, California
Chris did a great job inspecting the vehicle, I live in GA and wanted to purchase a car in CA so I needed an unbiased third party to look at it for me. My primary concern was that the car was represented accurately in the online ad (there are a lot of scams online now), which he did, we had a great conversation after the inspection which did a lot to comfort my concerns. This was a "project" car and needed to be evaluated accordingly, it was something that I had planned on doing a restoration on so I knew it needed some work. My only critique is that when the car was delivered there was a little more rust than I had expected, I wish that he had pointed that out, I accept some of the responsibility for not asking enough questions during our conversation. Overall I am extremely happy with the inspection service and would highly recommend Chris .

Andrew

26 years of experience
35 reviews
Andrew
26 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - belt tensioner coolant elbow - Las Vegas, Nevada
Andrew is amazing I would recommend him to anyone!

Lewis

16 years of experience
118 reviews
Lewis
16 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Am V6-3.4L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Dallas, Texas
Thanks for fixing my window, Lewis.

Excellent Rating

(2,128)

Rating Summary
1,986
77
17
12
36
1,986
77
17
12
36
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