Saturn LW200 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 Saturn LW200 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $132 with $37 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2003 Saturn LW200L4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$189.29Shop/Dealer Price$217.87 - $281.09
2002 Saturn LW200L4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.88 - $261.12
2001 Saturn LW200L4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.88 - $261.12
Show example Saturn LW200 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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(1,658)

Rating Summary
1,541
69
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1,541
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TJ

26 years of experience
362 reviews
TJ
26 years of experience
Saturn LW200 L4-2.2L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Cape Coral, Florida
Very knowledgeable man well recommended by IOD

David

21 years of experience
107 reviews
David
21 years of experience
Saturn LW200 L4-2.2L - Inspection / Diagnostics - Denver, Colorado
HE DID COME ONTIME BUT HE ONLY STAY ABOUT LESS THAN 30 MIN. AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT GAS LEAK WHICH I ALREADY KNOW AND THE COOLANT LEAK HE SAYS THE PART IS COST 450 FOR THE GAS LEAK BUT HE DIDDNT TELL ME HOW MUCH FOR THE COOLANT LEAK AND I ASK HIM TO EMAIL ME THE RESULTH OF THE DIAGNOSTIC SO I WOULD KNOW THE NAME OF THE PART HE SAID HE WILL BUT ITS BEEN MORE THAN 2 WEEKS NOW I HAVE NOT RECIEVE ANY. I PAY 60.00 DIAGNOSTIC THAT HAVE NOT GIVING ME A PAPER FOR WHAT IS DIANOSE FOR. NOW IM STILL TAKING MY CAR TO A REAL MECHANIC AND THE SAME THING I HAVE TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSE ANOTHER 60 DOLLORS BECAUSE IF I HAVE THE RECEIPT OR PAPER WORK FROM DAVID THEN I DONT HAVE TO PAY A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC.

Joel

21 years of experience
987 reviews
Joel
21 years of experience
Saturn SL1 L4-1.9L - Valve Cover Gasket - Jacksonville, Florida
Joel is always prompt, professional and people friendly.

Ryan

12 years of experience
47 reviews
Ryan
12 years of experience
Saturn Aura V6-3.5L - Oil Change - San Diego, California
I am completely pleased by the way Ryan conducted themselves and handled the entire procedure.

Excellent Rating

(1,658)

Rating Summary
1,541
69
14
7
27
1,541
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14
7
27
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