Chevrolet K3500 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

(13)

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

(13)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a Chevrolet K3500 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $105 with $10 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1993 Chevrolet K3500V8-6.2L DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$145.49Shop/Dealer Price$163.12 - $193.49
1996 Chevrolet K3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$146.95Shop/Dealer Price$169.96 - $216.44
1999 Chevrolet K3500V8-6.5L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$155.13Shop/Dealer Price$180.18 - $232.80
1988 Chevrolet K3500V8-6.2L DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.11 - $173.48
1997 Chevrolet K3500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.87 - $278.71
1989 Chevrolet K3500V8-6.2L DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.13 - $173.52
1988 Chevrolet K3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$151.95Shop/Dealer Price$174.82 - $221.20
2000 Chevrolet K3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$119.97Shop/Dealer Price$135.22 - $157.90
Show example Chevrolet K3500 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 Chevrolet mechanics

Real customer reviews from Chevrolet owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(13)

Rating Summary
10
2
0
0
1
10
2
0
0
1

Daniel

21 years of experience
346 reviews
Daniel
21 years of experience
Chevrolet K3500 V8-5.7L - Alternator - Baytown, Texas
Daniel was friendly and honest. Thank you so much. Highly recommended

Kenneth

37 years of experience
16 reviews
Kenneth
37 years of experience
Chevrolet K3500 V8-7.4L - Radiator - Englewood, Colorado
Great guy!

Joel

21 years of experience
987 reviews
Joel
21 years of experience
Chevrolet K3500 V8-7.4L - Ignition Coil - Middleburg, Florida
He was completely professional an honest even though I had a rare problem he achieved our goal

Jerome

24 years of experience
415 reviews
Jerome
24 years of experience
Chevrolet K3500 V8-5.7L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - Baltimore, Maryland
On time, knowledgeable, professional and a good communicator. I am an engineer and I dont impress easily. Jerome has my confidance for any and all future work.

Excellent Rating

(13)

Rating Summary
10
2
0
0
1
10
2
0
0
1
Number of Chevrolet K3500 services completed
143+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Chevrolet MECHANICS
1600+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Long Does a Refrigerant Pressure Sensor (Switch) Last?
Your Your car’s air conditioning system helps keep you and your passengers cool and comfortable during hot weather. It also plays a role in operating the front defroster. In order to operate properly, the system needs a refrigerant – just...
How to Renew Your Car Registration in Nevada
There There are a number of benefits that come with living in Nevada. When first moving to Nevada, you will need to make sure that you have your car registered with the DMV. Every year, you will need to make...
How to Get a Car For Free When You Have a Disability
If If you have a disability it is often quite difficult to get around. This often limits your ability to find gainful employment, make it to appointments, and is even a barrier to essentials like buying groceries. You may be...

What Types of Trouble Codes Cause Lights to Come On in My Dash?

Different vehicles have a different number of lights on the dashboard to warn you of problems, some with just a few basic lights while others have plenty to distinguish between different issues. This article will cover just the bright yellow...

Need to find the location on the vehicle of TPMS ECU

Hello, and thank you for writing in. There is likely another fuse box on the inside of the cabin at the passenger floorboard. Check there first. Then you can check next to the fuses below the steering column buy the...

1987 300zx wouldn’t start but would fire up, changed the fuel pump now it won’t even fire up, the battery is charged

Failure to crank, that is no starter motor operation, does not implicate the fuel pump circuit in any way. First, the battery should be load tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection) to determine if it is usable. Batteries can "appear" charged but actually be...

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 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com