GMC C3500 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 GMC C3500 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
2000 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$134.97Shop/Dealer Price$149.97 - $172.45
1980 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1984 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1981 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.11 - $173.48
1992 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$125.49Shop/Dealer Price$143.15 - $173.55
1989 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1992 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$183.07Shop/Dealer Price$213.72 - $283.44
1990 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$130.49Shop/Dealer Price$148.37 - $178.94
Show example GMC C3500 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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Nolan

30 years of experience
216 reviews
Nolan
30 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-7.4L - Starter - Tucson, Arizona
Nolan was great and got the starter put on our truck fast!

Cesar

9 years of experience
292 reviews
Cesar
9 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-5.7L - Oil Change - Kirkland, Washington
Absolutely great experience from start to finish with Cesar. Very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything needed for my vehicle. I’ve been recommending all my friends, family, and coworkers to schedule their repairs thru your company. Keep up the good work!:)

AL

12 years of experience
237 reviews
AL
12 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-5.7L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Denver, Colorado
Al did an awesome job working on my truck - both times he came here. Not only was he quick and polite, he went out of his way to teach me about the engine and tighten bolts/fix little things here-and-there. He made absolutely sure it was running great before he left, and I really appreciated all the work he did and his professionalism. Thank you Al - I'll be recommending you to my friends!

Deane

11 years of experience
340 reviews
Deane
11 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-5.7L - Oil Change - San Diego, California
It was a great experience .

Excellent Rating

(15)

Rating Summary
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Number of GMC C3500 services completed
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services done by our mechanics
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