GMC K1500 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

(40)

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

(40)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a GMC K1500 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $110 with $15 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1995 GMC K1500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$198.07Shop/Dealer Price$228.84 - $298.65
1996 GMC K1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1982 GMC K1500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1992 GMC K1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.74 - $294.48
1985 GMC K1500V8-5.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.77 - $294.55
1986 GMC K1500V8-5.7LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$178.07Shop/Dealer Price$208.86 - $278.68
1998 GMC K1500V8-6.5L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$195.65Shop/Dealer Price$229.45 - $308.60
1997 GMC K1500V8-6.5L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$130.49Shop/Dealer Price$148.37 - $178.94
Show example GMC K1500 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 GMC mechanics

Real customer reviews from GMC owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(40)

Rating Summary
39
1
0
0
0
39
1
0
0
0

Ramon

20 years of experience
166 reviews
Ramon
20 years of experience
GMC K1500 V6-4.3L - Fuel Filter - Tucson, Arizona
He handled a tough job with great professionalism. Will ask for Ramon on future projects.

Luis

4 years of experience
130 reviews
Luis
4 years of experience
GMC K1500 V8-5.7L - Oil Change - Mechanicsville, Virginia
Luis was just here for an oil change, my daughters truck needs some brake attention and I feel very comfortable with Luis doing the work for her. Will be making another appointment with him! Very knowledgeable, thorough and friendly!

Richard

13 years of experience
601 reviews
Richard
13 years of experience
GMC K1500 V8-5.7L - Car AC Repair - Las Vegas, Nevada
Second time having Richard work on my vehicle. Great experience.

Terry

26 years of experience
326 reviews
Terry
26 years of experience
GMC K1500 V8-5.7L - Water Pump - Gilbert, Arizona
Terry was very professional, and proficient, I was impressed, and sure to recommend him to all my family and friends!!

Excellent Rating

(40)

Rating Summary
39
1
0
0
0
39
1
0
0
0
Number of GMC K1500 services completed
440+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT GMC MECHANICS
900+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Mazda 3: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact sedans and hatchbacks provide a great ride on a budget, with the evolution from a stodgy, unattractive exterior (and interior!) to a more fully-featured trim set and exterior design. Driving enjoyment is improved throughout the class, which are known...
How Long Does a Shift Interlock Solenoid Last?
Modern Modern transmissions are much more advanced than they were only a few decades ago, particularly automatic transmission. There are many new features and designs on the market, ranging from ‘slick’ shifting transmissions to manual shift paddles on the steering...
How Long Does a Rear Window Defogger Switch Last?
Your Your car’s cabin protects you and your passengers from the elements, harsh sunlight, wind and more. However, having an enclosed cabin can lead to visibility problems when the air is particularly humid. While your front defogger works through the...

How Do I Check If My Tires Are In Good Condition?

Checking a tire’s condition is a simple matter of performing a visual inspection, checking for a few specific things. The first thing you want to check is if your tire tread is in good condition. The tire tread (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-tires-work) should...

The engine loses power after a longer drive

It is possible that your fuel pump would be getting weak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-fuel-pump-usually-last). Often times if the fuel level is run low many times, this can cause the fuel pump to overheat. If the fuel pump overheats, this can cause it...

vdc and service engine soon lights on

The VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) is part of the vehicles traction control system. The traction control system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/traction-control-light-is-on-inspection) monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the...

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