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Saturn L100 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 L100 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
2001 Saturn L100L4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$205.99Shop/Dealer Price$238.74 - $314.49
2002 Saturn L100L4-2.2LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$169.29Shop/Dealer Price$197.88 - $261.12
Show example Saturn L100 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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Number of Saturn L100 services completed
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services done by our mechanics
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Excellent Rating

(6)
Rating Summary
5
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5
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1
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Victor

32 years of experience
15 reviews
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Victor
32 years of experience
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by Ryma
Saturn L100 L4-2.2L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Orlando, Florida
I think the service was okay for the price. The price was expensive and I w as told that someone should have come out before to inspect the car but they did not. Therefore, I had to reshedule to get other needed services which are going to cost more money and time for someone to come out again. I would have preferred to get all the services at the same time, but was unable to do that.

David

13 years of experience
400 reviews
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David
13 years of experience
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by Rossini
Saturn L100 L4-2.2L - Noise from engine or exhaust - Kennesaw, Georgia
David is a very competent and friendly professional. He arrived on time. He answered all of the questions that I proposed. David completed a thorough diagnosis of our engine problems and did a 50 point inspection of the vehicle. I am extremely impressed with David and the platform of "Your Mechanic" . I highly reccommend David and "Your Mechanic".

Ian

15 years of experience
133 reviews
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Ian
15 years of experience
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by Mike
Saturn L100 L4-2.2L - Cooling System Flush - Edmonds, Washington
Ian showed up early, which was great, (beat the rain). He was very nice, asked if I had any concerns or issues. I told him why I had him come out and he suggested a quick test. Everything was fine, he did the flush. He did an inspection. All looked good. I would recommend Ian to anyone needing service. It's really nice to be able to actually talk with the mechanic instead of just somebody behind a desk. I plan to call Ian for future work if/when needed. Thank You Ian!

Manuel

32 years of experience
579 reviews
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Manuel
32 years of experience
Request Manuel
by Michael
Saturn L100 L4-2.2L - Brake Drum - Mission Viejo, California
Very pleased with the service and ease of use. Manuel was on time and pleasant to work with. He kept me informed throughout the process and showed me what would be replaced with new parts. After test driving the vehicle, he recommended future service. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.

Excellent Rating

(6)
Rating Summary
5
0
1
0
0
5
0
1
0
0
Number of Saturn L100 services completed
66+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Saturn MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

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