Saturn SL 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 SL Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $114 with $19 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$205.99Shop/Dealer Price$238.74 - $314.49
1991 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1992 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1999 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$133.89Shop/Dealer Price$153.61 - $190.28
2001 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$133.89Shop/Dealer Price$153.65 - $190.35
1994 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$185.99Shop/Dealer Price$218.76 - $294.52
1997 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$190.99Shop/Dealer Price$223.62 - $299.28
2002 Saturn SLL4-1.9LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$138.89Shop/Dealer Price$158.87 - $195.74
Show example Saturn SL 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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Meet some of our expert Saturn mechanics

Real customer reviews from Saturn owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(31)

Rating Summary
28
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28
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Ricardo

23 years of experience
199 reviews
Ricardo
23 years of experience
Saturn SL L4-1.9L - Speedometer is not working - Miami, Florida
Though I have owned my car now for close to 20 years, this was my very first time using YourMechanic and I am extreeeemely impressed with the entire service I received today - online on the website, on the phone with customer service, and in person.with my mechanic Ricardo. Very pleased with how punctual, professional, courteous and, most of all, knowledgeable Ricardo was regarding issues with my 1999 Saturn SL (an older car and yet he was quite informed about the parts, the problems, and how to fix my speed sensor etc.). I will be not only using YourMechanic in the future for subsequent service to my car, but I will be specifically requesting Ricardo to be my mechanic!

Kemoy

22 years of experience
58 reviews
Kemoy
22 years of experience
Saturn SL L4-1.9L - Car idle is rough - Miami, Florida
Once again, I was extremely pleased with the service I received with a Your Mechanic mobile mechanic. This was my first experience with Kemoy Burke. I have nothing but positive things to say about this mechanic. He was punctual (in fact he came early). He was very knowledgeable about my car, was able to determine what was causing a specific problem I was having, fixed the problem, and also provided us with a lot of valuable info related to our car. I will definitely be booking more appointments through Your Mechanic and will be requesting Kemoy!

William

17 years of experience
95 reviews
William
17 years of experience
Saturn SL L4-1.9L - Valve Cover Gasket - Denver, Colorado
Very knowledgeable mechanic

Chris

20 years of experience
448 reviews
Chris
20 years of experience
Saturn SL L4-1.9L - Starter - Portland, Oregon
This is our second time using Chris ad our mechanic, for a second car. Always very punctual, nice, and informative. Will once again call on him if we need more work.

Excellent Rating

(31)

Rating Summary
28
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1
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1
28
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Number of Saturn SL services completed
341+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Saturn MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

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