Solar Sensor: Testing and Inspection
SUN SENSORWARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
The sun sensor is located so the sun hits the sensor in the same way that it hits the driver and the passenger. It is important that the area in front of the sensor be unobstructed. Check that the following items are not in the way of the sun sensor.
- Windshield wipers that are adjusted too high.
- Stickers on the windshield that are directly in front of the sensor.
- Top cover which is not properly installed. The sun sensor should be 1/4 inch. above the top cover.
- Caps or papers which might cover the sensor. Some ATC equipped vehicles may exhibit a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the early afternoon. Verify that the ATC system is functioning properly. Inspect the location of the sun sensor. The sun sensor must protrude approximately 1/4 inch above the instrument panel top cover to insure proper operation. If the sensor does not protrude 1/4 inch, perform the following procedure:
- Confirm that the top cover is properly installed
- Remove the top cover
- Remove fasteners from sun sensor
- Install one 1/4-20 nut per fastener under the sun sensor so that it is shimmed higher
- Reinstall the sun sensor. Do not overtighten screw. If a longer screw is required, use 8-15x1 inch.