Solar Sensor: Description and Operation

ATC Sun Sensor:

The sun sensor is used on vehicles equipped with the automatic temperature control (ATC) system only. The sun sensor is mounted below the instrument panel top cover.

The sun sensor is not a thermistor type sensor, but rather a photo diode. For this reason the sun sensor responds to sun light intensity rather than temperature. The sun sensor is used to aid in determining proper mode and blend door positions and blower motor speed. The sun sensor is also used to sense day and night conditions for automatic headlight control, if equipped. The sun sensor has an LED indicator for the vehicle security system, if equipped.

The sun sensor is diagnosed using the DRBIII (R) scan tool.

The sun sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.