Solar Sensor: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, 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 OR DEATH.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument panel top cover.

Sun Sensor:

3. Remove the two screws that secure the sun sensor to the instrument panel.
4. Lift the sun sensor out of the instrument panel and disconnect the wiring harness from the sensor.
5. Remove the sun sensor from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Position the sun sensor to the top of the instrument panel.
2. Connect the wiring harness connector to the sun sensor.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the sun sensor retaining screws or damage to the instrument panel may occur.

3. Install the two screws that secure the sun sensor to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (17 in. lbs.).
4. Install the instrument panel top cover.
5. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION: The sun sensor should be 6 mm (1/4 in.) above the top cover to insure proper operation. If the sensor is not properly positioned, vehicles may exhibit a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather.

Inspect the position of the sun sensor in the instrument panel top cover after installation of the sensor. If the sensor is not properly positioned, perform the following procedure.
1. Confirm that the instrument panel top cover is properly installed. If not, repair as required.
2. Remove the instrument panel top cover.
3. Remove the screws that secure the sun sensor to the instrument panel.

NOTE: If longer screws are required to secure the sun sensor after shimming, use 8-15 x 1 inch screws, or equivalent.

4. Install a 1/4-20 nut (or equivalent) under the sensor at each screw location, so that the sun sensor is positioned higher on the instrument panel.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the sun sensor retaining screws or damage to the instrument panel may occur.

5. Reinstall the two screws that secure the sun sensor to the instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (17 in. lbs.).
6. Reinstall the instrument panel top cover.