Solar Sensor: Testing and Inspection

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 NEGATIVE BATTERY (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.

The sun sensor assembly is located so that the sun rays will hit the sensors in the same way that it will hit the driver and the passenger. It is important that the area in front of the sun sensor assembly be unobstructed.
Check for the following:
- Windshield wipers are properly adjusted.
- Instrument panel top cover or sun sensor is properly installed. The sun sensor should be 6 mm (1/4 in.) above the top cover.
- Any stickers on the windshield are not directly in front of the sensor.
- Any items laying on the instrument top pad are not covering 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 should be 6 mm (1/4 in.) above the top cover to insure proper operation. 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.
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.

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

5. Reinstall the screws that secure the sun sensor. Do not overtighten the screws.
6. Reinstall the instrument panel top cover.

The sun sensor can be tested in the vehicle with the DRBIII (R) scan tool.