Solar Sensor: Description and Operation

Solar Sensor:

The sun load sensor is a light-sensitive photo-diode that monitors the heat load of the sun on the vehicle. The sensors are located on top of the Instrument panel, on either side of the defroster grill, where sunlight can reach the sensors.

As sunlight intensity increases, resistance of the sensor decreases. As sunlight intensity decreases, resistance increases.

The heater and A/C programmer compares the sun load sensor reading to the inside temperature reading and then determines how much cooling is required to reach and maintain the desired SET temperature.