Solar Sensor: Description and Operation

SUNLOAD SENSORS

The headlamp automatic control ambient light sensor is located on the center of the defroster grill. The defroster grill is on the top of the instrument panel. The headlamp automatic control ambient light sensor monitors the sun's solar radiation and uses this information as part of the automatic climate control system when operating in the AUTO mode. This sensor must not be covered if it is to function properly. Covering the sensor will cause it to not be able to compensate for changes in the amount of heat the vehicle is absorbing from the sun.

A 5-volt reference signal is sent from the heater and A/C control to the headlamp automatic control ambient light sensor over the 5 volt reference circuit. A variable photo-diode resistor inside the sensor varies the voltage. That varied voltage provides a signal to the software inside the heater and A/C control through the sun sensor input circuits. The headlamp automatic control ambient light sensor is grounded through the ground circuit.