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Solar Sensor

Heating and Air Conditioning › Sensors and Switches - HVAC
Unified entry — merged from multiple cross-listed pages in the original manual.
Procedures
Sun Sensor - Installation3 steps
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  1. Position the sun sensor (1) to the top of the instrument panel and connect the wire harness connector (2) to the sensor.
  2. Align the tab on the sun sensor (1) with the slot in the opening in the defroster grille (2) and install the sensor onto the grille. Make sure that the sensor is fully engaged to the defroster grille.
  3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Sun Sensor - Removal3 steps
⚠ WARNING
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. 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 follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
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Fig. 3
Fig. 3
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
  2. Using Trim Stick or equivalent, remove the sun sensor (1) from the defroster grille (2).
  3. Disconnect the wire harness connector (2) from the sun sensor (1) and remove the sensor.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Removal3 steps
ℹ NOTE
Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
ℹ NOTE
Typical overhead console shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the overhead console (1) from the headliner and place it on a workbench Front Overhead Console - Removal.
  3. Remove the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor (3) to the back of the overhead console and remove the sensor.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Installation4 steps
ℹ NOTE
Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
ℹ NOTE
Typical overhead console shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
  1. Position the infrared sensor (3) onto the back of the overhead console (1). Align the tab (4) on the sensor with the slot in the console.
  2. Install the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor(s) to the overhead console. Tighten the screw to 1.2 Nm (10 in. lbs).
  3. Install the overhead console Front Overhead Console - Installation.
  4. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Solar Sensor: Testing and Inspectionreference
⚠ WARNING
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. 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 follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUN SENSOR The sun sensor is located so that the sun rays will hit the sensors in the same way that it will hit the driver and the passenger. If the vehicle exhibits a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the early afternoon, inspect the area around the sun sensor on top of the dash panel. It is important that the area of the sun sensor be unobstructed from plain view. Check for the following: -Sun sensor is properly installed Sun Sensor - Installation. -Any stickers on the windshield are not directly in front of the sun sensor. -Any items laying on top of the instrument panel are not covering the sun sensor. -Windshield wipers are properly adjusted. The A/C-heater control continually monitors the sun sensor circuits and will store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for any problem it detects. The sun sensor can be tested in the vehicle with a scan tool Testing and Inspection.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Descriptionreference
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
DESCRIPTION The infrared temperature sensor (1) consists of an infrared transducer concealed behind a clear lens (4) located in a molded plastic housing with an integral wire connector receptacle (2) and mounting and alignment tabs (3 and 5). The infrared sensor is used only on models equipped with the automatic temperature control (ATC) heating-A/C system.
Sun Sensor - Descriptionreference
ℹ NOTE
Typical sun sensor assembly shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
DESCRIPTION The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) heating-A/C system uses a sun sensor (1) to measure sun light intensity. The sun sensor incorporates two sun load sensors (2) within a molded plastic case which is mounted to the instrument panel and a clear lens (3) that protrudes through the defroster grille. The wire harness receptacle (4) connects the sun sensor to the vehicle electrical system.
Sun Sensor - Installation3 steps
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
  1. Position the sun sensor (1) to the top of the instrument panel and connect the wire harness connector (2) to the sensor.
  2. Align the tab on the sun sensor (1) with the slot in the opening in the defroster grille (2) and install the sensor onto the grille. Make sure that the sensor is fully engaged to the defroster grille.
  3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Sun Sensor - Removal3 steps
⚠ WARNING
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. 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 follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
  2. Using Trim Stick or equivalent, remove the sun sensor (1) from the defroster grille (2).
  3. Disconnect the wire harness connector (2) from the sun sensor (1) and remove the sensor.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Removal3 steps
ℹ NOTE
Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
ℹ NOTE
Typical overhead console shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
  1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the overhead console (1) from the headliner and place it on a workbench Front Overhead Console - Removal.
  3. Remove the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor (3) to the back of the overhead console and remove the sensor.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Installation4 steps
ℹ NOTE
Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
ℹ NOTE
Typical overhead console shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
  1. Position the infrared sensor (3) onto the back of the overhead console (1). Align the tab (4) on the sensor with the slot in the console.
  2. Install the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor(s) to the overhead console. Tighten the screw to 1.2 Nm (10 in. lbs).
  3. Install the overhead console Front Overhead Console - Installation.
  4. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Solar Sensor: Testing and Inspectionreference
⚠ WARNING
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. 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 follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUN SENSOR The sun sensor is located so that the sun rays will hit the sensors in the same way that it will hit the driver and the passenger. If the vehicle exhibits a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the early afternoon, inspect the area around the sun sensor on top of the dash panel. It is important that the area of the sun sensor be unobstructed from plain view. Check for the following: -Sun sensor is properly installed Sun Sensor - Installation. -Any stickers on the windshield are not directly in front of the sun sensor. -Any items laying on top of the instrument panel are not covering the sun sensor. -Windshield wipers are properly adjusted. The A/C-heater control continually monitors the sun sensor circuits and will store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for any problem it detects. The sun sensor can be tested in the vehicle with a scan tool Testing and Inspection.
Infrared Temperature Sensor - Descriptionreference
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
DESCRIPTION The infrared temperature sensor (1) consists of an infrared transducer concealed behind a clear lens (4) located in a molded plastic housing with an integral wire connector receptacle (2) and mounting and alignment tabs (3 and 5). The infrared sensor is used only on models equipped with the automatic temperature control (ATC) heating-A/C system.
Sun Sensor - Descriptionreference
ℹ NOTE
Typical sun sensor assembly shown.
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
DESCRIPTION The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) heating-A/C system uses a sun sensor (1) to measure sun light intensity. The sun sensor incorporates two sun load sensors (2) within a molded plastic case which is mounted to the instrument panel and a clear lens (3) that protrudes through the defroster grille. The wire harness receptacle (4) connects the sun sensor to the vehicle electrical system.
Factory service manual
From the 2008 KK factory manual — descriptions, specs, torque & procedures for this part.
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
Lens
The infrared temperature sensor (1) consists of an infrared transducer concealed behind a clear lens (4) located in a molded plastic housing with an integral wire connector receptacle (2) and mounting and alignment tabs (3 and 5).
The infrared sensor is used only on models equipped with the automatic temperature control (ATC) heating- A/C system.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation emitted by the driver and front seat occupants and surroundings and converts its data into a linear pulse width modulated (PWM) output signal which is read by the automatic
temperature control (ATC) A/C-heater control. The ATC A/C-heater control uses the infrared sensor data as one of the inputs necessary to automatically control the interior cabin temperature level. By using thermal radiation (surface temperature) measurement, rather than an air temperature measurement, the ATC heating-A/C system is able to adjust itself to the comfort level as perceived by the front seat occupants. This allows the ATC system to compensate for other ambient conditions affecting comfort levels, such as solar heat gain or evaporative heat loss.
The ATC system logic responds to the infrared sensor message by calculating and adjusting the air flow temperature and air flow rate needed to properly obtain and maintain the selected comfort level temperature of the occupants. The A/C-heater control continually monitors the infrared sensor circuit, and will store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for any problem it detects.
The infrared sensor is diagnosed using a scan tool (refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS article for more information).
The infrared sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
NOTE: Typical overhead console shown in graphic.
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. 2. Remove the overhead console (1) from the headliner and place it on a workbench. 3. Remove the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor (3) to the back of the overhead console and remove
the sensor.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
NOTE: Typical overhead console shown in graphic.
1. Position the infrared sensor (3) onto the back of the overhead console (1). Align the tab (4) on the sensor with the slot in the console. 2. Install the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor(s) to the overhead console. Tighten the screw to 1.2 N.m (10 in. lbs). 3. Install the overhead console. 4. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TRANSDUCER-A/C PRESSURE
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
Lens
The infrared temperature sensor (1) consists of an infrared transducer concealed behind a clear lens (4) located in a molded plastic housing with an integral wire connector receptacle (2) and mounting and alignment tabs (3 and 5).
The infrared sensor is used only on models equipped with the automatic temperature control (ATC) heating- A/C system.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation emitted by the driver and front seat occupants and surroundings and converts its data into a linear pulse width modulated (PWM) output signal which is read by the automatic
temperature control (ATC) A/C-heater control. The ATC A/C-heater control uses the infrared sensor data as one of the inputs necessary to automatically control the interior cabin temperature level. By using thermal radiation (surface temperature) measurement, rather than an air temperature measurement, the ATC heating-A/C system is able to adjust itself to the comfort level as perceived by the front seat occupants. This allows the ATC system to compensate for other ambient conditions affecting comfort levels, such as solar heat gain or evaporative heat loss.
The ATC system logic responds to the infrared sensor message by calculating and adjusting the air flow temperature and air flow rate needed to properly obtain and maintain the selected comfort level temperature of the occupants. The A/C-heater control continually monitors the infrared sensor circuit, and will store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for any problem it detects.
The infrared sensor is diagnosed using a scan tool (refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS article for more information).
The infrared sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
NOTE: Typical overhead console shown in graphic.
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. 2. Remove the overhead console (1) from the headliner and place it on a workbench. 3. Remove the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor (3) to the back of the overhead console and remove
the sensor.
figure
SENSOR-INFRARED📷 1
NOTE: Take the proper precautions to protect the front face of the overhead console from cosmetic damage while performing this procedure.
NOTE: Typical overhead console shown in graphic.
1. Position the infrared sensor (3) onto the back of the overhead console (1). Align the tab (4) on the sensor with the slot in the console. 2. Install the screw (2) that secures the infrared sensor(s) to the overhead console. Tighten the screw to 1.2 N.m (10 in. lbs). 3. Install the overhead console. 4. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
TRANSDUCER-A/C PRESSURE
figure