Diagnosis And Testing - Sun Sensor
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.
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. Refer to SENSOR, SUN, 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. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .