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 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. If the vehicle exhibits a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the early afternoon, check for the following:
- Any items laying on top of the instrument panel are not covering the sun sensor.
- Any stickers on the windshield are not directly in front of the sun sensor.
- Confirm that the windshield wipers are properly adjusted.
- Confirm that the sun sensor is properly installed. Refer to SENSOR, SUN, INSTALLATION .
- Confirm that the defroster grille is properly installed. Refer to GRILLE, DEFROSTER, INSTALLATION .
The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) module 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 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (ATC) DIAGNOSTIC CODE INDEX .