Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Sunload Sensors
The sunload sensor assembly houses both the driver's and passenger's side sensors, and is located on each side of defrost grille. The sensor assembly provides the Instrument Panel Module (IPM) with the amount of sun light entering the vehicle through the driver's and passenger's side of windshield. A reference signal is sent from the IPM to the sunload sensor. A variable photo-diode resistor inside the sensor varies the voltage. The varied voltage provides a separate driver and passenger signal to the IPM. The sunload sensor also provides an average reading for the twilight sentinel feature. The remaining voltage is sent back to the IPM, providing input from the sensor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.