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.
Sun sensor (electronic climate control only)
The sun sensor transmits information about sun intensity to the climate control module (CCM).
The sun sensor consists of a photo diode which is supplied with power from the control module. The conductivity of the diode depends on the amount of light to which it is exposed. The diode is located under a diffusing lens which reduces the sensitivity of the photo diode to the angle of the light hitting it. Increased sun intensity reduces the voltage over the photo diode. The control module measures the voltage over the photo diode and compensates for high sun intensity by lowering the ventilation air temperature, changing the distribution of air and increasing the speed of the blower fan.
The climate control module (CCM) starts to compensate the blower fan speed at a sun intensity of 400 W/m2 and reaches maximum compensation at a sun intensity of 1000 W/m2 .
The sun sensor is located in the middle of the dashboard by the windshield.
There are diagnostics for the sun 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.