Solar sensor???

[jpmondalek]

Any idea what this does?

http://www.eurospares.co.uk/partsListing.asp?M=3&Mo=496&A=2&B=28231&S=&ID4=1164621

My front windscreen has a high quality clear tint to block out UVs and keept interior cool...could this be screwing with my A/C and external temp reading???

I was under impression external temp was recorded by the sensor under the side view mirror.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Easyplan66]

not sure JP I am sure Loz will be along soon to let you know.

 

[barbuckle]

From another car forum (but air con systems are pretty similar in any make):
In order for a/c to maintain the set temperature it takes readings from the in cabin sensor ( little grille on dash) the solar sensor ( when the sun is shining the temp feels less cool so it compensates) and the ambient sensor located in the front of the car.

Sounds like the same sensors to me?

 

[jpmondalek]

Thanks for the responses...here are some additional thoughts

I still get erroneous external temp readings showing a flashing snowflake...if it drops below 35 F then the A/C refuses to blow cold air...oddly enough, this also occasionally happens at night. I sometimes can go for a whole day without this issue, but more likely than not, it happens all the time...thankfully weather is getting nicer everyday now in Dubai...but it was impossible to drive the car in the warmer months!

P.s. My garage just replaced the ext temp sensor (located under side mirror), but to no avail.

 

[Torenno Performance]

JP, might be worth checking your internal temp sensor in the cabin.

Mine had gone a little funny and would only blow hot air when the temperature was really turned up. The sensor was was reading around 25c when it was only around 15c. This was identified via the SD3, where you can check the temperature that the internal sensor is registering.

Thanks

Noor

 

[conaero]

JP, aircon is a can or worms, waiting to be opened. I would 100% do as Noor suggests, otherwise you will go replacing parts that are needless and waste time and money in the process.