Chrysler 2004 Concorde Service Manual page 1589

LH
SUN SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The sun sensor is only used on vehicles equipped
with Automatic Temperature Control (ATC). The sen-
sor is mounted on the top of the instrument panel
below the instrument panel top cover (Fig. 19).
Fig. 19 ATC SUN SENSOR
OPERATION
The sun sensor is not a thermistor type sensor but
rather a photo diode. For this reason the sun sensor
responds to sun light intensity rather than tempera-
ture. It is used to aid in determining proper mode
door position, temperature door position and blower
speed. The sun sensor is also used to sense day/night
conditions for automatic headlight control if so
equipped, and has an LED indicator for the vehicle
security system.
The sun sensor is not serviceable and must be
replaced if found to be defective.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUN SENSOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
The sun sensor is located so the sun hits the sen-
sor in the same way that it hits the driver and the
passenger. It is important that the area in front of
the sensor be unobstructed. Check that the following
items are not in the way of the sun sensor.
• Windshield wipers that are adjusted too high.
• Stickers on the windshield that are directly in
front of the sensor.
• Top cover which is not properly installed. The
sun sensor should be 1/4 inch. above the top cover.
• Caps or papers which might cover the sensor.
Some ATC equipped vehicles may exhibit a lack of
passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the
early afternoon. Verify that the ATC system is func-
tioning properly. Inspect the location of the sun sen-
sor. The sun sensor must protrude approximately 1/4
inch above the instrument panel top cover to insure
proper operation. If the sensor does not protrude 1/4
inch, perform the following procedure:
• Confirm that the top cover is properly installed
• Remove the top cover
• Remove fasteners from sun sensor
• Install one 1/4-20 nut per fastener under the sun
sensor so that it is shimmed higher
• Reinstall the sun sensor. Do not overtighten
screw. If a longer screw is required, use 8-15x1 inch.
Refer to the proper Diagnostic Information for the
electrical test.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Open the hood and disconnect the negative bat-
tery cable remote terminal from the remote battery
post.
(2) Remove the instrument panel top cover(Refer
to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two Sun Sensor mounting screws.
(4) Lift the sensor out of the instrument panel and
disconnect the wiring.
(5) Remove the sensor from the vehicle.
CONTROLS 24 - 21