Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual page 2267

24 - 24 CONTROLS - FRONT
INFRARED TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 19 Infrared Temperature Sensor
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
3 - INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The infrared temperature sensor consists of two
infrared transducers that are concealed behind a
clear lens located near the bottom of the center panel
outlet near the top of the instrument panel center
bezel (Fig. 19). These sensors are used only on mod-
els equipped with the optional Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (ATC) heating and air conditioning
system. A molded plastic connector receptacle on the
bottom of the panel outlet unit is concealed behind
the center bezel. A short, dedicated jumper wire har-
ness routed behind the center bezel connects the sen-
sors directly to the ATC heater-A/C control module
near the bottom of the center bezel. The infrared
temperature sensor is integral to the center bezel
panel outlet unit. The infrared sensors cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
center bezel panel outlet unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The dual infrared temperature sensors provide
independent measurement inputs to the Automatic
Temperature Control (ATC) heater-A/C control mod-
ule that indicates the surface temperature of the
driver seat and front seat passenger seat occupants.
By using a surface temperature measurement, rather
than an air temperature measurement, the ATC sys-
tem is able to adjust itself to the comfort level as per-
ceived by the occupant. This allows the system to
detect and compensate for other ambient conditions
affecting comfort levels, such as solar heat gain or
evaporative heat loss. The ATC system logic responds
to the infrared sensor inputs by calculating and
adjusting the air flow temperature and air flow rate
needed to properly obtain and maintain the individ-
ually selected comfort level temperatures of both the
driver and passenger seat occupants. The ATC heat-
er-A/C control module continually monitors the infra-
red sensor circuits, and will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any problem it detects. This
DTC information can be retrieved and the infrared
temperature sensor diagnosed using a DRBIII scan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 20 Mode Door Actuator
1 - CONNECTOR
2 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - DRIVER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE ONLY)
5 - HEATER CORE
6 - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (SINGLE ZONE) OR PASSENGER
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE)
The mode door actuator is a reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motor (Fig. 20). The sin-
gle mode door actuator is located on the driver side
end of the heater-A/C housing unit, close to the top of
the distribution housing. The mode door actuator is
mechanically connected to the mode door. The mode
door actuator is interchangeable with the actuators
for the blend air door(s) and the recirculation air
door. Each actuator is contained within an identical
black molded plastic housing with an integral wire
connector receptacle. Two integral mounting tabs
allow the actuator to be secured with two screws to
the heater-A/C unit housing. Each actuator also has
an identical output shaft with splines that connects
RS