What On Earth Is This Sensor For?

[diamondjo]

Hey guys, I just noticed this sensor on my dashboard this morning. It looks like a light sensor or something, but I haven't noticed anything on the car that reacts to ambient light. I'm pretty sure it's not a sensor for the windscreen wipers either, because I don't have any of those fancy automated wipers. Were automated wipers even an option on the R33? I didn't think so

Anyhoo, if anyone could shed some light I'd appreciate it

Cheers

[Munkyb0y]

i think its a sensor for your aircon

when direct sunlight hits it, it jacks up the aircon to counter the sun. i think it only works in AUTO mode

i may however be totally wrong.....

[diamondjo]

I guess it's possible, but I think the air con works off a temperature sensor in the dash. If I could be naffed, I would break open the dash and see where the wires go... but I can't

[Munkyb0y]

yeah of course there's the normal a/c sensor in the dash

this is an additional sensor for direct sunlight afaik

[Duncan]

yep "sun load sensor" in addition to the normal in cabin temp

[Reggi34dr]

one of the first sensors in the a/c system to go faulty.

found that after doing a diagnostic check on my a/c system.

[diamondjo]

Thank you all. Sun Load Sensor hey. Who'da thunk'et

[Dragonforce]

How the hell do u get it out to look at it?

and is there sumthing to replace it with?

Cheers guys

[Duncan]

well when I did the aircon diagnostics I got a fail from the sun load sensor.

Then I realised I was testing it in the garage where there was no sun load. Took it outside and retested and voila it worked.

[Dragonforce]

Argh stupid senors, why didnt they just make it so when auto was off they didnt affect anything. Instead im getting warm air over anything but 18. (r33) the only error i got up in diagnostics was sun sensor... outside.

[dmr]

i've been wondering what the hell that sensor was for a long time! thanks.

[infamous_t]

you'll also notice that when you drive at night under street lights your aircon display will go brighter and darker to compensate for the amount of light the sensor gets

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

Mine is also only cold air on 18. Is this sensor definately the cause of this? Can it be replaced at a reasonable price?

[Kinks]

you'll also notice that when you drive at night under street lights your aircon display will go brighter and darker to compensate for the amount of light the sensor gets

Generally I watch the road when I'm driving, so I haven't noticed