Sunload Sensor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Cadillac Seville. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The sunload sensor is a 2 wire photo diode. The vehicle uses left and right sunload sensors. Low reference and signal circuits enable the sensor to operate. As the sunload increases, the sensor signal decreases. The sensor operates within an intensity range between completely dark and bright. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 volts. The HVAC Control Module converts the signal to a range between 0-255 counts.

The sunload sensor provides the HVAC Control Module a measurement of the amount of light shining on the vehicle. Bright, or high intensity, light causes the vehicles inside temperature to increase. The HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle. If sensor is open, no sunload condition occurs. If sensor is shorted, maximum sunload condition occurs with increased cooling mode.