Relays and Sensors

Inside Air Temperature Sensor Description

The inside air temperature sensor is located just left of the ignition switch. The automatic climate control system uses this sensor to receive information on the air temperature inside the passenger's compartment. If this sensor is covered or blocked off, the automatic mode will not be able to maintain the appropriate in-car temperature setting.

Ambient Temperature Sensor Description

The outside air temperature sensor is located in the front grill area under the front bumper of the vehicle. The HVAC control head uses this sensor to receive information on ambient air temperature. With this information, the HVAC control head will give the driver the outside air temperature on the digital display. If the outside temperature increases, the displayed temperature will not change until:

- The vehicle's speed is above 32 km/h (20 mph) for approximately one and a half minutes.

- The vehicle's speed is above 72 km/h (45 mph) for approximately on minute.

These delays help prevent false readings. If the displayed temperature goes down, the outside temperature display is updated immediately. If the vehicle has been turned off for more than three hours, the current outside temperature will be shown when the vehicle is started. If it has been turned off for less than three hours, the temperature will be recalled from the previous vehicle operation.

Sun Load Sensor Description

The sunload sensor is located on the top right hand side of the defroster grill. The defroster grill is on the top of the instrument panel. The sunload sensor monitors the sun's solar radiation and uses this information as part of the automatic climate control system when operating in the AUTO mode. This sensor must not be covered if it is to function properly. Covering this sensor will cause it to not be able to compensate for changes in the amount of heat the vehicle is absorbing from the sun.