Sun Sensor
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, 2002 Chrysler Intrepid, 2002 Chrysler Concorde, and 2002 Chrysler 300M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The sun sensor is only used on vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Control (ATC). The sensor is mounted on the top of the instrument panel below the instrument panel top cover. See Fig 1 .
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 temperature. 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.