This DTC indicates the signal circuit of the automatic air conditioning system’s sun sensor (solar intensity sensor) has shorted to the vehicle power supply (B+, usually a constant 12V supply) — Atto 3
This DTC indicates the signal circuit of the automatic air conditioning system’s sun sensor (solar intensity sensor) has shorted to the vehicle power supply (B+, usually a constant 12V supply).
The sun sensor generally uses a photodiode or photoresistor.
During normal operation, the sensor outputs an analog voltage signal of 0.1-4.9V to the air conditioning controller (integrated into the thermal management module).
The signal voltage increases as sunlight intensity increases.
When the signal wire shorts to power, the controller detects the voltage remains continuously above 4.9V (close to battery voltage, 12-14V) and logs a short-to-power fault.
This fault disables the automatic air conditioning system's solar compensation function.
The air conditioning controller cannot automatically adjust outlet air temperature and blower speed based on sunlight intensity.
In extreme cases, the short-circuit current may burn out the air conditioning controller's internal sampling circuit.
Consequently, the system reports a severe fault and may enter protection mode.
- 1The sunlight sensor wiring harness rubs against a sharp metal edge inside the dashboard, damaging the insulation. The signal wire contacts the constant power wire, causing a short circuit. This commonly occurs after driving on rough roads or after dashboard removal and installation.
- 2During windscreen replacement or dash cam installation, the technician damaged the sun sensor wiring harness, pinching the signal and power wires together and causing a short circuit.
- 3Internal photoelectric element breakdown or seal failure in the sun sensor causes an internal short circuit between the signal and power supply terminals. This typically occurs in high-temperature, high-humidity environments or after the vehicle drives through water.
- 4Internal fault in the air conditioning controller (thermal management ECU) sampling circuit abnormally pulling the signal line up to supply voltage, or water ingress into the controller connector causing a short circuit between terminals.
- 5After a minor collision in the front or passenger compartment, the wiring harness bracket deforms and shifts, causing the sunlight sensor wiring harness to interfere with and chafe against constant power circuits such as the cigarette lighter and reading lamp.
- 1Use the VDS2100 diagnostic tool to read the DTC freeze frame, confirm the sunlight sensor voltage when the fault occurred (usually reading above 5.0V or 12V), and observe if the current data stream remains abnormal.
- 2Remove the upper dashboard trim panel. Locate the sunlight sensor below the windscreen (usually integrated into the same module as the automatic headlight sensor) and disconnect the sensor connector.
- 3Measure the voltage between the sensor connector signal pin (usually pin 2) and ground. If the voltage remains 12V, the wiring harness has a short circuit. If the voltage is 0V, the sensor has an internal short circuit.
- 4If the wiring harness is shorted, trace the sensor wiring harness to the air conditioning controller (located inside the dashboard or front compartment). Inspect the wiring harness for wear or damaged insulation, focusing on the dashboard frame routing hole and the firewall grommet. Repair and re-wrap the damaged wiring harness.
- 5If the sensor has an internal short circuit, replace the sunload sensor assembly (part numbers usually have a BC-series prefix). After replacement, use a diagnostic tool to perform A/C system self-learning or sensor calibration (required on some models).
- 6Clear the fault code. Read the data stream under both bright flashlight illumination and shaded conditions. Confirm the voltage changes normally within the 0.5V-4.5V range. Road test the vehicle to verify the automatic air conditioning sunload compensation function operates normally.
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