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 8
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 chafes against a sharp metal edge inside the dashboard, wearing through the insulation and shorting the signal wire to the constant power wire. This commonly occurs after driving on rough roads or after dashboard removal and installation.
- 2During front windshield replacement or dash cam installation, the technician accidentally damaged the sun sensor wiring harness, crushing the signal wire and power wire 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 terminals. This typically occurs in high-temperature, high-humidity environments or after driving through water.
- 4Internal sampling circuit fault in the air conditioning controller (thermal management ECU) abnormally pulling the signal line up to supply voltage, or water ingress into the controller connector causing a short circuit between terminals.
- 5A minor collision in the front or passenger compartment deforms and displaces the wiring harness bracket, causing the sun sensor wiring harness to 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 sun 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 and locate the sunlight sensor below the windscreen (usually integrated into the same module as the automatic headlight sensor). 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 has a short circuit, trace the sensor wiring harness to the air conditioning controller (located inside the dashboard or front compartment). Inspect the harness for wear or damaged insulation, focusing on the dashboard frame routing hole and firewall grommet. Repair and re-wrap the damaged wiring harness.
- 5If the sensor has an internal short circuit, replace the sunload sensor assembly (part number prefix is usually BC series). 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 while illuminating the sensor with a high-intensity flashlight, then while covering it. Confirm the voltage changes normally within the 0.5V-4.5V range. Road test the vehicle to verify the automatic air conditioning solar compensation function is restored.
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