Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Cadillac SRX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The ambient light/sunload sensor integrates the sunload and passenger compartment temperature functions within a single assembly.
The solar sensor uses 4 unique circuits as detailed below:
- Low reference circuit - This is a common ground for the ambient light/sunload sensor assembly.
- Temperature signal circuit - This is the signal circuit for the temperature sensor.
- Clock signal circuit - This has 2 functions, via a high side PWM signal, the HVAC control module supplies power to the sensor as well as a clock input for the sensor microprocessor.
- Sunload signal circuit - This is used as an output from the solar sensor to the HVAC control module to transmit sun heat (IR) intensity, elevation, and azimuth data.
The passenger compartment temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. As the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. The sensor signal varies between 0-5 V.
Bright or high intensity light causes the vehicles interior temperature to increase. The automatic HVAC system compensates for the increased temperature by diverting additional cool air into the vehicle.