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What is this?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by SuperABM, Dec 21, 2012.

  1. SuperABM

    SuperABM Junior Member

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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1356120932.963958.jpg
    It looks like some kind of light sensor maybe? Right under the windshield on the dash. If auto headlights aren't an option what else would it be for?
     
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I'm not familiar off hand with the Prius c and how it is equipped loaded or overseas but if higher end models have a light sensor they still put it there with no 'guts' in it on lower equipped models. That's how it was with the regular Prius.
     
  3. Mik1

    Mik1 Member

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    I believe this is the solar radiation sensor for AC. None of the C equipped with auto lights so it is not a light sensor in my opinion.
     
  4. priusc123

    priusc123 Junior Member

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    Can someone check if this "sensor" is on both side of the dash (ie. 2 sensors)? I had my windshield replaced recently and only see it on the left side. Don't want to call the mechanic if I don't have to. TIA.
     
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  5. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Ditto. It is part of the A/C system.
     
  6. KaliforniaKid

    KaliforniaKid 2013 Prius v Five 2012 Priuc c Four

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    Yep, it detects the amount of solar energy coming in through the windshield and adjusts the A/C to compensate.
     
  7. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

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    Thanks. I too had wondered about it. Now I know.
    Dan
     
  8. SuperABM

    SuperABM Junior Member

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    Yeah it's only on the left side in my car. I was just about to ask how many everyone else had. It almost looks like the right side should have one.
     
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  9. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

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  10. vincent1449p

    vincent1449p Active Member

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    Mine is on the right side (RHD). My previous Gen1 is also on the right side. According to the Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 Repair Manual, the Solar Sensor is only on the Driver side.

    From the Gen2 and Gen3 Repair Manual, this Solar Sensor is part of the Neural Network Control:
    I'm using SGII to read this Solar Sensor:
    Column 1
    0 [TH]XGAUGE[/TH][TH]TXD[/TH][TH]RXF[/TH][TH]RXD[/TH][TH]MTH[/TH][TH]NAM[/TH][TH]Notes[/TH]
    1 [TR][TD]Solar Sensor (D side)[/TD][TD]07C42124[/TD][TD]02CC04610524[/TD][TD]2808[/TD][TD]000100010000[/TD][TD1]SSD[/TD1][TD][/TD][/TR]

    If I cover up the sensor with a cloth, the value goes to zero. If I use a torchlight to shine at the sensor, the value increases as brightness increases.

    Vincent
     
  11. KaliforniaKid

    KaliforniaKid 2013 Prius v Five 2012 Priuc c Four

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    In Singapore, so is your steering wheel and instrument cluster, correct?
    .
     
  12. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

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    Yes, Singapore is right-hand drive (RHD), ie. people drive on the left side of the road.