What is the Function of a Car Sunlight Sensor?

2 Answers
DelLuke
09/02/25 2:05am
Car sunlight sensors are commonly used in air conditioning systems and can also be utilized for time display. Below is relevant information about car sunlight sensors: 1. Commonly applied in air conditioning systems: By measuring the intensity of solar "thermal radiation," the sunlight sensor transmits the collected signal (light intensity signal) to the main control ECU (control unit) or air conditioning control ECU (depending on the vehicle model). The ECU control unit comprehensively compares, calculates, and evaluates the sunlight intensity along with environmental (indoor/outdoor) temperature signals, accurately determining a more reasonable indoor environmental temperature (increase or decrease). This enables control over "fan speed" (intensity) or "airflow direction" to automatically adjust the air conditioning for optimal thermal comfort. 2. For time display: With increasingly advanced automotive technology emphasizing environmental protection and energy efficiency, sunlight sensor signals can be converted into digital circuit signals to display time (clock). This is a technology already in use today and expected to be widely adopted in the future. It is currently visible in many mid-range, high-end, and imported vehicle models.
Was this review help?
6
4
Share
LeXavier
09/14/25 4:32am
After driving for so many years, I've found the sunlight sensor to be such a thoughtful little helper, especially during summer or under intense sunlight. Installed near the windshield, it continuously detects the intensity of sunlight and relays the data to the car's computer, enabling the automatic climate control system to decide whether to increase airflow or lower the temperature. For instance, when driving at noon with the sun scorching the driver's seat, it instantly senses the heat, prompting the AC to redirect vents to the affected area, delivering cool air evenly—eliminating the need for manual adjustments and creating a comfort so seamless it makes you forget any discomfort. Moreover, it helps prevent fatigue caused by sudden temperature fluctuations inside the cabin, making long trips more enjoyable. Beyond climate control, some vehicles even integrate it with automatic headlights, prompting you to turn them on as dusk falls—its practicality is outstanding, smoothing out the entire driving experience. Such a small sensor delivering such a qualitative leap in comfort—totally worth it!
Was this review help?
9
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Causes the Resonance Hum in the Cab?

The possible causes of resonance hum in the cab are as follows: 1. Whole vehicle resonance caused by the front axle: Excessive unbalance in brake drums or wheel hubs; Out-of-round brake drums. 2. Whole vehicle resonance caused by the rear (middle) axle: Out-of-round brake drums. 3. Whole vehicle resonance caused by engine mounts: Low bracket stiffness with significant elastic deformation; High hardness of mount cushions with large dynamic and static stiffness. 4. Whole vehicle resonance caused by the engine itself: Uneven fuel injection among engine cylinders, leading to incomplete combustion or non-operation in some cylinders; Large manufacturing tolerances of parts, with excessive unbalance in pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft flywheels, etc. 5. Whole vehicle resonance caused by the suspension system: Unreasonable matching of vibration frequencies between front and rear suspensions; Coupling of front spring natural frequency with the frame's inherent frequency.
12
2
Share

What to Do When the Car Still Rolls After Engaging the Handbrake?

Solutions for when the car still rolls after engaging the handbrake: Tighten the handbrake cable. For manual transmission vehicles, you can press the clutch with your left foot, press the brake with your right foot, engage any forward gear, pull the handbrake, and then turn off the engine, using the gear's traction to prevent rolling. For automatic transmission vehicles, press the brake, shift to P (Park), engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine, utilizing the automatic transmission's P gear lock to prevent further rolling. More details are as follows: 1. If the handbrake suddenly fails or doesn't hold during normal use, it can be very dangerous, especially on steep slopes where sudden failure poses a greater risk. 2. Automatic transmission models are easier to operate; when in a forward gear, pressing the brake prevents rolling, and releasing the brake while quickly applying the throttle ensures the power is sufficient to move the vehicle forward.
8
1
Share

Does the C2 have a clutch?

C2 does not have a clutch. Here is some extended information: 1. The difference between C1 and C2: A C2 driver's license only allows driving small and micro automatic passenger vehicles, as well as light and micro automatic cargo vehicles; A C1 driver's license permits driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, light and micro special operation vehicles, low-speed cargo vehicles, and three-wheeled vehicles. Moreover, the cost of obtaining a C1 license is cheaper. In summary, holders of a C1 license can drive automatic vehicles covered by a C2 license, but C2 license holders cannot drive manual vehicles covered by a C1 license. The C1 license allows driving a wider range of vehicle types. 2. The benefits of C2: Although the test subjects and procedures remain the same whether you are obtaining a C1 or C2 license, there are certain advantages due to the structural differences in the vehicles driven. Since automatic vehicles do not have a clutch pedal and do not require gear shifting, there is no need to worry about stalling the engine.
19
1
Share

What are the requirements for upgrading from a B2 to a B1 driver's license?

The conditions for upgrading from a B2 to a B1 driver's license (B1 cannot be obtained directly but only through an upgrade) are: you must have held the B2 license for at least three years, have no record of accumulating 12 penalty points in the last three consecutive scoring cycles before the application, and be between 21 and 50 years old. If these conditions are met, you can apply for a B1 medium-sized passenger vehicle license at the issuing authority. Documents required for upgrading from a B2 to a B1 driver's license: "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form"; Original and photocopy of identity proof; "Motor Vehicle Driver's Physical Condition Certificate" issued by a county-level or above hospital or a military medical institution at or above the regiment level; Eight 1-inch color headshots with a white background; For upgrade applications, the original motor vehicle driver's license must also be submitted; For applications submitted by driving school students, the training record issued by the school must also be submitted. Differences between B1 and B2 driver's licenses: Different permitted vehicle types; Different application requirements; Both B1 and B2 licenses must be applied for at the local vehicle management office in the applicant's registered residence. However, B2 can be obtained directly, while B1 requires holding another driver's license first and then applying for an upgrade. Permitted vehicle types for B1 license: medium-sized passenger vehicles and C1, M (M refers to wheeled self-propelled machinery). This includes urban buses with 10 to 19 passengers. Permitted vehicle types for B2 license: large trucks and C1, M. B2 license holders can drive heavy, medium, and large specialized operation vehicles, as well as small vehicles under C1 and M categories. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Business Work Standards" issued by the public security department, motor vehicle driver's licenses are classified into 15 levels: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, E, F, M, N, P. The permitted vehicle types for each license level are as follows: A1 license: large passenger vehicles. A2 license: tractor, heavy and medium full-trailer and semi-trailer vehicle combinations. A3 license: urban buses with 10 or more passengers. B1 license: heavy passenger vehicles. B2 license: heavy and medium trucks, etc. C1 license: small and mini passenger vehicles, etc. C2 license: small and mini automatic transmission passenger vehicles, etc. C3 license: low-speed trucks (formerly four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles). C4 license: three-wheeled vehicles (formerly three-wheeled agricultural transport vehicles). D license: three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. E license: two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml. F license: motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less. M license: wheeled self-propelled machinery. N license: trolleybuses. P license: trams.
10
0
Share

What is the difference between AT and CVT

AT and CVT differ in the following aspects: 1. Principle: AT works by using a torque converter whose automatic shifting and torque variation range is insufficient, so several rows of planetary gears are connected in series behind the turbine to improve efficiency. The hydraulic control system automatically operates the planetary gears according to the engine's working changes, achieving automatic shifting and torque variation. CVT's transmission pulley structure is quite unique, divided into movable left and right halves that can move closer or apart. The conical discs can tighten or expand under hydraulic thrust, squeezing the steel belt chain to adjust the width of the V-shaped groove. When the conical discs move inward to tighten, the steel belt chain is pushed outward from the center, and vice versa. This changes the diameter of the disc driven by the steel belt chain, altering the transmission ratio. 2. Usage: AT does not require clutch shifting, has fewer gears but significant changes, and connects smoothly, making it easy to operate. It provides convenience for the driver and comfort for passengers. CVT, lacking the transmission gears of a typical automatic transmission, eliminates the shifting process and the associated jerky sensation. Therefore, CVT transmissions deliver linear power output, offering a very smooth driving experience.
9
0
Share

What is the normal high pressure for a car air conditioner?

The normal high pressure for a car air conditioner should be 1.3-1.7MPa (13-17kg/cm2 or 190-250Lbf/in2); the normal low pressure should be between 0.15-0.25MPa (1.5-2.5kg/cm2 or 20-35Lbf/in2). 1. Car air conditioning system: The car air conditioning system is a device that cools, heats, ventilates, and purifies the air inside the vehicle. It provides a comfortable environment for passengers, reduces driver fatigue, and improves driving safety. The air conditioning system has become one of the indicators of a car's functionality. 2. Disadvantages of car air conditioning: When the air conditioner is turned on, it is best for passengers not to smoke in the car. Since the air inside the vehicle circulates in a relatively enclosed environment when the air conditioner is on, first, the smoke is not easily dispersed, and second, the tiny particles in the smoke can adhere to the air intake filter of the air conditioner, causing long-lasting odors in the car. Regular professional cleaning and deodorizing maintenance of the air conditioning system is recommended.
16
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.