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kodpkd

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My solar sensor on the top of the dash, is no longer hooked up. I have researched on a number of forums. Seem there is confusion about what this is for. Is it sensing temp or light? Makes no sense that it's sensing temp. It can be 20* F outside, setting in the sun the dash could be 80* F. I am thinking it's reading "light vs dark" for the auto dimming of the radio light, or auto on/off of the headlights for when it gets dark. I don't have an auto function for my headlights. I'm hoping that's what it's for.
 
Contradicting and yet agreeing with RJ237. It's a light sensor that tries to compensate the AC for the effects of solar hearing. If you're sitting in direct sunlight, it will increase the cooling of the A/C to try and maintain comfort. Similarly it'll warm you up a bit if it's an overcast but warm day.

C
 
Discussion starter · #5 · (Edited)
Contradicting and yet agreeing with RJ237. It's a light sensor that tries to compensate the AC for the effects of solar hearing. If you're sitting in direct sunlight, it will increase the cooling of the A/C to try and maintain comfort. Similarly it'll warm you up a bit if it's an overcast but warm day.

C
Still trying to get my head around this. My system doesn't have auto climate control. It does have a cabin temp sensor on the front of the dash by the drivers knee. When I run the system without the solar sensor hooked up, doesn't seem to make any difference. When I took the dash off I notices an extra white electrical connector next to the headlight switch. Not hooked to anything. In the maserati parts diagram it shows another switch next to the headlight switch. I'm sure the extra connector is for this switch, that I don't have. It's called "headlight adjustment control", part number 383100112, what does this switch do?
I found what the switch does. It's a level adjustment for the headlights.. So apparently the sensor is only functioning when the A/C is on?
 
If it doesn't have climate control, what does it have? I was under the impression that climate control is where you set the temperature and ignore it.

The solar sensor is only going to kick in in sunshine. I've certainly noticed mine working (normally when it's a cold, sunny winter's day and I have to turn up the temperature'

Headlight adjustment control: You have HID lights installed at a guess? Cars without that do not have auto levelling. There is a thumbwheel that allows the driver to adjust the aim height to account for loading.

C
 
Mine doesn't have "Automatic climate control" Not a setting for a specific temp. Just a knob for hot to cold.
I *think* you'll find that it's still Climate control. But the terminology is varied. You set the control and the system will heat or cool to maintain that setting. It's exactly the same system in all of the Coupes, and we know the 4200 at least have a temp display ;)

C
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Today I looked at the display. I have never noticed before, but the temp knob IS setting a specific temp on the display. It isn't just a rheostat. So when you set 78*, it should always try to make the cabin 78*.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Once again I have been going through the settings for the radio display. I noticed there is a DAY NIGHT and an AUTOMATIC mode for the display. Is the solar sensor also controlling the brightness of this display?
 
Once again I have been going through the settings for the radio display. I noticed there is a DAY NIGHT and an AUTOMATIC mode for the display. Is the solar sensor also controlling the brightness of this display?
Don't think so. Think that's set to the lights (i.e. turn the headlights on, and the display goes into night mode) when it's set to automatic. The alternative is that it stays in the mode you set it to (i.e. daylight or night)

Just don't ask about how the GT does it...

C
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Don't think so. Think that's set to the lights (i.e. turn the headlights on, and the display goes into night mode) when it's set to automatic. The alternative is that it stays in the mode you set it to (i.e. daylight or night)

Just don't ask about how the GT does it...

C
Ok,,, I won't ask... But you are correct again.. Automatic is when you turn the lights on and off.
 
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