So, I stare at the red domed "IR"/Sunlight sensor on my dash every day, as I do the same on other cars of mine.... but then thought: "what the heck does it do on the X300?"

On my 1995 Buicks, the sensor controls things like the automatic headlights.

But as far as I can tell, there aren't any automated lighting functions on the X300.

Or on some really older cars, I've seen IR security system remote controls that use these sensors (a late 80s Jeep comes to mind if I recall) but the X300 of course doesn't have that either as the remotes are RF.


So, curious: What does this sensor control?


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AFAIK the climate control system uses the readings from the solar sensor. The sun/heat intensity readings from the sensor are plugged into the logic of the system... somewhere, somehow.

Cheers
DD

 

When the vehicle has been sitting in direct sunlight, The AC will enter a Hyper-Blast fan blower mode for the first few moments of operation to quickly cool down the cabin before returning to normal operation.