replacing solar sensor 960 1995

[telboy]

I have a problem with my air conditioning in my 1995 960 rh estate. Having run a diagnostics test, it is showing fault 161, which is the solar sensor located inside the right hand speaker grill on the dashboard. Problem is, I havent a clue how to get into it to replace the sensor.

Anyone any the wiser?

[Laney760]

If they're like my 940 ones the two little plastic strips down the sides look like they are part of the speaker but are not, they are separate and you have to carefully prise them out first

I'm sure you already know, I found an archived faq but can't find it again now, it says that a faulty 960 solar sensor won't actually cause the air con to break down just prevent it going down by a few degrees and somebody said that just by covering the solar sensor up it will stop this fault, will try and find this link again for you in case it is of use...

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Funny that, I though the solar sensor was part of the passenger speaker. Located in the same plastic unit on the grill which also houses the alarm LED..

Have a look at that before you start prising speaker grills out...

Des. . .

[Laney760]

This says it is on the dashboard in the 960, did read it is in a few places but don't shoot the messenger! Also mentions your fault code

http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache...ient=firefox-a

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Attached. So much easier to read. But that is the US version and there are differences betwix the two vehicles for the different markets..

There is a test you can do to check the AirCon. Can't remember how you do it now so I'll have to have a look-see if I can find it..

Des. . .

Edit: Found it.
FAQ: ECU Diagnostic codes....
Note you can clear the code with a torch (make sure it is a bright one!).

[telboy]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

Attached. So much easier to read. But that is the US version and there are differences betwix the two vehicles for the different markets..

There is a test you can do to check the AirCon. Can't remember how you do it now so I'll have to have a look-see if I can find it..

Des. . .

Edit: Found it.
FAQ: ECU Diagnostic codes....
Note you can clear the code with a torch (make sure it is a bright one!).

Thanks, already done that. I have the Mitchell on demand system for garages, unfortunately, it doesnt show you how to remove the sensor.

[telboy]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

Attached. So much easier to read. But that is the US version and there are differences betwix the two vehicles for the different markets..

There is a test you can do to check the AirCon. Can't remember how you do it now so I'll have to have a look-see if I can find it..

Des. . .

Edit: Found it.
FAQ: ECU Diagnostic codes....
Note you can clear the code with a torch (make sure it is a bright one!).

Originally Posted by Laneystrider

If they're like my 940 ones the two little plastic strips down the sides look like they are part of the speaker but are not, they are separate and you have to carefully prise them out first

I'm sure you already know, I found an archived faq but can't find it again now, it says that a faulty 960 solar sensor won't actually cause the air con to break down just prevent it going down by a few degrees and somebody said that just by covering the solar sensor up it will stop this fault, will try and find this link again for you in case it is of use...

The diagnostic only shows the sensor to be faulty, but I agree, it should still work. Here's the thing. It has never worked since I've had it, so I took it down to kwik fit to get it regassed and they checked it over and said it doesnt need gassing as it's probably the AC switch that is faulty.

I thought it was likely as you never hear the compressor kick in when you switch it on and the temperature doesnt change at all.

The fact that I was able to run the diagnostic suggests it isnt the AC switch. Fuses and relay are fine. So, it's either the sensor, or the motor....or both, but I ran the diagnostic several times and it only ever came up the with the same fault....161....Solar sensor fault.

There is no warning when you switch the ignition on either, to suggest any other faults. Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic, so I can only take suggestions from all you kind people on here.

[telboy]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

Funny that, I though the solar sensor was part of the passenger speaker. Located in the same plastic unit on the grill which also houses the alarm LED..

Have a look at that before you start prising speaker grills out...

Des. . .

It's definitely in the Right hand speaker!!

[spandau]

Originally Posted by telboy

The diagnostic only shows the sensor to be faulty, but I agree, it should still work. Here's the thing. It has never worked since I've had it, so I took it down to kwik fit to get it regassed and they checked it over and said it doesnt need gassing as it's probably the AC switch that is faulty.

I thought it was likely as you never hear the compressor kick in when you switch it on and the temperature doesnt change at all.

The fact that I was able to run the diagnostic suggests it isnt the AC switch. Fuses and relay are fine. So, it's either the sensor, or the motor....or both, but I ran the diagnostic several times and it only ever came up the with the same fault....161....Solar sensor fault.

There is no warning when you switch the ignition on either, to suggest any other faults. Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic, so I can only take suggestions from all you kind people on here.

i may be wrong but imo the sensor fault wont prevent the air con from working, all the sensor does is detects direct sunlight and signals the system ecu to provide colder air to maintain the selected temp, if the compressors not cutting in it may be a compressor air gap issue which will not latch any codes loads of good info on here about that fix first thing id do is check the voltage to the comp. and check the air gap. ps given the fact the systems u/s how did quick fit arrive at the fact it didnt need charging? a quick check to prove that is short out the pressostat and see if the comp runs