Solar Load Sensor Short
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Solar Load Sensor Short
Hi!
I just bought a C4 again after one year of emptiness
Year 1992, LT1 - sure you know the rest
Ok to the problem.
The HVAC seems to work and the system has high pressure according to the local freezer-company but I get an error code from time to time. It's not constant.
When it flashes, it is
Code 08 - Solar Load Sensor Short.
Which sensor is that? Is it the one in the front window?
Should I replace it somehow? On my first C4 I had a black "dome" over this white thing. How do I fix this error?
1992 Corvette, LT1, Automatic.
I just bought a C4 again after one year of emptiness
Year 1992, LT1 - sure you know the rest
Ok to the problem.
The HVAC seems to work and the system has high pressure according to the local freezer-company but I get an error code from time to time. It's not constant.
When it flashes, it is
Code 08 - Solar Load Sensor Short.
Which sensor is that? Is it the one in the front window?
Should I replace it somehow? On my first C4 I had a black "dome" over this white thing. How do I fix this error?
1992 Corvette, LT1, Automatic.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
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I haven't a clue if it'll fix your problem or not. Maybe during the day since it's not covered with a tinted cap, it's overloading the sensor?
Does the trouble come both at day and night?
You could try just taping a dark cover over it to see if that works in the meantime. Color doesn't matter, your going for less light transmission.
I'll measure my friends 92 sensor diameter and send you 4 covers for it...slightly different diameters and different front curvatures...so you'll just have to lightly snap it down into place.
PM me your address.
No charge
Last edited by Jamesnns; May 4, 2010 at 06:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Thanks!
Yes, the problem only occurs in direct sun light. It's pretty cloudy here now and I can see it's only when the sun is shining.
Thank you so much for doing it! I hope it will fix the problem.
Yes, the problem only occurs in direct sun light. It's pretty cloudy here now and I can see it's only when the sun is shining.
Thank you so much for doing it! I hope it will fix the problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
Likes: 3
Well. It sounds as if the sensor is overloading from too much light.
My vettes a 91, but Screaming_Conure's is a 92 so I'll get him over here to measure diameter of the cap.
Like I said, Ill make 4 of them, each slightly different diameters, you pick the one that's a best snap fit in, use a pin or a paperclip to nudge the edge out and lift up to remove a loose fitting cap. You want fairly snug so bumps don't vibrate it out.
Keep track, ( I'll mark them) which cap is best. If I'm close but too big or too small, let me know and I'll make new ones and adjust the diameter. I've never made one, so cross your fingers...hopefully I'll get it right the first time.
I'm ordering the parts today, make in 2 days, ythen mail out by this weekend...OK?
My vettes a 91, but Screaming_Conure's is a 92 so I'll get him over here to measure diameter of the cap.
Like I said, Ill make 4 of them, each slightly different diameters, you pick the one that's a best snap fit in, use a pin or a paperclip to nudge the edge out and lift up to remove a loose fitting cap. You want fairly snug so bumps don't vibrate it out.
Keep track, ( I'll mark them) which cap is best. If I'm close but too big or too small, let me know and I'll make new ones and adjust the diameter. I've never made one, so cross your fingers...hopefully I'll get it right the first time.
I'm ordering the parts today, make in 2 days, ythen mail out by this weekend...OK?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Well. It sounds as if the sensor is overloading from too much light.
My vettes a 91, but Screaming_Conure's is a 92 so I'll get him over here to measure diameter of the cap.
Like I said, Ill make 4 of them, each slightly different diameters, you pick the one that's a best snap fit in, use a pin or a paperclip to nudge the edge out and lift up to remove a loose fitting cap. You want fairly snug so bumps don't vibrate it out.
Keep track, ( I'll mark them) which cap is best. If I'm close but too big or too small, let me know and I'll make new ones and adjust the diameter. I've never made one, so cross your fingers...hopefully I'll get it right the first time.
I'm ordering the parts today, make in 2 days, ythen mail out by this weekend...OK?
My vettes a 91, but Screaming_Conure's is a 92 so I'll get him over here to measure diameter of the cap.
Like I said, Ill make 4 of them, each slightly different diameters, you pick the one that's a best snap fit in, use a pin or a paperclip to nudge the edge out and lift up to remove a loose fitting cap. You want fairly snug so bumps don't vibrate it out.
Keep track, ( I'll mark them) which cap is best. If I'm close but too big or too small, let me know and I'll make new ones and adjust the diameter. I've never made one, so cross your fingers...hopefully I'll get it right the first time.
I'm ordering the parts today, make in 2 days, ythen mail out by this weekend...OK?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
Likes: 3
OK,
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
Last edited by Jamesnns; May 5, 2010 at 02:26 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
Likes: 3
Pro
Joined: May 2006
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A little off topic maybe, but what happened to the first C4 you had, the 91?
I know you had some trouble with the exhaust blowing white.
And you probably know it, but I say it anyway, don´t wash your engine...
I know you had some trouble with the exhaust blowing white.
And you probably know it, but I say it anyway, don´t wash your engine...
Last edited by vette079; May 5, 2010 at 03:10 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Indiana
OK,
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
Hey James, I told you not to talk about our "nipples" in public man!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Ostersund (Sweden)
OK,
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
I just got back from my friends house who has a 92.
My 91 and his 92 are the same regarding this part.
It looks like you're missing part of your sensor. We have black "nipples" that go over the white part showing in your photo. Looks like it's missing a black "cap".
Your sensor is easy to replace. The grill just pops out and there is a disconnect underneath.
What I want you to do is completely occlude the sensor using eclectrical/duct tape or something and see if this solves your issue. Just completely cover it up asnd see if your code goes away as well as your HVAC system works the way it should. If it doesn't, you need a new sensor, if it does, I can certainly get you the parts I'll make.
So, do this and let me know the results.
After a lot of searching, that sensor may control 2 things, it may be a dual sensor?
It measures radient light and temp, telling your digital HVAC what to do in auto mode, so just blocking it off may/may not work..don't know.
I tried searching for corvette solar sun load sensor every possible way, no luck.
The "cap" I can make will completely cover up the whole area, just like a piece of tape would do, only look a lot better.
Now I'm dtermined to solve this..............
Hehe thanks for being so determined
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Yep, I had Jamesnns over here today, wedging himself in between the windshield and dashboard on my '92 and taking measurements. He and I talked about your problem and getting that sensor covered again would definitely be a good starting point. It may not actually fix the problem, but Jamesnns is actually a professional "lenscrafter", so if nothing else, it's gonna' at least look good again!
Hey James, I told you not to talk about our "nipples" in public man!
Hey James, I told you not to talk about our "nipples" in public man!
well, i'm gonna cover it up and see what happens. I might even try to use a flash light on it, first, in a dark garage to see if I can make it fail again.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Ostersund (Sweden)
Don't wash the engine because of the optispark?
Nice to recognize a familiar name in this forum!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Ostersund (Sweden)
It's not that much difference. The new one has some 50hp more and it feels much stronger. Maybe the old one was extra tired from being driven 23,000 Km. Suspension feel better too. But again. The new one has 12,000 Km on it.
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On a related note, be sure to NOT get any liquids (Armor All, dash cleaner/conditioner, etc...) on the solar load sensor. That'll kill 'em quicker than anything else.
I recently replaced the one in my wife's DD as it was exhibiting the same symptoms. About a week before it died, I'd cleaned her dash with Turtle Wax Ice Interior Cleaner/Conditioner and accidentally skeeted the sensor with it.
I recently replaced the one in my wife's DD as it was exhibiting the same symptoms. About a week before it died, I'd cleaned her dash with Turtle Wax Ice Interior Cleaner/Conditioner and accidentally skeeted the sensor with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
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On a related note, be sure to NOT get any liquids (Armor All, dash cleaner/conditioner, etc...) on the solar load sensor. That'll kill 'em quicker than anything else.
I recently replaced the one in my wife's DD as it was exhibiting the same symptoms. About a week before it died, I'd cleaned her dash with Turtle Wax Ice Interior Cleaner/Conditioner and accidentally skeeted the sensor with it.
I recently replaced the one in my wife's DD as it was exhibiting the same symptoms. About a week before it died, I'd cleaned her dash with Turtle Wax Ice Interior Cleaner/Conditioner and accidentally skeeted the sensor with it.