Kia Optima DL3 Quiz
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Photo Sensor

In this manual: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
General Information — 8Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) — 21Maintenance — 27Engine Mechanical System — 45Engine Electrical System — 11Emission Control System — 11Engine Control System/Fuel System — 25Automatic Transmission — 20Drive Shaft and Axle — 7Suspension System — 22Steering — 7Restraints — 11Brake System — 22Body (Interior and Exterior) — 116Body Electrical System — 90Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 32
8steps
~48min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 8

Description and Operation

Description

The photo sensor is located in the center of the defrost nozzles.

The photo sensor contains a photovoltaic (sunlight-sensitive) diode. The solar radiation received by its light-receiving part generates an electromotive force proportional to the amount of radiation received, which is sent to the automatic temperature control module to compensate for solar radiation.

Repair Procedures

Inspection

  1. Turn the ignition on.

  2. Connect the KDS.

  3. Direct intense light onto the photo sensor using a lamp, and check the change in output voltage.

  4. The voltage will increase with brighter light and decrease with lower light intensity.

    1. Auto light ground
    2. Auto light power (5 V)
    3. Auto light signal    		 4. Photo signal (RH)
    5. Photo power
    6. Photo signal (LH)

Replacement

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.

  2. Using a puller, remove the photo sensor (A).

  3. Press the stopper pin and disconnect the photo sensor connector (A).

  4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.