Volvo XC90 Quiz
Climate Control

Climate Control Sensors. Perceived Temperature

In this manual: Climate Control
Owner's Information — 7Your Volvo — 3Creating and registering a Volvo ID — 16Safety — 29Displays and Controls — 52Illumination — 36Seats and Steering Wheel — 19Climate Control — 45Keys, Locks and Alarm — 31Driver Support — 113Starting and driving — 70Audio, media and internet — 27Media Player — 46Wheels and Tires — 28Loading, storage and passenger compartment — 16Maintenance and Service — 59Specifications — 12
~1min read

The climate system has a number of sensors to help regulate the climate settings in the vehicle. Do not cover or block the sensors with clothing or other objects.

Sensor Locations

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature Sunlight sensors - on the upper side of the dashboard.

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature Humidity sensor - in the rearview mirror console.

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature Passenger compartment temperature sensor - near the buttons in the center console.

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature Airborne particulate matter sensor* – on the underside of the glove compartment.

Volvo XC90. Climate control sensors. Perceived temperature Ambient temperature sensor - in the rightside door mirror.

On vehicles equipped with the Interior Air Quality System*, there is also an air quality sensor in the climate system's air intake.

Perceived Temperature

The climate control system regulates the climate in the passenger compartment based on perceived temperature, not actual temperature.

The selected passenger compartment temperature is based on the physical perception of the current ambient temperature, airflow speed, humidity, sunlight in the passenger compartment, etc.

The system has a sunlight sensor that detects which side of the vehicle the sunlight is shining on and adjusts the temperature accordingly. This means that the temperature of the air coming out of the vents may be different for the left and right sides, even if the temperature setting is the same for both sides.

* Option/accessory.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo XC90 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.