A/C Problem

[dbanker]

I just ran a on-board diagnostics self-test for my A/C (I have an automatic air conditioning system) and trouble code #21 came up. This is stated as being a "solar sensor" problem. Anyone know what this is and what it does? I'm thinking it's one of the two sensors on top of the dash towards the front of the windshield.

[dbanker]

I was wondering if any of you automatic air conditiong system owners out there want to try something for me...I'm curious if I'm the only one having this problem and if my auto air condtion system is working fine. Could someone check their system to see if the same error message comes up? Again, it's trouble code #21.

Here's how to check:

-Push the recirculate/fresh selector and auto buttons at the same time, while truning the ignition key to on.

-If everything is normal the four indicator lights will come on for one second then go off in sequence.

-After the indicators display, the computer performs a search for diagnostic trouble codes. Any codes will appear on the control head where the temp setting is usually displayed.

-After the trouble code check, the system will operate all of the system's actuators at one-second intervals. The test mode can be exited any time by pressing the OFF button, but the computer will keep the codes in memory. If you want to clear the climate control diagnostic trouble codes, pull the fuse marked "ECU-B" from the underhood fuse/relay box and keep it disconnected for at least 10 seconds.

I quoted all that from my Haynes repair manual. I'd love to know if anyone is getting this error number and their system is working normal.

Thanks for the help-

[Guest]

did not have time to login

I am supercamsol

I will give it a try

results tomorrow morning

[dbanker]

Thanks for looking into that for me supercamsol. I'm curious to know if anyone else's a/c is doing this. I may also try taking out the fuse for the a/c and running the diagnostic test again to see if it shows the same problem. If it does...then it may just not be working. It's really hard to tell if my auto is working or not. thanks again-

[supercamsol]

I tried it and it spooked me bcause it a brand spanking new car
and when you try it looks like the computer goes haywire.

I us to fix planes in the air force and when you do a diagnostic
on a computer you hope the injection seat will not trigger.

well I got the 21 and 11 blinking on and off on the left side of the green
lcd

I gather that its still in memory so I must try to reset the fuse.

I'm at work so I can't do it now

but sommbody must have the manual that indicates what the numbers mean

[dbanker]

Hmm...that's pretty interesting. When I ran the test on mine it did the same thing (computer going haywire, pretty sure that's what it's supposed to do). However, the only trouble code that showed up for me was 21. Here's a list of the trouble code #'s and what they mean:

11- room temperature sensor
12- ambient temperature sensor
13- evaporator temperature sensor
14- engine coolant temperature sensor
21- solar sensor
22- compressor lock sensor
23- presssure sensor
31- air mix damper position sensor
32- air inlet damper position sensor
41- air mix servomotor
42- air inlet servomotor

I'm starting to wonder if there's possibly something wrong with the diagnostic test the computer runs. I'm pretty sure my auto mode is working correctly but it's hard to tell, especially if it's the solar sensor. Hopefully someone else here will try this diagnostic test on their a/c and we'll see what they get. Thanks again for taking the time to check...let me know if you find anything else out. Doug-

[supercamsol]

exactly where is this fuse you are talking about under what passinger?
driver side ?in the engine left right I do not have a manual.

[dbanker]

The fuse is in the underhood fuse/relay box (it's the long, skinny black box) which is on the driver's side. It should be marked ECU-B and is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the box (marked #16 in the Solara owners manual).

This is what the Haynes Repair Manual states. However, the Solara owners manual says the ECU-B fuse affects: cruise control system, anti-lock brake system sys airbag system, and seat belt pretensioners.

So this confuses me a bit...what do you think?

[NASTY]

well, tried it today & no error messages
all the ligts flashed on and off a few times (together), and 00 remained flashing on the screen

[dbanker]

well, tried it today & no error messages
all the ligts flashed on and off a few times (together), and 00 remained flashing on the screen

Glad to hear you didn't get any error messages, Nasty. Thanks for looking into it. I'm still wondering what's up with my A/C. I'm starting to think it's fine, the only error message I get is for the solar sensor. But everything seems to be working...