OK stupid question...what model(s) has a light and climate sensor? I've been focusing on working on the engine (trying out experimental MAF, new computer programmer, air intake systems, dyno testing etc etc) and such that I failed to look over the little details.

I'm about to order a dash cover and they asked about light and climate sensors (to cut out the holes if necessary). Since I don't have the truck around I don't know. Any insight?

This is for an '03 SCREW FX4 Lariat. Thanks.

 

On my 2001 there is a vent looking hole in the center of the dash and I belive the light sensor for the auto lights is there. Just cut some slits to let the light in.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought it was for. Now how about the climate sensor? Anyone?

 

If you have automatic temperature control A/C, then you also have sensors on the top of the dash. I think ATC came in with the '02 models? I have a '01, so it doesn't have it. The ATC in the '98 Navigator had a heat load sensor mounted in the top of the dash. I'm assuming the ATC in the SuperCrews have the same.

 

The auto-headlamp feature has a sensor on the top of the dash. The auto climate control sensor is below the radio and not on top of the dash. I am selling an extra dash mat that was on my 02 Supercab and it does not have the whole in it for the auto headlamp feature. It is very easy to cut the 1/2" square out. The dash mat I am selling is the parchment color to match the ford parchment tan color. Look in my gallery to see the one I am selling. It is in the misc area

 

They got rid of the heat load sensor in the ATC units?

Yes, there's a cabin temperature sensor low on the dash, but there used to be a sensor "looking" up through the windshield. I wonder why they removed it. That sensor was a standard thing for all ATC units for years.

 

Good grief, I could be wrong! I did not know there was another sensor on the dash. I will have to pull my dash cover off and look.

 

The sensor that looks up through the dash is definately the autolamp sensor, I know since I frequently have left stuff over it on the dash and pop... the lights will turn on until I remove the stuff (normally my hat). My old '97 with the autolamps did the same thing, I don't think it has ever changed. In Texas, it would kinda be silly to have a thermocouple on the dash, it would never get cooled off with the sun beating on it!

 

The autolamp sensor is below the little square grill molded into the oval dash panel.

The cabin temperature sensor in ATC equipped trucks is in the dash, low down.

The heat load sensor was in the top of the dash. I don't recall exactly where it is, but it's a round clear plastic button. I think it's supposed to sense the sun and estimate how much heat is being absorbed by the vehicle.

Of course, it could have been discontinued in newer Fords. Would be interesting to find out for sure.

 

If I recall correctly, the heat load sensor was near the front of the windshield. In the area of the defroster vents. Is it still there on the new ATC equipped trucks?