One is a HEAT sensor for your AutoTemp HVAC.
The other is a LIGHT sensor for automatic headlights.

 

Or rather, it's where the ambient light sensor would be IF our RAV4s had automatic headlights. Toyota describes the other one as a "solar sensor" - same idea.

 

That's the thing. My sales rep insisted the headlights and taillights would come on automatically 10 seconds after it got dark (for example going into a tunnel), and he pointed to the sensors. I told him my understanding was that the Rav4 doesn't do this, not even the Limited model, but he didn't believe me.

I got a chance to try it for myself the other day when I entered a long tunnel. The lights did not seem to brighten, the dash illumination didn't dim and the headlight icon didn't come on.

So I guess the question is, why is there a solar sensor on the dash if automatic headlights aren't an option on this vehicle? Do any of the European or Asian models use it?

 

What I meant was that the solar sensor is for the automatic climate control system. The ambient light sensor WOULD be located in the spot next to it if our RAV4s had this feature (it's offered overseas). As far as I can tell, we still have the spot moulded into the dashboard plastic but there's nothing beneath it.

 

Any idea which is which? If it's just a dummy lens on the dash, I might use it to mount a laser sensor for a custom radar detector installation I'm considering. But that would be the subject of another thread.

 

Based on the A/C system diagram I have it looks like the domed one is the solar sensor, but it's hard to be sure.

 

Any idea which is which? If it's just a dummy lens on the dash, I might use it to mount a laser sensor for a custom radar detector installation I'm considering. But that would be the subject of another thread.

On mine, the solar sensor is on the drivers left. The other (to the right) is nothing more than a plastic button.

 

Or rather, it's where the ambient light sensor would be IF our RAV4s had automatic headlights. Toyota describes the other one as a "solar sensor" - same idea.

I do believe both CAN / US have the "Auto Headlamp Cancel System".

This permits you to leave the headlights "ON", and once you leave the vehicle they automatically shut off. We don't have auto-on headlights in Canada - Toyota refers to this feature as "Automatic Light Control System", which isn't listed in any Toyota literature for the RAV4.

All we have is Daytime Running Lights (DRL) which are a Canadian requirement.

 

Exactly. The auto-cancel function runs off a timer, so no light sensor is required. Overseas models with auto-on headlights have an additional "Auto" position on the headlight stalk.

 

I'm a little surprised that it doesn't have them. :shock:
Our 2006 corolla le does.

 

I'm a little surprised that it doesn't have them. :shock:
Our 2006 corolla le does.

No doubt. I'm a little miffed at Toyota for leaving out some of what I consider "basics".

My 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee has auto on/off headlamps.

 

I thought that automatic running lights were a requirement in the US now. Am I wrong? Did I just make that up? My wife's 2002 Corolla has them.

 

DRL is not mandatory in the states........its just considered another safety feature......

 

They're an "option" on the 06-07 Rav4s but I've never seen a vehicle listed without them, either in a dealership's inventory or in anyone's description of the Rav4 they bought.

 

My 2006 Rav4 has no automatic lights. The dashboard lights come on, but not the running lights or the headlights. Those are strictly manual.

 

Both of these things are for the Auto HVAC system. Has nothing to do with the headlights. Read the PDF on the automatic HVAC system.

 

One of the "things" is a solar sensor; the other is a dummy in North American models. If you're thinking the other one is the "room temperature sensor", that is actually located above your right knee.

 

They're an "option" on the 06-07 Rav4s but I've never seen a vehicle listed without them, either in a dealership's inventory or in anyone's description of the Rav4 they bought.

Didn't realize they were optional, my limited has them...can also leave headlights to on position and they turn off with car after a few seconds or when key alarm is set

 

It isn't a dummy.. look at the HVAC spec. There is multiple temp sensors throughout the cabin. The solar sensor is to sense the radiation emitted and adjust the HVAC output when it is in auto mode on our limiteds.

 

It isn't a dummy.. look at the HVAC spec. There is multiple temp sensors throughout the cabin. The solar sensor is to sense the radiation emitted and adjust the HVAC output when it is in auto mode on our limiteds.

Right, and that's one of the bumps on top of the dash. The other is nothing.

Look at the HVAC document. There are three input sensors to the auto climate control:
1. Solar sensor (one of the bumps on top of the dash)
2. Room temperature sensor (above the driver's right knee)
3. Ambient temperature sensor (behind the front bumper)

There's even a diagram to show you where the sensors are.

 

Here they are disassembled:

 

it took a year and 1/2 to finaly confirm what those covers were for on a limited...............so im guessing on a base and sport model their both decoys.............

 

I was told they are solar collectors used to power the blinking security led light in the dash. :roll:

 

I was told they are solar collectors used to power the blinking security led light in the dash. :roll:

damn that sucks mine must be broke, i have no blinking security led light..............

 

lol thats nice... photo sensor does not equal photo voltaic