B150411

Code

VOLVO B — Body

Right Side Sun Sensor. Circuit Short To Ground

Brand: VOLVO

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 20 EN: 26 RU: 25

AI status

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged or chafed wiring harness (insulation worn through) causing conductor contact with ground
Corroded, bent or pushed-back connector pins at the sun sensor or control module
Water/moisture ingress at sensor connector or inside sensor housing
Failed sun sensor (internal short)
Poor or intermittent chassis ground or connector terminal problem at module
Aftermarket modification or previous repair with incorrect wiring/terminal

Symptoms

DTC stored or illuminated message in instrument cluster related to sun sensor or climate system
Automatic HVAC solar compensation not functioning correctly (poor temperature control)
Inconsistent or missing sun sensor data in scan tool live data
Possible related body module warnings or limited functionality for systems using solar input

What to check

Read and record all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a Volvo-capable scan tool
Check live data for the right sun sensor signal value and compare to left/expected
Perform careful visual inspection of the sensor, connector, and routing of the harness in the roof/headliner area
Check connector for water, corrosion, bent pins or pushed-out terminals
With ignition ON (engine off), measure voltage at sensor connector (signal, power and ground) using a multimeter
Measure resistance between the sensor signal terminal and chassis ground with harness disconnected (should be high/OL)

Signal parameters

Sensor signal: typically a low-voltage DC signal varying with light (0–5 V range depending on design); a short to ground will read near 0 V
Reference/power: fused 5 V or ignition-switched supply (verify exact voltage with scan tool/manual) — must be present when required
Expected resistance from signal wire to chassis ground with sensor disconnected: high (kΩ range or open). Low resistance (
Connector pin voltages and continuity vary by model year — always confirm against vehicle-specific wiring diagram

Diagnostic algorithm

Connect a capable scan tool, retrieve stored codes, freeze frame and live data for left/right sun sensors. Note signal values and any related body or HVAC codes.
Visually inspect the right sun sensor and surrounding headliner area for water ingress, damage or signs of previous repair. Inspect the connector for corrosion or bent terminals.
Remove the right sun sensor connector. With ignition ON (accessory), measure voltage on the sensor harness: check power supply, ground continuity and signal wire voltage. Record results.
With harness disconnected from sensor, measure resistance between the signal wire and chassis ground. A low resistance indicates a short to ground in the harness or at a module.
If short present at harness side, trace wiring back toward the module: inspect common pinch/entry points (A-pillar, sunroof area, headliner clips). Repair/replace damaged section or re-route away from sharp edges.
If harness and connector appear good, bench-test or swap the right sensor with the left (if identical and share mounting) to confirm whether the sensor itself is faulty. Reinstall carefully.
If fault remains and wiring checks show open/high resistance to ground, disconnect the receiving control module/ECU connector to determine if the short is inside the module harness or module. Exercise caution — follow manufacturer procedures before disconnecting modules.
Repair failing component(s): replace sensor, repair wiring with OEM-quality splices or new harness section, replace corroded connector. Ensure proper sealing against moisture.
Clear codes and perform a verification drive or test under bright sunlight conditions. Re-scan to confirm the code does not return and that live data is within expected range.
If code persists after repair and wiring checks, consult manufacturer technical service bulletins or advanced diagnostic resources for module faults.

Likely causes

Chafed wiring harness near headliner or A-pillar causing conductor to contact ground
Corroded/wet connector at the right sun sensor (common failure area)
Failed sensor element creating an internal short to ground

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Right Side Sun Sensor — Circuit Short To Ground. The control module detects the sensor signal pulled near ground (low voltage/low resistance), indicating an electrical short between the sensor signal circuit and chassis ground.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

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