Headlight Sensor?

2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
60,000 MILES
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ERIC PETERSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Above the rear-view mirror and adhered to the inside of the windshield is a sensor who's purpose I cannot identify. Behind it, a dotted pattern has been applied to that area of the windshield as if to shield the sensor from daylight.

A while ago, the sensor fell off it's adhesive mount and was dangling, so I tucked it in above my sun visor. The next morning I went into the garage and noticed that the parking lights were flashing at a very slow rate. I finally located that sensor as the source of the problem. When I pressed a button on top of it, a small blue LED light came out of the sensor and then the flashing stopped.

I have since re-mounted the sensor in it's proper place, but as an old car guy, I'm just curious about just what the heck that sensor is for.

I'm including a couple of pics.
Sep 26, 2013 at 1:37 AM
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HMAC300
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
it's a light sensor
Sep 26, 2013 at 2:37 AM
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ERIC PETERSEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
But what does it control?

Eric Petersen
Sep 26, 2013 at 5:41 AM
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HMAC300
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
if your headlights and or running lights come on likein a heavy rainstorm or whenit gets dark they turn on lights.
Sep 26, 2013 at 6:30 AM
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