I have been told that the sensor on the top of the dash is a headlight sensor. I can find no reference to it in the owner’s manual. What does it do?


Dave

 

It's the temperature sensor for the Automatic Climate Control. If you don't have ACC than it's just a redundant button.

 

I could have sworn that I read in the book where the temp sensor was located on the corners of the ACC


Art

 

Nope...

 

I have no input on this one as I have always pondered its purpose myself. I too thought the ACC sensors were on the corners of the unit.

 

Yes, I also understand that the temp. sensors are at the bottom two corners of the dash mounted ACC unit, but I suppose the top red button thingie could also be related to the ACC in some way. Although, it might also be related to the optional dealer installed alarm system, or perhaps the optional rain sensing wiper system? Your guess is as good as mine.

 

It seems like someone told me once that it was an infrared rain sensor for the automatic wipers. I can't back that up with a link or anything, just seems like I heard that somewhere....

 

To quote from the MINI 2005 Product Information book :

"Actually, this is a small sensor. Not a button. It's not necessary to push it, although you may if you want to. It's merely a UV sensor for the automatic A/C option. If you don't have the automatic A/C, then you won't have the "button". Don't worry about it."

:smile:

 

Go check the Top 10 Idiosyncrasises of the MINI on the Owners Lounge

#5 Dash Button: "What's the little button on the top of the dash? Actually this is a small sensor. Not a button. It's not necessary to push it, although you may if you want to. It's merely a UV sensor for the Automatic A/C option. If you don't have the Automatic A/C then you won't have the button. Don't worry about it."

That's a direct quote from the MINI Owner's Lounge.

 

It is a UV sensor of the Automatic Climate Control that determines amount of outside sunlight. Not a temp. sensor (that's at the corners of the dash unit), nor is it a rain sensor, alarm light, or seat eject button indicator .
:smile:
It IS part of the ACC- that's not a guess, it's from MINI themselves.

 

From MiniUSA,

I believe you're referring to the little globe in the middle of the top of your dashboard. This is part of the climate control system and this "solar load" sensor is how the Automatic Air Conditioning system calculates the sun intensity inside the car, and compensates with colder temperatures.


Dave

 

I too read that it was a uv sensor. The rain sensor is where the reveiw mirror attaches, and the headlight sensor for the auto dim(dip) mirror is on the mirror frame. So many sensors.

I was wondering if the tiny vents were the temp sensors for the ACC. I find them very cute, and think it shows great attention to detail having them match the actual vents. (I also like the new smiley)

 

If the dash button is the ACC/UV sensor, what is that little vented thing up near the clock?

 

Nothing.

Nik

 

The mic for bluetooth cell phone option. If you don't have it installed, the vent for the mic is still there.

 

I think it was designed to be used with hands-free cellphone usage, using Bluetooth technology. Not sure if that's been made available yet, though. :smile:


Clover

 

So many sensors, so little time.

The 'purple nurple' on the dash is the sunlight heat load sensor for the auto a/c. With the sun beaming into the car and heating up the area behind the windscreen, the auto a/c compensates by keeping some airflow at the top and dash vents at times there is sun. In night driving, keeping the air up top would tend to make for cold feeling drafts on your face and hands. The system can 'see' the sun load is not there and redirect the air. Pretty smart system, especially for a litte car.

The two mini-vents on the auto a/c control are where interior air temp is drawn in and measured. The vent on the left is actually 'fake' as the sensor is only in the right side (look in there and you will see a tiny blue thermistor). Cosmetically it looks better with two.

The handsfree mic grille has nothing inside if you dont have the handsfree kit, as well as the motion sensor box on the roof at the back will have othing unless you have the MINI alarm system. The motion sensor box has grilles aiming to the front and the back, but the ones in the back dont have any sensors in the MINI. Other bigger BMW models put sensors in both ends for wider coverage.

The grilles in the holes where the fog lights would be installed, as well as the center grille where the rear fog light would be on '05 models is purely cosmetic. They are there to fill up empty holes. Cheaper than having two different bumper covers for with/without lights. Also makes retrofitting a lot cheaper.

The grille in the rear 'package shelf' as well as the two foam-filled openings in the back of boot floor are for heat-a/c air flow-through.

 

Thanks, Greatbear, for sharing your wealth of MINI knowledge with us! You da man!


Clover

 

I have the MINI boot box in the rear. It does block the rear foam vents. Do you think this has a negative effect on airflow?

 

I would think that it would have some effect, but I doubt it will completely cut off airflow. Air still can 'squeeze' around the interior trim panels where the carpet meets them as well as other areas. The car isnt completely sealed off. A way to check is to close all the windows, put the a/c on dash vents only, the fan on high and recirc off. Feel the air velocity coming out of the dash vents, then open the side window partially. You may feel a bit more airflow coming from the vents now because the fan is no longer trying to 'pressurize' the inside of the car. Most cars will show this trait even if interior-to-exterior vents aren't blocked.

 

Actually the back shelf vent has to do with the battery being located back there in the S models. Note the non S doesn't have the vent.

 

Does anyone have the solar sensor up in the dash rattling? It's full in place, but seems to rattle half of the time. It almost seems that when it's warm outside, the plastic expands just enough to keep it from rattling. Never the less, it is annoying & I may just shim something in there.

 

Is not the sensor. The rattle comes from the upper center dashboard vent (Right above the center speedo). This is an old issue mostly with '02-'03 MINIs. It is an easy fix by your dealer and involves cutting around the vent and adding some felt tape.

Covered under warranty.

 

what are the slots (they look like vents) on the inside of the glove box door for?? They could be as a coin holder, but not very practical for that as coins can slip thru.....anyone have any ideas??

 

I'll definitely bring that up, as I'm really close to my "Inspection 1". However, if I touch (hold down) the sensor, the rattle goes away. There is play in the senor where it is mounted in the dash. It can turn slightly, but is fully seated in the mount.