It was posted earlier that the dark "eye" at the bottom of the "Air Distribution Control" dial, that black looking dot located half way between "head" and "feet", is actually a proximity sensor that mesures the temperature of the air coming out from the vent.
So, the system doesn't actually sets the temperature according the the ambiant air in the cabin, but according to the air flow coming into it.
Not sure which post you're referring to, but I speculated in an earlier thread that the "eye" is an IR sensor that detects the temperature of the driver or passenger. See this thread: Blower for AC having problems
After living with the system for a while now seems the only things I get to choose are the temp setting, which vents get fed and the direction they blow air from the dash and fan speed. Interesting to see how the system is too automatic for some and not automatic enough for others. Cars are a compromise.
karl
Not sure which post you're referring to, but I speculated in an earlier thread that the "eye" is an IR sensor that detects the temperature of the driver or passenger.[...]
Thank you Smart Enuf, that what was I thought I remembered.
My bad: you speculated, and I wrote that as a fact. Has it been confirmed? What would that sensor be for, if not a temperature gauge? A motion sensor? Aren't those located beside the mirror?
So far, my only real complaint stems from the Ac system: while it's fine as long as the temp is at its lowest setting, moving it up even one notch (to 60 degrees), makes me uncomfortably warm. The air coming through the vents seems to remain cool, though no longer cold as it was when set lower, but, the cabin is only slightly cool. I've been playing with fan speeds, recirculate vs fresh air settings, re-aiming the vents, closing the shade, but so far...it's maximum cooling or nothing. Any ideas or suggestions? Am I alone in this?
Thank you Smart Enuf, that what was I thought I remembered.
My bad: you speculated, and I wrote that as a fact. Has it been confirmed? What would that sensor be for, if not a temperature gauge? A motion sensor? Aren't those located beside the mirror?
No prob, JPaul. There's been no confirmation, and I haven't pursued it beyond speculation so who knows? But it made the most sense given it's location, the fact that the "eye" does have a function (evidenced by its physical connection to a motherboard behind the climate control knob), and it resembles the new IR body heat detector I pointed to in my post. I'm fairly certain it's not the motion detector for the alarm, which is most likely to be near the mirror as pointed out by others.
So far, my only real complaint stems from the Ac system: while it's fine as long as the temp is at its lowest setting, moving it up even one notch (to 60 degrees), makes me uncomfortably warm. The air coming through the vents seems to remain cool, though no longer cold as it was when set lower, but, the cabin is only slightly cool. I've been playing with fan speeds, recirculate vs fresh air settings, re-aiming the vents, closing the shade, but so far...it's maximum cooling or nothing. Any ideas or suggestions? Am I alone in this?
I've noticed this too- at 58 or 60 its pretty cold, but just going up one more notch to 62, it becomes borderline on a sunny 90 day ( however would probably be fine a night at this setting.)
After living with the system for a while now seems the only things I get to choose are the temp setting, which vents get fed and the direction they blow air from the dash and fan speed. Interesting to see how the system is too automatic for some and not automatic enough for others. Cars are a compromise.
karl
Yes, I've been spoiled by my MINI with the auto A/C- I pretty much leave it at 66 or 68 the whole year, and it takes care of everything. It changes not only the fan speed, but direction of the air flow in its auto mode. (ie, sends most of the air to the windshield until it reaches temp, before sending it to the cabin.)
If your thermostat is set to 70, the vent air should be cold on warm days or warm on cold days. If the only way to stay cool is the lowest setting or to stay warm is the highest setting, you have an unusual situation and the dealer should replace your control module (or otherwise troubleshoot and fix your problem).
If anyone gets one replaced, I'd love the broken module! Please PM me if you get the module swapped out and can keep the discard.
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"the car", "la voiture"
Has it been confirmed? What would that sensor be for, if not a temperature gauge? A motion sensor? Aren't those located beside the mirror? 
2008 Smart Passion
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