What is the sensor at the base of the windshield, right dead center?

 

For auto climate control, auto headlights, etc depending on how your car is equipped.

 

Is it a light sensor, or a temp sensor?

I guess if it is used for auto headlights (which my car did not come with), then it must be a light sensor, eh?

But wait... If it is for climate control, then it must be temperature based, right? It is possible for it to be sunny, but cold...

How do I prove to myself whether it is working properly? Can I cover it from light and validate some resulting behavior?

 

try reading your owner manual
don't have one? here is the free download Acura Owners Site | Exclusive Knowledge, Service, & Benefits

the top of dash sensor is for temp and it works with its mate below steering wheel/dash on drivers right knee area
all part of the fancy auto climate control unit

reminder to all: should replace the cabin air filters once a year! have you ever done yours?

 

Will do... Thanks...

 

Mines fell through the hole... How would I get it out?

 

Ditto^

 

Mine also seems to have fallen through the hole

 

What do you guys mean? Are you saying that you took the cover off, and the sensor has fallen through? Or is the cover missing?

I am just a little shocked that all of you bothered to take the cover off to examine it... Unless I am not picturing this right...

 

I noticed the other day there was a hole where this "sensor" is supposed to be, base of the windshield in the center.

 

The Top Sensor in the Dash is for SUNLIGHT! Basically when you have the sun aiming at it the "AUTO" feature of the A/C will re-direct the air through the main front vents (In Full AUTO the air comes from every single vent under normal use). If yours fell then the vents will not auto-switch to the fronts when the sunlight is straight at you.


The A/C Temp sensor is located at the steering wheel, Just left of the A/C Controls.

 

Any tips on how we would pull this out and back into its place? It's just sitting down there leaving a weird hole.

 

Sadly there is not enough room there for a quick fix.
It looks like dash removal PITA time.

 

Doesn't sound super necessary to fix right now, I'll wait until I have to remove the dash for something else and do it at the same time.