Dash ambient light sensor - popped up

[gdi]

The ambient light sensor on the dash of my 2018 has popped up on one side. This sensor adjusts the brightness of the dash/navigation lights based on the amount of daylight (looks like this - https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/ambient-light-sensor/ford/mustang )

I tried to push the thing down, but that side isn't catching. I am wondering if I could pop it totally out and reseat the whole thing, but I don't know how the electrical connection is made. Does anyone have any experience with this, and can offer advice? Of course I can just wait till it goes in for service, but it is a little irritating to look at.

thx

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[ronemca]

If you can pop it out without damaging the retaining clip, you will discover that there is about 1" of slack in the wire. The connector on the end of the wire has a "traditional" thumb release, and will disengage easily. This will allow you to fully remove the sensor. The wire will of course fall back into the hole, but it shouldn't go far**. That said, if you're uneasy about being able to retrieve it later, wrap an elastic or a loop of string around it before letting it go**.

** The wire should have a retainer about 3" upstream from the connector. i.e.: after you disengage it and let it fall, it won't slither away a foot deep into the guts of the instrument panel. But you will be able to feel that when you lift out the sensor before you release the catch.

 

[gdi]

If you can pop it out without damaging the retaining clip, you will discover that there is about 1" of slack in the wire. The connector on the end of the wire has a "traditional" thumb release, and will disengage easily. This will allow you to fully remove the sensor. The wire will of course fall back into the hole, but it shouldn't go far**. That said, if you're uneasy about being able to retrieve it later, wrap an elastic or a loop of string around it before letting it go**.

** The wire should have a retainer about 3" upstream from the connector. i.e.: after you disengage it and let it fall, it won't slither away a foot deep into the guts of the instrument panel. But you will be able to feel that when you lift out the sensor before you release the catch.

Thanks! I’ll give it a shot, since it seems uncomplicated.

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