Normal Operation
The rain sensitive wiper feature replaces the intermittent wiper feature. The rain sensitive feature is active when the multifunction switch is in any of the 5 auto/intermittent sensitivity settings. The setting closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture, the highest setting being the most sensitive to moisture.
The rain sensor sends data through the LIN to the windshield wiper motor. When the rain sensitive wiper feature is enabled, based on the data received from the rain sensor and the auto/intermittent setting on the multifunction switch, the system automatically activates and adjusts the wiper speed and frequency when moisture is detected on the windshield.
The rain sensor optically senses water on the windshield. An infrared beam lights a section of the windshield. The intensity of the reflected beam is measured and compared to the intensity of the transmitted beam. If there is water on the surface of the windshield, the beam distorts, reducing the intensity of the beam. If the beam is not reflected completely, it is interpreted as rain on the windshield and the windshield wipers are activated.
A gel-type lens is used as the interface between the rain sensor and the windshield. If the lens is missing or damaged, the rain sensing wipers can be inoperative. The rain sensor gel-type lens is part of the rain sensor and cannot be replaced separately on a rain sensor of this type.
The rain sensitive wiper feature can be enabled/disabled through the message center.
When the rain sensitive wipers are disabled from the message center, or the windshield wiper motor detects a fault with the rain sensor input, the windshield wiper motor changes to a default intermittent mode. The timing of the wipers correspond to a standard intermittent setting based on the auto/intermittent sensitivity setting on the multifunction switch.
- B10AD:02 (Rain Sensor: General Signal Failure) - This DTC sets when the SCCM determines a general signal failure has occurred on the LIN .
- B10AD:08 (Rain Sensor: Bus Signal/Message Failure) - This DTC sets when the SCCM determines a communication error has occurred on the LIN . If the rain sensitive wipers are inoperative only, this DTC may be caused by an open in the rain sensor power or ground circuit or an open in the LIN circuit.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Fuse
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Rain sensitive feature not enabled
- Foreign material on windshield, such as dirt, dust or bugs
- Wiper blades
- Windshield glass
- Multifunction switch
- Windshield wiper motor
- Rain sensor
- SCCM