auto wiper problem after winshield replacement

[LINLIN]

I had the windshield in replaced on my 01 LS V8 the other day. Ever since then the auto wiper feature doesn't seem to work at all. It is usually kind of finicky, but it doesn't work at all now. The replacement glass is genuine since it has the Lincoln logo. I can also see the area of the windshield that was left clear where the sensor "looks thru". I guess I owe the glass company a call. Did anyone else ever have a similar issue?

 

[TheRebel]

Funny thing is that my auto wipers didn't even really seem to work until I had my glass replaced. All I can is make sure they did have the right windsheild and didn't get some kind of glue over the sensor

 

[SoonerLS]

To see if they're working at all, turn the wipers to an auto setting and the ignition to "on", then throw a goodly amount of water on the windshield, up high, so it'll hit the sensor. If that doesn't trip it, the windshield installer probably didn't get everything attached correctly. IIRC, there are a couple of silicone pads that are supposed to be in contact with the glass, but I'm not certain of that (I still have my factory glass).

BTW, I would recommend that you do this test from in front of the car, rather than off to the side, and make sure your doors are closed and the windows are up...

 

[TheRebel]

Also the wipers should wipe once automatically when you start the car if you have them in auto mode before the key is in the ignition. They should do this even if there is no water on the windshield. It lets you know you have your wipers in auto mode.

 

[ToddG]

Also the wipers should wipe once automatically when you start the car if you have them in auto mode before the key is in the ignition. They should do this even if there is no water on the windshield. It lets you know you have your wipers in auto mode.

This is correct, however I don't know if it will tell you anything about how the rain-sensing system is working. In other words, the one wipe that happens when you switch to auto mode is not necessarily indicative of correct system operation. I think the only way to test it is to do what Jim suggested: get in front of the car with the garden hose and hose her down!

 

[TheRebel]

This is correct, however I don't know if it will tell you anything about how the rain-sensing system is working. In other words, the one wipe that happens when you switch to auto mode is not necessarily indicative of correct system operation. I think the only way to test it is to do what Jim suggested: get in front of the car with the garden hose and hose her down!

I know, sorry for useless info, I just wanted him to make sure the system was atleast coming on.

 

[ToddG]

I know, sorry for useless info, I just wanted him to make sure the system was atleast coming on.

Yeep.

Now stop posting and start HOSING!!

 

[beaups]

I think the idea of that first wipe is to set a "reference" for a dry windshield.

 

[2001LS8Sport]

The glass shop screwed up the sensor on my car. They had to buy a new one.

Is the light coming on when you turn it on auto mode?

 

[LINLIN]

Thanks for all the suggestions.....

I'll have to check for the red light and try spraying some water to test it.

Even before this problem it never did the single wiper thing when starting the car. I allways wondered why, but the system seemed to work OK otherwise. Sometimes I wished it was more sensitive to a light drizzle but other than that it was fine....

 

[Mac98SHO]

Thanks for all the suggestions.....

I'll have to check for the red light and try spraying some water to test it.

Even before this problem it never did the single wiper thing when starting the car. I allways wondered why, but the system seemed to work OK otherwise. Sometimes I wished it was more sensitive to a light drizzle but other than that it was fine....

Mine does the same thing.. sometimes it wipes intially but most of the time it doesn't.... but they work great when needed.

 

[LINLIN]

I looked for the red light but it is not working. I threw water on the windshield too and it is not working. I the glass company that replaced the windshield told me to take it to the dealer and they would pickup the tab.

It goes in Monday...

 

[StinkinLinkinLS01]

Let me know what they fix and how much it costs...my sensor has never worked. Thanks.

 

[01LincolnLSV8]

Yeah i had my winshield replaced and i had the same problem, but with me they just mounted the sensor box wrong and had the silicon pieces all crooked and in the wrong way so it was'nt seeing the rain... it was a simple fix but seems like you've got abit more on your hands hopefully the glass company fixes it for ya no problem...

 

[LINLIN]

Let me know what they fix and how much it costs...my sensor has never worked. Thanks.

It's fixed. 119.32 parts + 72.00 labor + tax = 202.80. The glass company is picking up the tab. It was the rain sensor. It still does not do the inital wipe thing. If you want to DIY Team Ford has the sensor for about $85. I don't know how to install it but it can't be hard, I'm sure they can help you out.

Good luck.