auto wipers

daves2000ls

daves2000ls

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i was riding around with my girlfriend the other day and it started to rain, the autowipers came on and she remarked that she didnt see me turn my wipers on, i told her theyre automatic and she asked me to explain how it works, i have no clue, so she tells me that i shouldnt be allowed to use them if i dont understand them. How do they detect rain, i know there must be a sensor somewhere, but where?
 
The sensor is in front of the mirror in that big black outlined area on the glass.

I do not KNOW the real answer but am guessing the sensor detects how many differences in light it sees thru the raindrops. So I think it is visible light detecting. I am guessing it is looking for speckles.

I do not like my automatic wipers since I do not feel they are Appropriately sensitive. During a light mist, mine may not come on until I am nearly blind. Other times it will wipe when the glass is nearly dry. IF I get a decent rain the wipers go into full speed. Rarely do the wipers wipe "just right" either not enough or way too much.

I am not sure how effective the sensitivty control is either. I am always messing with it and never really getting just right. Usually messing with it just makes "full speed" mode happen more often.

All in all I way prefer the delayed wipers on all the other vehicles I have owned or own.

I have gotton to where now I just rely on RainX. Yes, the manual says not to use RainX, but in my opinion, the RainX works much better in light rain and the automatic wipers seem to work better with the RainX. I did run without RainX all last year and did not like doing so. Now i will use RainX and hope the wipers work better once in awhile.

Wild guessing is that the RainX makes the speckles move too fast for the sensors to get a "snapshot". But like I said I do not know. Could just be the sensors have a range of manufacturing tolerances and mine are on the bad end. Other guys seem to like them, but i think the majority don't

Grumble grumble,

Jim Henderson
 
it's the box next to the rear view mirror. It uses a light and a sensor and somehow measures the diffraction. It really DOESN'T work...so that's why they pulled them off in 04 IIRC.
 
all the infromation you did and didnt want to know about your wipers ahah

beups pretty much has it for the way the sensor works. Its not the greatest system but it works ok as long as its not a light mist.

Principles of Operation

Wipers and Washers
The wiper and washer systems are controlled by the front electronic module (FEM). The wiper/washer portion of the multifunction switch is hardwired to the FEM. When the switch is moved to the desired position, the FEM processes this information and outputs the appropriate command(s) to one of three relays. The relays control the wiper high and low motor speeds and washer pump actuation. Intermittent wiper speed control can vary dependent upon vehicle speed. This is accomplished by the FEM receiving vehicle speed information from the anti-lock brake control module and throttle position status from the powertrain control module (PCM). When the wiper switch is in any of the intermittent positions, the FEM will process the information from the PCM and anti-lock brake control module and decrease the wiper delay time as vehicle speed increases.

Rain Sensor Wiper Function—Rain Sensor Module
The rain sensor module is located on the inside of the windshield below the interior rear view mirror and the direct pattern of the wiper blades, if equipped. When the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, the rain sensor module starts monitoring both the DELAY/WASH and the wiper mode circuits. When the multifunction switch is placed into the INT and AUTO positions, the rain sensor module takes control of the mode circuit. In dry conditions the rain sensor module keeps the mode circuit at the correct voltage for the OFF position. In the presence of moisture the rain sensor module directs the mode circuit into individual low pulse, or continuous LOW or HIGH operation, based on the amount of moisture.

Low Washer Fluid Level Lamp/Indicator
The low washer fluid lamp/indicator feature is controlled by the FEM and instrument cluster. The low washer fluid switch is hardwired to the FEM. If fluid is low, the FEM will send a message via the standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster will then process the message and output an audible and visual warning. If equipped with a message center, a warning message will be displayed. For additional information, refer to Section 413-08.

Heated Wiper Park
The heated wiper park feature is controlled by the dual automatic temperature control (DATC) module. For additional information, refer to Section 501-11.
 
at night i think you should be able to see an orange light strip from outside of the car on the windshield, this is the sensor. as the other guy say it is up by where the rear view mirror mounts. a cool trick to show your girl might be to lick your finger and rub it across this sensor (outside the car with the car on and auto wipers on, of course) if you leave enough moisture (spit) the wipers will come on. you don't need a lot just a damp finger. they might come on fast so make sure you move your finger.
 
I've foudn that spitting rarely impresses women:)
 
i thought that might be how it worked, i saw the orange light one night, i just put 2 and 2 together and got 5
 
Now the big question is...... How do you take it off? The guy who tinted my windows wouldn't do the visor because he didn't want to mess with it.
 
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