Rain Sensitive Wipers (if equipped)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The rain sensor optically senses water on the windshield. An infrared beam, of specific intensity, 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 started.

The rain-sensing feature replaces the intermittent wiper feature. The rain sensor is located on the windshield to the right of the rear view mirror. In order to turn the rain sensitive wiper system on, the multifunction switch must be positioned to 1 of the 5 intermittent settings. The intermittent position closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest intermittent position is the most sensitive to moisture. When the rain sensitive wiper system is active and the rain sensor detects moisture on the windshield, the rain sensor will send a serial data message to the wiper/washer module to automatically activate the wipers.