Rain Sensitive Wipers (if equipped)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The rain sensitive feature replaces the intermittent wiper feature. When the rain sensitive wiper system is active, the rain sensor sends data to the wiper/ washer module. The wipers activate based on the amount of moisture detected on the windshield and the setting on the multifunction switch.

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.

If a fault is detected with the rain sensor input by the wiper/washer module, the wiper/washer module to a default intermittent mode. The timing of the wipers correspond to a standard intermittent setting based on the selection on the multifunction switch.

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 may be inoperative. If the rain sensitive wipers are inoperative and do not default to the intermittent mode, inspect the rain sensor and confirm that the gel-type lens over the rain sensor is undamaged.