Rain Sensor
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| A | Clean and dry windshield |
| B | Wet and dirty windshield |
| 1 | Windshield - Outside surface |
| 2 | Optical element |
| 3 | Transmitter diodes (100% light transmitted) |
| 4 | Rain sensor assembly |
| 5 | Receiver diodes (100% received) |
| 6 | Water droplets/film |
| 7 | Receiver diodes (less than 100% light received) |
| 8 | Lost light |
The rain sensor contains transmitter and receiver diodes, which transmit and receive infrared light. This is directed onto the windshield via an optical element. The light is directed at an angle so that light is reflected 100% on the outside surface of the shield and is transmitted back into the optical unit. To receive a 100% reflection, the outer shield surface must be clean and dry.
The rain sensor is active when the wiper column control switch is in the rain sensor activated position. The rain sensor suspends wiper operation when the area of the windshield for the rain sensor is dry and operates the wipers continuously when the windshield is subject to heavy rainfall.
The sensitivity of the rain sensor controlled operation can be adjusted using the rotary collar on the wiper control column switch.