Wiper Problem: Anyone Else Have Issues?

[REThumper]

Hi,

Has anyone had or heard of problems with the rain sensing wiper feature?

About 50% - 75% of the time my wipers behave erratically when they are on auto.

Specifically they go through a wipe pattern that seems very much like a reset algorithm:

One slow wipe
Three fast wipes
Three decreasingly slow wipes

<pause>

One slow wipe

<repeat>


This usually happens in light rain; although it has happened in heavy rain. It has never happened in dry conditions. As I indicated above, about 25% - 50% of the time they behave as you would expect and only come on when needed (whether slow or fast).

I took the car into the dealer two days ago and they replaced the sensor (hockey puck) unit. Unfortunately, it happened again this morning when it rained.

The mechanic said he was going to research the problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Matt

[AaronGiles]

Same behavior here, though I would say it's only happened occasionally. Seems to be a particular type of light rain that confuses it. Also I've found that with a little patience it often settles down to a reasonable rhythm after a few swipes.

[Smart09]

it all depends on the speed of the car and how fast the water hit the wind shiled... hence going from light to light it will speed up and then slow down when you come to a light.. well at least thats how my auto wipers work on my GS300

[bull8042]

I have that feature, and have yet to use it. The first Saturday after I got my car, I washed and waxed it. Then applied Rain-X to the windshield, so I don't even have to use my wipers at all.

[smartfloridadad]

mine did the same when I 1st got it then it has stopped ,mine does come on for one wipe 1st thing in the morning ,so does the back one when I put it into reverse,I have rain sensing wipers on mt E320 also ,they will come on when the sun is shining ,and when there is morning dew ,they run for 10 minutes like it a heavy thunder storm

[burtandnancy]

Heat wave here, my wiper blades will rot before I ever have to turn them on...

[2micro4u]

Originally Posted by AaronGiles

Same behavior here, though I would say it's only happened occasionally. Seems to be a particular type of light rain that confuses it. Also I've found that with a little patience it often settles down to a reasonable rhythm after a few swipes.

I agree with you 100% I have no complaints on mine. Just takes a second to settle no biggie for me because it gets the job done.

[dbwill]

I think the manual indicates not to leave the wipers in auto as it is possible to scratch the windows as they may have dirt particles on them and running a wiper on a dry windshield or back window can do damage. Ask me how I know

[Fredvon4]

Mine work properly in ligh to heavy rain

I too live in a super hot sunny area and am accostomed to a new blade set every year in prep for rainy season... thus, my problem is..... the proprietary blades at $40+/- a set

[aslusers]

Originally Posted by Smart09

it all depends on the speed of the car and how fast the water hit the wind shiled... hence going from light to light it will speed up and then slow down when you come to a light.. well at least thats how my auto wipers work on my GS300

I agree with Smart09 -

the autosensor is much smarter than we are. It adjusts the rate of wiping in proportion to both the rain amount and your speed. So, while we are used to the wipers continuing to swipe while we are stopped at a light, these auto wipers will stop while you are stopped.

Personally, it bugs me! I like the windshield to be clear of drops even when I am not moving.

If you don't like it, you can just switch it into a manual setting.