Rain sensing wipers SUCK! Need help from a MB tech!
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Rain sensing wipers SUCK! Need help from a MB tech!
I HATE the rain sensing wiper function in my C240! It came with my C2 package. Sometimes the glass will get swept dry the first wipe, but the wipers will go a couple of extra times against a dry winshield. Othe times the window will get wet to the point that can't see before the wipers wipe 
This is mainly a problem with light rain, where the setting just past the rain-sensing setting is too much (constant wiping motion). How many wipes/per/second do the standard non-rain sensing intermitent wipers wipe? Is there just one intermitent setting on non-C2 optioned C240's (and C230's too, I assume)? Is there a way to bypass the rain-sensing function? Can it be done via the computer at the dealer? My '98 Crown Vic has about 5 intermitent settings! Please help me before I go crazy! 
Jim
This is mainly a problem with light rain, where the setting just past the rain-sensing setting is too much (constant wiping motion). How many wipes/per/second do the standard non-rain sensing intermitent wipers wipe? Is there just one intermitent setting on non-C2 optioned C240's (and C230's too, I assume)? Is there a way to bypass the rain-sensing function? Can it be done via the computer at the dealer? My '98 Crown Vic has about 5 intermitent settings! Please help me before I go crazy! Jim
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From: Vancouver, WA
2001 C240 / 6-speed
Bad news - you cannot override rain sensor.
Good news - you can probably greatly enhance the performance with either cleaning or replacing the passenger blade (the one that wipes the sensor). If part of the passenger blade that cleans the sensor has a bit of dirt or wear just over the sensor, the sensor will not "see" clearly after a wipe and call for another one.
Keep your blades clean and you will like the sensor more. I advise cleaning the blade with rubbing alcohol on a rag.
Good news - you can probably greatly enhance the performance with either cleaning or replacing the passenger blade (the one that wipes the sensor). If part of the passenger blade that cleans the sensor has a bit of dirt or wear just over the sensor, the sensor will not "see" clearly after a wipe and call for another one.
Keep your blades clean and you will like the sensor more. I advise cleaning the blade with rubbing alcohol on a rag.
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From: Houston, TX
2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
my c230 is only a month old and the wipers squeak pretty loud. Is that normal?? and yes the rain sensing is annoying about half the time. Where is the sensor guys. Thanks.
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Bad news - you cannot override rain sensor.
What controls the wipers? Perhaps there is some relay somewhere I can replace?
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From: Texas
02 c230 kompressor
Originally posted by tberry
my c230 is only a month old and the wipers squeak pretty loud. Is that normal?? and yes the rain sensing is annoying about half the time. Where is the sensor guys. Thanks.
my c230 is only a month old and the wipers squeak pretty loud. Is that normal?? and yes the rain sensing is annoying about half the time. Where is the sensor guys. Thanks.
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by tberry
my c230 is only a month old and the wipers squeak pretty loud. Is that normal?? and yes the rain sensing is annoying about half the time. Where is the sensor guys. Thanks.
my c230 is only a month old and the wipers squeak pretty loud. Is that normal?? and yes the rain sensing is annoying about half the time. Where is the sensor guys. Thanks.
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
my vw has 4 settings. i have the rain sensing wipers ordered with my C230, but since it doesnt rain much in san diego i dont think ill worry to much. i can't remember the last time i had my wipers turned onto the non-intermentant setting while it rained. 
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by nov0798
how hard is it to turn on your wipers when it rains
how hard is it to turn on your wipers when it rains
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by avlis
The rain sensing wiper's function isn't to turn on the wipers when it starts raining. It's function is to control the speed of the wipers as conditions change. You still have to turn them on yourself.
The rain sensing wiper's function isn't to turn on the wipers when it starts raining. It's function is to control the speed of the wipers as conditions change. You still have to turn them on yourself.
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by MarkL
Actually, it's not the "speed" of the wipers. They always move at the low speed during intermittent operation. It's the wipe "frequency" that is controlled by the rain sensor.
Actually, it's not the "speed" of the wipers. They always move at the low speed during intermittent operation. It's the wipe "frequency" that is controlled by the rain sensor.
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
I'd still like to know what component controls the wipers. Depending on how the standard, non-rain sensing intermitent wipers function, it would be cool if I could just switch out a "black box" I'd like about a 3 second delay between each wipe.
I'd like about a 3 second delay between each wipe.
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From: Houston, TX
2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
I thought that MB would still include an adjustable intermittent wiper function on top of the rain-sensing wiper. From What I can tell all u get is OFF/rain-sensing/medium/fast. Usually cars have the first slow with adjustable interval that u can fine-tune about 10 different settings.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by tberry
I thought that MB would still include an adjustable intermittent wiper function on top of the rain-sensing wiper. From What I can tell all u get is OFF/rain-sensing/medium/fast. Usually cars have the first slow with adjustable interval that u can fine-tune about 10 different settings.
I thought that MB would still include an adjustable intermittent wiper function on top of the rain-sensing wiper. From What I can tell all u get is OFF/rain-sensing/medium/fast. Usually cars have the first slow with adjustable interval that u can fine-tune about 10 different settings.
Jim, in the past, people have asked how much trouble it would be to add the rain sensor, not remove it. I think the rain sensor "plugs" into the circuit instead of the regular timer module. Seems like you could disconnect the sensor and insert the timer... Or, maybe you will get used to it. I think it's great, despite the inability to adjust the sensitivity. Aren't you always fiddling with the timer setting for the regular type of intermittent wipers? And when the rain (or your speed) picks up, it goes right into full low speed operation (no pauses). I hardly every turn the switch from rain sense to full low.
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From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
Nobody mentioned this yet, but without the rain sensor there are three wiping speeds: intermediate with one wipe about every 3-5 seconds (can't remember the exact interval off the top of my head), slow and fast. The intermediate setting isn't adjustable, which is why some (myself included) have inquired about the possibility of installing the sensor.
Cheers, BT
Cheers, BT
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
I think it's great, despite the inability to adjust the sensitivity. Aren't you always fiddling with the timer setting for the regular type of intermittent wipers? And when the rain (or your speed) picks up, it goes right into full low speed operation (no pauses).
If anyone has info on disconnecting the rain-sensor and connecting a timing unit, I would be forever in your debt
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by Jim Banville
... or making me go blind by letting water build up. I have had to switch to the low setting because I was starting to lose visibility and was afraid the rain sensing function woudn't kick in. .
... or making me go blind by letting water build up. I have had to switch to the low setting because I was starting to lose visibility and was afraid the rain sensing function woudn't kick in. .
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Cheltenham, UK
CLK 320 Sports
I returned to the standard intermittent wiper delay on my CLK 320 by unplugging the rain sensor after that unit went faulty and held the wipers on continuously.
Now waiting until I find a sensibly priced spare.
Now waiting until I find a sensibly priced spare.
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
How ironic. 8 months after this thread was started, I purchased a spanking new 2004 Volvo XC70 with automatic, adjustable, rain sensing wipers. They have been working flawlessly ever since. I must admit that I am not nearly as critical as the folks above. Condeming the system for an extra stroke or two? After 8 1/2 years I don't notice these things.
Wayne
Wayne
Last edited by venchka; Dec 22, 2011 at 07:55 PM.
