If I jump in the car after it's been raining, the wipers although set to auto don't seem to detect the rain on the windscreen. All other times they work fine. Anyone else notice this?

 

Could be a bad sensor. If you want to know for sure put in auto positon and run a hose over the sensor in the windshield and if it doesn't work, something is wrong.

If it is the sensor, I hate to say it but I think the sensor is part of the windshield so you'd need a whole new windshield.

Good Luck.

 

Sounds a strange fault, especially if the sensor performs well after a few wipes.
Does anyone know if the sensitivity can be adjusted?

 

There is no adjustment for sensativity.

 

I think it's normal. Even my Lexus does the same thing. Unless I have two faulty sensors from two different car manufacturers.

 

I have a ls430 and find the auto wipers much better.
The SL seems to wipe too many times, you might as well have on constant.

 

Jasab....on the Lexus, you can adjust the speed/sensitivity of the wiper sensor. I also like it better.

 

Thanks guys.

 

Scotsman, My VW T-reg as well as my SL works the same way as you described. I also recall my 996 doing the same thing. The sensor does not activate the wipers when starting the car after standing in the rain. It must be a German thing!

 

Thanks cmos. Maybe we don't get enough rain in Scotland? :o}

Maybe they activate when there's a change in the sensor reading?

 

I believe the sensor on the windscreen senses the MOVEMENT of the water beads, not the mere presence of water beads. Will the wipers start after you have begun driving?

 

Nup, that's the problem. Once the initial wipe is made they then work fine.
As I said though, it's only when I jump in the car after it's been raining so it's no big deal I guess.

On another note - been feeling guilty about driving the SL most of the time and leaving the Jeep GC with my wife. That was until Wednesday when she decided to scrape(gouge really) the side of the Jeep off a concrete pillar.
Guilt has now disappeared!

 

Scotsman,

Don't ever let the wife drive the SL.
Hide the keys, thats what I do.

 

Think I'll have to jasab!