WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM


  1. FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS

    Component Function
    Windshield Wiper Switch Assembly

    • Outputs the position signal of the windshield wiper switch assembly to the windshield wiper motor assembly, windshield washer motor and pump assembly and windshield wiper relay assembly*.

    • Setting this switch to AUTO will cause the rain sensing function to operate. This switch is also used to adjust the rain sensing function sensitivity.*
    Windshield Wiper Motor Assembly Activates the front wiper in accordance with the position signal of the wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) or the control signal from the windshield wiper relay assembly*.
    Windshield Washer Motor and Pump Assembly Activates the windshield washer motor and pump assembly in accordance with the signal from the front washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly).
    Rain Sensor* Senses rain when the wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is in AUTO, and sends signals to the windshield wiper relay assembly.
    Windshield Wiper Relay Assembly* Receives the operation signal from the windshield wiper switch assembly (wiper switch and washer switch) and the rain sensor, and inputs them into the windshield wiper motor assembly.
    Combination Meter Sub-assembly Outputs the vehicle speed signal to the windshield wiper relay assembly.

    *: Models with rain sensing function

  2. SYSTEM CONTROL


    1. This system has the following functions.

      Function Outline
      Forced Wiping*

      When any one of the following conditions is met while wiping is controlled by the rain sensing function, the windshield wiper relay assembly forcibly operates the wipers once.


      • The wiper switch is turned from OFF to AUTO when the power switch is on (IG).

      • The vehicle starts off.

      • The automatic control adjuster is turned to the + direction. (to boost sensitivity)
      Rain Sensing* Controls the wiping interval and speed in accordance with the amount of rain and vehicle speed when the windshield washer switch assembly is in the AUTO position.
      Washer-linked Wiper with Drip-prevention* To prevent the fluid from dripping after the washer has been operated, this function operates the wipers once after they have operated in unison with the washer.

      *: Models with rain sensing function

    2. Rain Sensing Function


      1. The rain sensing function controls the wiper timing in accordance with the amount of rain that strikes the windshield when the front wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is in the AUTO position.

    3. Washer-linked Wiper with Drip-prevention Function


      1. When the front wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is set to OFF or AUTO and the front washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is turned on for approximately 0.2 seconds or more, the wipers start operating in LO at the same time as the washer fluid is sprayed.

      2. The wipers operate 3 times in LO after the front washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is turned off.

      3. As shown in the following diagram, after the end of this operation, the wipers operate once more. They do so after an interval determined by the vehicle speed, so that any washer fluid drips are wiped away.

        A00512CE21

  3. CONSTRUCTION


    1. Rain Sensor


      1. The rain sensor consists of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that emits infrared rays, a photo diode that can receive those rays, a lens and rain sensor tape.

        A0050P7E12
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Rain Sensor Tape *2 Lens
        *3 Photo Diode *4 LED

      2. If no rain is present in the detection area, the infrared rays emitted by the LED are all reflected from the outer surface of the windshield glass and are received by the photo diode.

      3. If rain is present in the detection area, a portion of the emitted infrared rays penetrates the windshield glass due to the change in the difference of the index of refraction between the glass and the area outside the windshield (difference between air and water). The ability of the windshield glass to reflect all light back inside changes due to the presence of rain. This change of internal reflection due to presence of water reduces the amount of infrared rays that are received by the photo diode. The amount of this reduction is then used to determine the amount of rain. Thus, this function controls the intermittent, low, and high operation in order to operate the wipers at an optimal wiping timing.

        A0051COE13
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Windshield Glass *2 Photo Diode
        *3 LED - -
        *a Infrared Rays *b Rain Drop

  4. FAIL-SAFE


    1. If the windshield wiper relay assembly detects a malfunction of the rain sensor during the operation of the raindrop sensing function, the following controls will be performed:


      • Continuously performs wiper operation prior to the occurrence of a malfunction.

      • Switches to intermittent operation if a malfunction of the rain sensor is detected when the power switch is turned from off to on (IG) or the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the AUTO position.