WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM DETAILS


  1. FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS


    1. Wiper and Washer System


      1. The raindrop sensing function consists of the following parts:

        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.
        Wiper Motor and Link 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 front 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 front windshield wiper motor assembly.
        Combination Meter Assembly Outputs the vehicle speed signal to the windshield wiper relay assembly.

    2. Headlight Cleaner System


      1. The headlight cleaner system has the following parts and functions:

        Component Function
        Headlight Cleaner Switch Assembly The user operates this switch to operate the headlight cleaner system.
        Headlight Cleaner Control Relay Receives the signals from the headlight cleaner switch assembly, front washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) and main body ECU (multiplex network body ECU), and controls the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly.
        Main Body ECU (Multiplex Network Body ECU) Sends the headlight low beam illumination signal to the headlight cleaner control relay.
        Headlight Cleaner Actuator Sub-assembly The pressure of the washer fluid sent by the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly pushes out the headlight cleaner washer nozzles.
        Headlight Cleaner Washer Nozzle Sprays the washer fluid sent by the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly onto the headlights.

  2. OPERATING CONDITION


    1. Headlight Cleaner System


      1. The headlight cleaner operates as follows:

        Headlight Low Beam Headlight Cleaner Switch Assembly Wiper Switch (Windshield Wiper Switch Assembly)
        On On (First Time) On (Second Time or later)
        Turn On Activated Activated Not Activated
        Turn Off Not Activated Not Activated Not Activated

  3. FUNCTION


    1. Raindrop Sensing Function


      1. The raindrop sensing function controls the wiping timing in accordance with the amount of raindrops when the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the AUTO position.

      2. This control is effected by the rain sensor based on the amount of raindrops and input signals from the wiper controller.

      3. An illuminance detection function is provided to automatically change the raindrop sensitivity according to day or night.

    2. Washer-linked Wiper Function


      1. When the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the off or AUTO position and the washer switch is turned on for approximately 0.5 seconds or more, the wipers start on LO at the same time as the washer fluid is sprayed.

        A01FCUZE04

    3. Headlight Cleaner System


      1. When the ignition switch is ON , pressing the headlight cleaner switch assembly will cause the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly to operate for a predetermined length of time.

      2. When the ignition switch is ON and the headlights are turned to low beam, pressing the washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) once will cause the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly to operate.

  4. 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.

      2. In order to enhance the responsiveness of the day/night control and the tunnel control, the 2 built-in light sensors have been provided.

        A01FCYYE01
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Rain Sensor Tape *2 Lens
        *3 Photo Diode *4 LED
        *5 Photo Diode for Forward Detection (Light Sensor) *6 Photo Diode for Upward Detection (Light Sensor)

      3. If no raindrops are 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.

      4. If raindrops are present in the detection area, a portion of the emitted infrared rays will penetrate 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 raindrops. This change of internal reflection due to the 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 raindrops. This function then selects intermittent, low, or high wiper operation in order to operate the wipers at an optimal speed and timing.

      5. By using 2 light sensors, the sensitivity to detect night has been improved. In addition, when a tunnel is detected, the responsiveness around the entrance/exit of the tunnel has been improved.

        A01FCNZE01
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Windshield Glass *2 Photo Diode
        *3 LED - -
        *a Infrared Ray *b Raindrop

    2. Washer Nozzle


      1. The diffuser type washer nozzles are located under the engine hood to ensure good appearance.

      2. With the adoption of the diffuser type washer nozzles, only a smaller amount of washer fluid is needed to spread over a large area, realizing excellent wiping performance.

        A01FD3GE01
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Washer Nozzle - -
        *a Top View of Distribution *b Fluid Volume
        *c Main Flow Center - -

        Tech Tips

        Diffuser type washer nozzles cannot be adjusted because of their structure. Do not attempt to adjust the nozzles as it could damage them. If adjustment is necessary, adjust the spray pattern by replacing the nozzles with those selected from the 3 part numbers available. For details, refer to the Repair Manual.

  5. 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 ignition switch is turned from off to ON or the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the AUTO position.