WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM


  1. FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS


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

      Component Function
      Windshield Wiper Switch Assembly Setting this switch to AUTO will cause the raindrop sensing function to operate and adjust its sensitivity.
      Rain Sensor Senses raindrops when the windshield wiper switch assembly is in AUTO, and sends signals to the windshield wiper relay assembly.
      Windshield Wiper Relay Assembly Receives operation signals from the rain sensor and inputs them into the front wiper motor and link assembly.
      Front Wiper Motor and Link Assembly Operates the wiper in accordance with the signals from the rain sensor, when the windshield wiper switch assembly is in AUTO.
      Combination Meter Assembly Receives signals from the speed sensor and sends the vehicle speed signal to the windshield wiper relay assembly.

  2. 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 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 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.

        A005FVLE21

  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.

        Tech Tips

        If the rain sensor tape has been peeled off during a windshield glass replacement, make sure to affix new rain sensor tape. Failure to do so will lead to a system malfunction.

      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.

        A005FP5E03
        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.

        A005FY8E04
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Windshield Glass *2 Photo Diode
        *3 LED - -
        *a Infrared Ray *b Raindrop

    2. Washer Nozzle


      1. A spreading type single washer nozzle has been adopted to give good appearance. In addition, the nozzle is built into the cowl top ventilator louver and is arranged on the center.

      2. The spreading type single washer nozzle produces a fan shaped spray of washer fluid that is vibrated by water flow when it passes through the water channel, so that the washer fluid can be sprayed widely to cover the most of the front wiper cleaning area.

        Tech Tips

        Spray 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 nozzles by replacing them with nozzles that have different spray angles. For details, refer to the corresponding Repair Manual for this model.

        A005FSKE01
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Cowl Top Ventilator Louver *2 Washer Nozzle
        *a Fluid Volume *b Main Flow Center

  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 ignition switch (engine switch*) is turned from off to ON or the windshield wiper switch assembly is in AUTO position.


      • *: Models with entry and start system