WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM DETAILS


  1. OPERATING CONDITION


    1. Headlight Cleaner


      1. The headlight cleaner operates as follows:

        Headlight Low Beam Headlight Cleaner Switch Assembly Windshield Washer Switch Assembly
        ON ON (First Time)

        ON

        (Second Time or later)
        Turn ON Activated Activated Not Activated
        Turn OFF Activated Not Activated Not Activated

  2. SYSTEM CONTROL


    1. This system has the following functions.

      Function Outline
      Wiper Vehicle Speed-sensing, Adjustable Interval This function controls the wiper interval time in accordance with the vehicle speed when the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the AUTO or INT position.
      Vehicle Speed Switching Automatically selects an intermittent operation when the vehicle is stopped with the windshield wiper switch assembly in the LO position.
      Stopped Vehicle Intermittent Wiper Automatically selects an intermittent operation when the windshield wiper switch assembly is switched to the LO position from any positions other than LO with the vehicle stopped.
      Rain Sensing* Controls the wiping interval and speed in accordance with the amount of rain, vehicle speeds and taillight signals when the windshield wiper 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.
      Washer Headlight Cleaner Sprays washer fluid on the headlight lenses to clean them.
      Washer Fluid Level Warning When the volume of washer fluid decreases to below a certain level, the combination meter warns the driver through the master warning light illumination and the warning message on the multi-information display.

      *: Models with rain sensing function

    2. Vehicle Speed-Sensing, Adjustable Interval Function


      1. When the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the INT position (models without rain sensing function), or AUTO position (models with rain sensing function), the interval time of the wiper is controlled in 3 stages in accordance with the automatic control adjuster position and the vehicle speed.

      2. The interval time can be controlled steplessly within each range.

        A019PXJE02

    3. Vehicle Speed Switching Function


      1. When the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the LO position and the vehicle has stopped moving, wiper operation is automatically switched to intermittent operation.

      2. The front wiper relay circuit judges that the vehicle is being driven if one of the following conditions is met:


        • The vehicle speed is other than 0 km/h (0 mph).

        • The stop light switch and the parking brake switch are off and the shift lever is in a position other than P or N.

      3. If other conditions exist, the front wiper relay circuit judges that the vehicle is stopped. It controls the wipers as shown in the timing chart below.

      4. When the vehicle stops running while driving and the windshield wiper switch assembly is in the LO position, the wipers operate twice in LO. It then switches to intermittent operation with an interval time of approximately 2.5 seconds. If the vehicle starts driving during this intermittent wiper operation, wipers automatically return automatically to LO operation.

        A019PSTE02

    4. Stopped Vehicle Intermittent Wiper Function


      1. When the windshield wiper switch assembly is changed to the LO position while the vehicle is stopped, the wipers operate 3 times in LO. It then switches automatically to an intermittent operation with an interval time of approximately 2.5 seconds.

      2. When the sensitivity adjustment ring is turned in the high sensitivity direction, the wipers operate in LO when the vehicle is stopped.

        A019Q6VE02

    5. Rain Sensing Function (Models with rain sensing function)


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

      2. The sensitivity of the rain sensing function can be changed using the sensitivity adjustment ring on the windshield wiper switch assembly. When the ring is turned in the high sensitivity direction, the wipers will operate once and then operate corresponding to the increased sensitivity to ensure optimal performance.

      3. Wiper operation automatically switches between 3 modes (intermittent, low and high) in accordance with the amount of rain.

      4. In intermittent mode, the operation interval varies in accordance with the amount of rain. It varies between 7 levels when the vehicle is stopped and between 7 other levels when the vehicle is being driven.

        Operation Interval Level 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
        While Driving sec. 0.8 1.6 3.1 5.4 9.7 17.5 32.7
        While Stopping sec. 0.6 1.2 2.1 3.5 5.9 10.1 17.9

    6. Washer-Linked Wiper with Drip-prevention Function


      1. When the windshield wiper switch assembly is set to OFF or AUTO and the washer switch 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 washer switch 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 vehicle speed, so that any washer fluid drips are wiped away.

        A019PZ6E02
        Interval Time Table
        Vehicle Speed km/h (mph) Interval Time
        Approximately 0 to 59 (0 to 37) Approximately. 3 seconds
        Approximately 60 to 79 (37 to 49) Approximately 5 seconds
        Approximately 80 to 119 (50 to 74) Approximately 7 seconds
        Approximately 120 to 159 (75 to 99) Approximately 5 seconds
        Approximately 160 to 169 (99 to 105) Approximately 3 seconds
        Approximately 170 or more (106 or more) No operation

    7. Start-off Wipe Function


      1. When the vehicle starts off with the windshield wiper switch assembly in the AUTO position and less than 30 seconds have elapsed after rain was detected by the rain sensor, the wipers operate once.

      2. This function determines that the vehicle has stopped when vehicle speed decreases to 4 km/h or less and determines that the vehicle has started off when vehicle speed increases to 6 km/h or more.

      3. This function does not operate when the wipers are already operating in low or high mode with the vehicle stopped.

        A019PX2E01

  3. CONSTRUCTION


    1. Rain Sensor (Models with rain sensing function)


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

        A019Q4XE02

      2. 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.

      3. If raindrops are 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 raindrops. 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 raindrops. Thus, this function selects the INT, LO, and HI wiper operation in order to operate the wipers at an optimal speed and timing.

        A019Q4ME02

    2. Washer Nozzle


      1. Spray type washer nozzles are located under the engine hood to ensure good appearance. These nozzles can spray windshield washer fluid over a wide area by spraying it in a fan shape. The washer fluid volume has been reduced so as not to hinder the driver's view when the washer system is operated.

        A019Q8KE02

        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 after replacing them with those selected from 3 part numbers with different spray angles. For details, refer to the Repair Manual.

    3. Front Wiper Arm and Blade


      1. The unified construction is used for the front wiper blades and arms. A fin-shaped resin cover is used for the entire wiper blade. This ensures the effectiveness of the wipers even when traveling at high speeds.

        A019PW6E02

    4. Rear Wiper Arm and Blade


      1. The rear wiper arm and blade are stowed underneath the rear spoiler when not in use to protect it from snow deposits and car wash brushes.

        A019PTJE02

  4. FAIL-SAFE


    1. The following fail safe measures are taken if a malfunction is detected by the front controller:

      Trouble Area Condition
      Wiper Motor Malfunction Stops the operation of the rain sensing function. (Models with rain sensing function.)
      Communication Signal Malfunction

      Rain Sensor

      (Models with rain sensing function)

      Stops the operation of the rain sensing function

      Wiper and washer system memorizes the calculation value of rain sensing by front wiper relay circuit when abnormality occurs in the communication from Rain Sensor and controls the operation immediately before the occurrence of abnormality continuously.

      If an error occurs in communication from the rain sensor, the calculated rain sensing value will be memorized by the front wiper relay circuit. The operation from immediately before the communication error will continue.
      Combination Meter Assembly

      • Stops the operation of the vehicle speed-sensing, adjustable interval vehicle function.

      • Stops the operation of the speed switching function.

      • Stops the operation of the stopped vehicle intermittent wiper function

      • The wiper interval can be adjusted.