WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM


  1. FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS

    Component Function
    Wiper Switch (Windshield Wiper Switch Assembly)

    • Outputs the position signal of the wiper switch (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 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 wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) and the rain sensor, and inputs them into the windshield wiper motor assembly.
    Combination Meter Assembly* Outputs the vehicle speed signal to the windshield wiper relay assembly.

    *: Models with rain sensing function

  2. FUNCTION


    1. Rain Sensing Function


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

      2. This control is effected by the rain sensor based on the amount of rain and input signals from the windshield wiper relay assembly.

      3. A luminance detection function is provided to automatically change the rain sensitivity according to day or night.

    2. Washer-linked Wiper Function


      1. When the wiper switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) is in the off or AUTO position and the washer switch (windshield wiper switch assembly) 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.

        A0002HTE24

  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.

        A0002RGE03
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Rain Sensor Tape *2 Lens
        *3 Photo Diode *4 LED

      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 rain is present in the detection area, a portion of the emitted infrared rays 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 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 wiper operation in order to operate the wipers at an optimal wiping timing.

        A0002UIE05
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Windshield Glass *2 Photo Diode
        *3 LED - -
        *a Infrared Ray *b Raindrop

    2. Washer Nozzle


      1. 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 small amount of washer fluid is needed to spray over a large area, realizing excellent wiping performance.

        A0002FME01
        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.

  4. FAIL-SAFE


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


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

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