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 wipers in accordance with the signals from the rain sensor, when the windshield wiper switch assembly is in AUTO.

    2. The headlight cleaner system consists of the following parts:

      Component Function
      Headlight Cleaner Motor and Pump Assembly Sends the washer fluid to the headlight cleaner in accordance with the signals from the washer switch.
      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. 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.

    2. Headlight Cleaner System


      1. Headlight cleaner system has the following functions:

        Function Outline
        Headlight Cleaner (Washer-linked Operation) When the ignition switch (engine switch*) is ON and the headlights are turned on to low beam, pressing the washer switch once will cause the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly to operate. After the first operation, every 5 times of pressing the washer switch will cause the headlight cleaner motor and pump assembly to operate.

        • *: Models with entry and start system.

  3. CONSTRUCTION


    1. Rain Sensor


      1. The rain sensor consists mainly of 6 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that emit infrared rays, a photo diode that receives those rays, and rain sensor tape. The 6 LEDs are divided into 2 groups. Each group has 3 LEDs.

        A004LXC

  4. OPERATION


    1. Rain Sensor


      1. 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.

      2. If raindrops are present in the detection area, a portion of the emitted infrared rays penetrates through the windshield glass via the raindrops due to the change of reflection index, thus reducing the amount of infrared rays received by the photo diode. The amount of this reduction is then used to detect the amount of raindrops. Thus, this function controls the intermittent low and high operation in order to operate the wipers at an optional wiping timing.

        A004M6XE02

    2. Headlight Cleaner System


      1. The activation conditions for the headlight cleaner system are as follows:

        Headlight Low Beam Washer Switch
        On (First Time) On (Every 5 Times)
        Turn On Activated Activated
        Turn Off Not Activated Not Activated

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


      • *: Models with entry and start system