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Rain Sensor Malfunction




Rain Sensor Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B370A 39
- Rain Sensor Internal Malfunction

Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

B+ voltage is supplied to the Rain Sensor. Whenever the ignition is ON, or accessory positions, the body control module (BCM), sends the turn signal/multifunction switch status by using a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. When a wipe cycle is needed, the Rain Sensor sends a PWM voltage signal to the BCM, requesting the wiper operation. The BCM commands the Windshield Wiper Motor wipe cycles. If at anytime a fault occurs between the Rain Sensor and BCM, the BCM will use the inputs from the turn signal/multifunction switch in the delay positions to operate the Windshield Wiper Motor at continuous variable delay intervals.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* Ignition ON.

* The system voltage is between 9-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The system voltage is between 9-16 V.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* If the BCM loses communication with the Rain Sensor while the Rain Sensor is requesting single wipes, it shall fail soft the wipers operation to front wiper manual - intermittent with a fixed dwell time of 4 seconds.

* If the BCM loses communication with the Rain Sensor while the Rain Sensor is continuously requesting low, it shall fail soft the wipers operation to front wiper manual - low.

* If the BCM loses communication with the Rain Sensor while the Rain Sensor is continuously requesting high, it shall fail soft the wipers operation to front wiper manual - high.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A current DTC clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics Electrical Diagrams

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly

Description and Operation

Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing

* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify the wipers operate at low speed when the Windshield Wiper Switch is in the LOW position.

If the wipers are not operating at low speed
Refer to Windshield Wiper System Malfunction Windshield Wiper System Malfunction.

If the wipers are operating at low speed

3. Place the Windshield Wiper Switch in the delay mode/moisture sensitivity settings Delay 1 through Delay 5 and spray the outside of the windshield in the rear view mirror/Rain Sensor region with a water bottle.

4. Verify the wipers operate at low speed.

If the wipers are not operating at low speed
Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

If the wipers are operating at low speed

5. All OK.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B117 Rain Sensor. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.

If 10 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

If less than 10 ohms

3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the B+ circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, verify the fuse is not open and there is voltage at the fuse.

If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ circuit and ground.

If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

If infinite resistance, replace the B117 Rain Sensor.

If the test lamp illuminates

4. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp, ignition ON.

5. Test for 4.0-12.0 V between the serial data circuit terminal 2 and ground.

If less than 4.0 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the serial data circuit and ground.

If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the serial data circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

If greater than 12.0 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the serial data circuit and ground.

If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

If less than 1 V, replace the K9 body control module.

If between 4.0-12.0 V

6. Replace the disconnected B117 Rain Sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.

* Windshield Outside Moisture/Ambient Light and Humidity Sensor Replacement Service and Repair

* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming and setup