Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

92-Front Wiper System

The front wiper system features two wiping speeds and an interval setting. They are controlled by way of a three positions of the right hand steering column stalk. The individual wiping intervals are set via a potentiometer in the steering column stalk.

A rain sensor integrated in the foot of the interior mirror is available as an option. When it rains, the wiping speed is automatically and continuously selected to suit the coniditions. In vehicles with rain sensor, the sensitivity of the rain sensor is adjusted via the potentiometer in the steering column stalk. Having the wiper controlled via the vehicle electrical system control unit means that additional information is available for automatic regulation of the wiping speed and for error diagnosis. For example, the control unit can tell from data transmitted by the sun position sensor in the automatic climate control system that it is night and can then regulate the wiper mode more sensitively if the rain sensor is activated. The wiping speed for the wipe/wash function is also variably controlled. The wiper function is automatically set to level 2 at speeds above 67 mph (110 km/h) to provide the driver with a clear view as quickly as possible.