Pinpoint Test E: The Rain Sensitive Wipers Do Not Operate/Operate Erratically/Inconsistent Operation/Too Sensitive or Not Sensi
Wipers and Washers
Pinpoint Tests
Pinpoint Test E: The Rain Sensitive Wipers Do Not Operate/Operate Erratically/Inconsistent Operation/Too Sensitive or Not Sensitive Enough to Moisture
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 81, Wipers and Washers for schematic and connector information. Diagrams By Number
Normal Operation
The rain sensor optically senses water on the windshield. An infrared beam of specific intensity lights a section of the windshield. The intensity of the reflected beam is measured and compared to the intensity of the transmitted beam. If there is water on the surface of the windshield, the beam distorts, reducing the intensity of the beam. If the beam is not reflected completely, it is interpreted as rain on the windshield and the wipers are started.
The rain sensitive wiper feature replaces the intermittent wiper feature. The rain sensor is located on the windshield near the rear view mirror. To activate the rain sensitive wiper feature, position the multifunction switch to 1 of the 5 auto/intermittent settings. The auto/intermittent position closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest auto/intermittent position is the most sensitive to moisture. When the rain sensitive wiper system is active and the rain sensor detects moisture on the windshield, the rain sensor sends a message to the wiper motor through the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) to activate the wiper motor. When an inoperative condition exists in the rain sensitive wiper system (or if the rain sensitive wiper feature is not enabled through the message center), the rain sensitive wiper system defaults to the normal intermittent (dwell time) settings.
- DTC B10AD:02 (Rain Sensor: General Signal Failure) - This DTC sets when the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) determines a general signal failure has occurred on the LIN.
- DTC B10AD:08 (Rain Sensor: Bus Signal / Message Failure) - This DTC sets when the SCCM determines a communication error has occurred on the LIN. If the rain sensitive wipers are inoperative only, the cause may be an open in the rain sensor power or ground circuit or an open in the LIN circuit.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Fuse
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Wiper Blades
- Foreign material on windshield, such as dirt, dust or bugs
- Damaged windshield
- Rain sensor
PINPOINT TEST E: THE RAIN SENSITIVE WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE/OPERATE ERRATICALLY/INCONSISTENT OPERATION/TOO SENSITIVE OR NOT SENSITIVE ENOUGH TO MOISTURE
NOTICE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) from the Flex Probe Kit when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.
NOTE: If the wipers only operate when high speed mode is selected, GO to Pinpoint Test D. Pinpoint Test D: The Windshield Wipers Operate in High Speed Only
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E1 CHECK FOR SCCM DTCs
- Ignition ON.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Self-Test - SCCM.
- Are any SCCM DTCs present?
Yes
For DTC B10AD:02 or B10AD:08, GO to E9. For all other DTCs, REFER to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) DTC Chart for diagnosis. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
No
GO to E2.
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E2 VERIFY THE RAIN SENSITIVE WIPER FEATURE IS ENABLED IN THE VEHICLE MESSAGE CENTER
- Verify the rain sensitive wipers are enabled through the message center. For information, refer to the Owner's Literature.
- Is the rain sensitive wiper feature enabled in the message center?
Yes
GO to E3.
No
INFORM the customer how to enable/disable the rain sensitive wiper feature. Refer to the Owner's Literature.
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E3 CHECK THE SCCM MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PIDs
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: DataLogger - SCCM.
- While cycling through all auto/intermittent multifunction switch positions, verify the status of each SCCM PID changes state:
- Front Wiper Select Switch A (F_WIP_INT_D1)
- Front Wiper Select Switch B (F_WIP_INT_D2)
- Front Wiper Select Switch C (F_WIP_INT_D3)
- Front Wiper Intermittent Data 4 (F_WIP_INT_D4)
- Front Wiper Intermittent Data 5 (F_WIP_INT_D5)
- Do all of the PIDs change state when the multifunction switch is cycled through the auto/intermittent wiper positions?
Yes
GO to E4.
No
INSTALL a new multifunction switch. REFER to Steering Column Switches Steering Column Multifunction Switch. TEST the system for normal operation.
If the concern is still present, INSTALL a new SCCM. REFER to Steering Column Switches Service and Repair. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E4 VERIFY THE RAIN SENSOR IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY
- Ignition OFF.
- From the outside of the vehicle, inspect the area of the windshield glass where the rain sensor is mounted. The rain sensor contact area should appear black, with no bubbles or air pockets.
- Is the rain sensor installed correctly?
Yes
GO to E5.
No
REMOVE and INSTALL the rain sensor. REFER to Rain Sensor Rain Sensor. TEST the system for normal operation.
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E5 CHECK FOR WINDSHIELD DAMAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Inspect the windshield glass for any cracks, pits, or other visible damage around the area of the rain sensor.
- Is there any damage to the windshield around the area of the rain sensor?
Yes
INSTALL a new windshield glass. REFER to Glass, Frames and Mechanisms Windshield Glass. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to E6.
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E6 CHECK FOR WINDSHIELD GLASS STREAKING
- Ignition ON.
- Turn the multifunction switch to the LOW speed position while applying water to the windshield surface. Observe the wipe quality, especially around the area of the rain sensor.
- Is any streaking present on the windshield around the area of the rain sensor?
Yes
GO to E7.
No
GO to E9.
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E7 CHECK FOR WINDSHIELD GLASS STREAKING AFTER CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD AND WIPER BLADES
- Ignition OFF.
- Clean the windshield glass with glass cleaner.
- Clean the wiper blades with isopropyl alcohol swabs. Wipe the entire length of the wiper blades.
- Ignition ON.
- Turn the multifunction switch to the LOW speed position while applying water to the windshield surface. Observe the wipe quality, especially around the area of the rain sensor.
- Was there a noticeable improvement in the wipe quality after cleaning the glass and wiper blades?
Yes
GO to E8.
No
INSTALL new wiper blades. GO to E8.
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E8 CHECK THE RAIN SENSOR FOR OPERATION IN EACH AUTO/INTERMITTENT SETTING
- Turn the multifunction switch to the auto/intermittent 5 position (most sensitive to moisture) while applying water to the windshield surface. Observe the wiper operation.
- Do the wipers operate when water is applied to the windshield surface?
Yes
The system is operating correctly at this time. Concern may have been caused by poor wipe quality on the windshield around the rain sensor. TEST the system for normal operation. INFORM the customer how to adjust sensitivity by changing intermittent settings.
No
INSTALL a new rain sensor. REFER to Rain Sensor Rain Sensor.
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E9 CHECK THE RAIN SENSOR VOLTAGE CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Rain Sensor C914.
- Ignition ON.
- Measure the voltage between rain sensor C914-1, circuit SBB79 (WH/RD), harness side and ground.
- Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes
GO to E10.
No
VERIFY Battery Junction Box (BJB) fuse 79 (5A) is OK. If OK, REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
If not OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams to identify the possible causes of the circuit short. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. Diagrams By Number
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E10 CHECK THE RAIN SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the resistance between rain sensor C914-3, circuit GD133 (BK), harness side and ground.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to E11.
No
REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
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E11 CHECK THE LIN CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Disconnect: Wiper Motor C125.
- Measure the resistance between rain sensor C914-2, circuit VDN05 (YE/GY), harness side and wiper motor C125-4, circuit VDN05 (YE/GY), harness side.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to E12.
No
REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
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E12 CHECK THE RAIN SENSOR FOR CORRECT OPERATION
- Connect: Wiper Motor C125.
- Check rain sensor C914 for the following conditions:
- corrosion
- pushed-out pins
- Connect rain sensor C914 and make sure it is seated correctly.
- Ignition ON.
- Turn the multifunction switch to the auto/intermittent 5 position (most sensitive to moisture) while applying water to the windshield surface. Observe the wiper operation.
- Do the wipers operate when water is applied to the windshield surface?
Yes
The system is operating correctly at this time. Concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
INSTALL a new rain sensor. REFER to Rain Sensor Rain Sensor. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
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