Intermittant / Rain sensing wiper mode not working

[96ce]

Hi,

Newbie here with 2001 X5 4.4. I love the vehicle and took it to the dealer today for what I thought was a minor issue. The wiper mode for intermittant and rain sensing does not work. All other wiper speeds do work. The dealer called and said the whole windshield needs to be replaced for $1100 . I can almost understand for rains sensing mode, but how can the windshield be an issue for intermittant? Appreciate all thoughts / ideas.

Bruce

[noncom23]

Does not work at all or sporatically?

[Zulu95]

Time for a stone chip right in the driver's line of vision.

[rayxi]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I can almost understand for rains sensing mode, but how can the windshield be an issue for intermittant?

If you have rain sensing wipers you don't have intermittent mode. It's one or the other but not both.

I'll ask the same question as noncom23, does it not work at all in sensor mode?

It should wipe once on a dry windshield whenever you switch from off to sensor and whenever you increase the sensitivity. From then on it wipes whenever it senses water on the windshield.

If it wipes once as described above but not after that then there may be something wrong with the sensor or electronics. Most of the time if there is something wrong with the windshield the wipers go even if the windshield is not wet.

[96ce]

It wipes once when I put them on. Then it will not wipe again in rain sensing mode. When i change sensitivity, they'll wipe once again. If I click to normal speed, they work fine. Must be sensors, Any way I can fix this myself?

Bruce

[rayxi]

Yes, sounds like it's the sensor or the connection to it. Check the connection first before buying a new sensor.

Check here for part number.

[E61Silver]

Do you have glass coverage?

[GMGX5]

Did they offer a reason why the windshield was faulty?
If you do try a new sensor it still needs to be coded by the dealer anyways. I would also make sure they will cover costs if they are mistaken....I have seen a few windsheilds that the area where the sensor sits looks like its peeling or bubbled and had to replace the windshield.

[Zulu95]

I remember reading about somebody having a problem with the stalk adjuster that varies the sensitivity so varying the speed of the intermittent wipe in "Auto" mode.