Rain Sensing Wipers
 

Hello everyone, I know this has been asked many times before on the post, but my syptoms seem to be a little different, and to top it off I am in Seattle, where it seems like it never stops raining!

turn on wipers......wipe once and stop as they should, but then will wipe
again in around 10 seconds, does not change with
speed or with rain.

adjust frequency...wipers do not wipe, and this does not seem to change
frequency of random wipes.

sometimes they will work as they should and sense rain, and adjust speed to amount of water on windscreen, but if I adjust the frequency dial, they will stop working again...odd symptom. I am tempted to change out the sensor, as the windscreen is in great shape and hate to change it for this problem....any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Probably a sensor problem. Good luck.

Assuming you do have rain-sensing wipers, it seems like a sensor problem.

I hade it last year, then finally reinstalled new windshild ...and new sensor.
if new r/sensor installed , it must be reprogramed with on board computer..via pro-mechanick bmw facilityes --is preference ( same reprogramming if new windshild!) Or combination of this two.
in ur situation could be software feilier, related to rain sensor ( it meens u might not need to buy a new r-sensor - 199.00usd!or a new windsgield ) but reprogram software.
Short history of my story was:...- one bozo, who had this car before me( probably leased ) , decided to install cheaper version of windshild and also broke short plastic holders for rain sensor itself on the windshield inside car (which was not origin bmw windshield). So.. firstly it took of me a lot of time to varify what exactly is going on, after,.... how to deel with it ..ets..ets..ets..

I had a problem with mine working intermittantly and/or not at all. They replaced the relay first, then the general module and finally on the 3rd trip the wiper motor itself. It would up being the motor.

thanks everyone....

It is a 2002 4.6is, and yes it is rain sensing equipped. The windscreen is the original BMW glas with the warning sticker still on the upper LH corner. I took the mirror cover off and checked the connection on the module, all seems okay, and there are no visual bubbles or distortion on the glass, I can see the sensor clearly through the glass.

I guess I may have to break down and have it looked at at a dealership...maybe they can make the key actually move the seats and mirrors to the correct position, not some random out of the blue setting while it is there...might be a computer issue or software issue on both ends?

I have had this issue since I got my X. The windshield was replaced the day I picked it up by the Mercedes dealer I got it from. I have DIS/GT1 how do I program the sensor?

You go in the RLS module and initialize it. There is a procedure to "re-learn" the windshield after in GT1. I would use INPA for initialization. Look for RLS = rain and light sensor.

The initialization is performed using the service function "Initialize rain sensor" in the BMW diagnosis system. In the service function, the adaptation values in the rain sensor are deleted. This is followed by adjustment of the sensor system to the windshield based on the following sequence:
· Switching off the rain sensor
· Switch off terminal 15 and terminal R
· Switch on terminal R and terminal 15 and wait 10 seconds

In the 10 seconds waiting period, the new adaptation values are determined and stored.

Thanks, I'll try tonight when I get home.

Do we have any idea as to why some say the rain sensor needs to be re-initialized after a windscreen replacement and others don't seem to be affected? I just had my windscreen swapped out for a CC glass screen, and don't have any issues with it functioning properly....:dunno:

Same here. I changed 2 windshields on the e39 and e 53, and I didn't need to re-initialize. Both work perfect.

Mine does not work (rain sensor) and I have odd sporadic intermittent function (just runs or 8-10 seconds between wipes no matter where the switch is).

When the windshield is replaced the sensor is the same, only the lenses are new. Mostly, you only have to initialized if you changed the sensor however the new windshield might have different angles of reflexion based on material or quality and that will mess the stored value as references...

Interesting....Thank you!

I could not get GT1 to let me in to the module. I got all the branches highlighted but then could not go anywhere.

INPA shows this:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psc4e7d7e0.png

can you post me a screen shot of DIS cabrio? I don't use INPA but would try to help you solve the issues in DIS if possible

I can't get into it now but brought the laptop & cable to work and will try when I can slip away.

My problem seems to be getting past diagnosis & into actions (interacting/modifying the car)

Thanks!

After I do my initial diagnosis/scan of all modules in DIS, then I would select by clicking the module, then reading the fault memory of the module, and clicking the error that is giving me problems, and see if there is a test plan for it, if not, just clicking the error usually pulls up detailed info in the bottom section which describes the error more precise.

I have gotten that far but then run out of actions (the green arrow or something to click on that lets me move forward)

Thanks

did you clear the errors and does it immediately come back? There might not be a test plan but there should be "control module functions" available if you highlight the module

The screenshot shows that you already initialized it. After the sensor learns the new values these values should be different. I am not sure why the light values are zero but I assume there was no daylight when you interrogate the sensor.

Now, you will have to go through the steps to relearn/adapt it to the windshield. The windshield should be clean. no bubbles...
Mine has some bubbles and I couldn't complete this procedure.

In DIS even if you have no error on RLS you can go in System function if I remember right and create a test plan in there to initialize the sensor.
It is pretty much the same thing you do with INPA but it actually walk you through the steps.
I can try tonight to get some screenshots for you as RB offered. During the week I don't have much time but if you don't figure it out by the weekend I can do it then.


Here you go:

This adaptation takes place at initialisation.
Requirement for faultless initialisation is that the windscreen glass is dry, clean and free of defects in the area of the rain sensor.
The initialisation is performed using the service function ”Initialise rain sensor” in the BMW diagnosis system. In the service function, the adaptation values in the rain sensor are deleted. This is followed by adjustment of the sensor system to the windscreen based on the following sequence:
Switching off the rain sensor
Switch off terminal 15 and terminal R
Switch on terminal R and terminal 15 and wait 10 seconds
In the 10 seconds waiting period, the new adaptation values are determined and stored.
Initialisation of the rain sensor is necessary:
After replacing the windscreen
Fitting a used rain-driving light sensor
Note: a used sensor must be coded beforehand!

Before I ran INPA & cleared/initialized I tried to access control module functions and it just popped up an explanation of what it was. After I cleared and initialized it was "grayed out"

I think what's left to do is this:

Switching off the rain sensor
Switch off terminal 15 and terminal R (I think term15 and R refers to the ignition switch position 1 and 2)
Switch on terminal R and terminal 15 and wait 10 seconds
In the 10 seconds waiting period, the new adaptation values are determined and stored.

Thanks, it was in my garage, at night door closed. The only light was above & behind the X.

The auto lights work oddly, it is dark in the morning when I leave for work but the lights don't come on until I start moving. When I leave work at 4:30pm it is Az sun BRIGHT but they stay on until I turn them off.

I will try again if i have time during the day but if I don't tonight when I get home.


Thanks!

I was looking at screen caps from when I was trying to set the ride height.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psdaa56702.jpg

If I get there what do I need to do?

It looks like you have a RLS error already . So click on it and go Next, the green arrow and you go from there. It should be instructing you...

That was a few weeks ago. It is the error I had before I initialized yesterday.

I'll see if it's back and move on from there.

Thanks!

Bingo, just click your error and make your way to the next screen, I haven't had to scan my car in a few months with DIS so memory is fading me but fmugur's answers should help!

Hope it's back.

lol

Thanks.

Even if the error is not there on the bottom left side you have Function selection button and you can go in there and select Body or Chassis and you will find RLS in there. Select it and see what options you have... I don't remember the exact steps but you should be able to add it to the test plan or have some options right in there.

Don't mean to hijack the thread but what software are you using ? And where can I purchase the program and cable ?

Thanks

The intermittent wheel passed the test and as I turned it the wipers wiped once.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps3b43a3bf.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psfb758b2e.png

Afterwards the ! was present instead of the X. It said reinitialize and replace if the water did not cause function (I had no water) It never gave me a prompt to do the initialization.

I don't know the steps order but you should figure it out by playing with the Next arrow or going in Function selection...

I tried, eventually the arrow goes dark & function took me back out of that module.

I'll try again tonight.

Thanks

Tried again, seems closer but never allows me to shut off/restart.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psc20126da.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psf378ee1a.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psfa976226.png

What about if the error is highlighted and you select "control unit functions"? Anything able to be done there? It looks like the sensor has a problem but I don't know what it is.


And to the guy looking where to purchase the software/cable, search ebay for "bmw inpa cable" the package is $38 from Romania, "bmwfanatiq" was the guy I bought from.

I got mine same place, can't recommend him highly enough. Great seller.

I was able to get through the diagnosis, and to have it tell me to do what fmugur said but I don't see anywhere to do it. Clicking any of teh buttons on the bottom takes me back where I came from. There is a kind of schematic on the left pane of the diag and some components appear "clickable" but none labled as I was looking for & I am hesitant to mess with it.

The really odd thing is all my lights are fine & the AUC sensor works, I have repeatedly smelled an odor from outside for a second which goes away & comes back if I switch to recirculate.

at this point not being able to figure it out is aggravating me more than the sensor not working.

for the AC odor, just take a can of Lysol and spray the A/C intakes (I'm also assuming your cabin filter is fresh) by the wiper cowl, put the A/C on full blast and close the doors and let it circulate around the cabin a bit, should help.

Been doing this on my cars for years with no issues.

I changed the filter when I got the car. The one I took out was pretty clean.

I mean when driving through a smelly area. The AUC sensor powers that second recirc circuit and switches to non recirc automatically.

My AC smells just great!

Thanks

4 more 30+ minute attempts cannot find terminal 15 and r. I have looked through sensors, control modules etc. Someone has to know where it is.

I am pretty sure terminal R and 15 refers to ignition switch position 1 and 2.
GT1 or inpa only allow you to initialize it and the adaptation is done after turning off the sensor and then ignition switch and then on again.

Sensor on and off refers to stalk up or down to turn the wipers on/off.

Thanks, is one r & the other 15? Do I run through the steps again turning off the ignition for 10 seconds then turning it back to 1 (or 2) & just turning on the wiper (move to position 1)

Switch off the rain sensor - rain stalk position 0
Switch off terminal 15 and terminal R - turn off and take the keys out
Switch on terminal R and terminal 15 and wait 10 seconds - put the keys back in and turn to position 2.
In the 10 seconds waiting period, the new adaptation values are determined and stored.

Switch off the rain sensor - rain stalk position 0
Switch off terminal 15 and terminal R - turn off and take the keys out
Switch on terminal R and terminal 15 and wait 10 seconds - put the keys back in and turn to position 2.
In the 10 seconds waiting period, the new adaptation values are determined and stored.

Thanks. I think I got it.

This was this morning:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps6c4b2681.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps65fd0d45.png

These are from this afternoon:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps48bb1d68.png

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...pse60ba09e.png

The intermittent function is back and it is the first time i have gotten the error to stay cleared.