Rain Sensor

bildio · 11-18-2007

Where is the windshield wiper rain sensor located?

It was drizzling today & the rain sensor did not seem to be working properly, based on a short drive.

I installed a Sirius antenna in the passenger side engine vent cowl. Is the sensor in the vent cowl or on the dash or elsewhere?

Is it settable? Perhaps I turned it off inadvertly doing a reset for time change.

**etyu** · 11-18-2007

IIRC, the rain sensor is located on the windshield in the same place as the light sensor. This is located inside the blackened area where the cockpit rear-view mirror anchors unto(when looking at the windshield from outside the car).

For auto windshield wiper function to work (i.e., those with rain sensor), turn the wiper control to the first step only. It will work mainly when there is moderate drizzle rather than a light drizzle. It is not as sensitive as one expects but to me this is a good thing, as I don't want the wipers to function when there is minimal moisture on the front windshield/windscreen.

VitaminT · 11-18-2007

Yeah like he said it is at the top/center of the windshield. Also I assume you have used it before, but not all cars have the rain sensor...like mine for instance.

**etyu** · 11-18-2007

If you look closely at the photo below, inside the circle is where the sensors are located:

**jbanks15** · 11-18-2007

then the 'thingy' on the dash near the bottom of the center of the windshield is for?

a. determines light conditions?
b. phasers?
c. i thought that was the sensor for wipers?

**DansSlk** · 11-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbanks15

then the 'thingy' on the dash near the bottom of the center of the windshield is for?

a. determines light conditions?
b. phasers?
c. i thought that was the sensor for wipers?

D. Monitors the angle and intensity of the sun for the C-AAC

**jbanks15** · 11-18-2007

dan, the caac? you talking dirty to me again mate?

**DansSlk** · 11-18-2007

Simple test start your car rotate the multifunction stalk forward one notch the wipers should now make one sweep of the windscreen regardless of its condition.

Hop out and use a hose to flood the sensor the wipers should start to move on a fixed speed setting, both doors must be closed for this otherwise the car wont wipe the screen and you will get the car's innards soaked with the hose.

If when you turn the key you get an intermittent sweep mode / no motion at all without any water present you don't have a rain sensor, if the car has the sensor it will always make one sweep on a dry screen then stop until water activates it.

The dealer can adjust the sensitivity of the thing if you prefer it to start a little sooner or sweep faster but I'm like Eddy i prefer the screen to have a meaningful amount of water present first.

**DansSlk** · 11-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbanks15

dan, the caac? you talking dirty to me again mate?

LOL, it's Comfort - Automatic Air Conditoning.

Climate Control

**jbanks15** · 11-18-2007

yes, but eddy said the rain sensor was located on the top of the windshield (see picture) and i thought it was on the front bottom of the windshield washer (the little red thingy). i am sooo confused. which is it?

**DansSlk** · 11-18-2007

The SLK has the RLS Rain & Light Sensor it is located under the mirror base as seen in Eddy's pic the rain part of the sensor is behind the 6 lenses.

The sensor by the wash nozzle is another for the climate control.

**etyu** · 11-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbanks15

then the 'thingy' on the dash near the bottom of the center of the windshield is for?

Maybe it's specific to certain model year or models that may have the Digital Climate Control. I don't have it on my 55, which has the analog temp control.

**etyu** · 11-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

The SLK has the RLS Rain & Light Sensor it is located under the mirror base as seen in Eddy's pic the rain part of the sensor is behind the 6 lenses.

The sensor by the wash nozzle is another for the climate control.

Thanks Dan. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I first looked at the photo as the six sensors are not quite that obvious unless one uses a very bright lamp.

Rain sensors highlighted in red circles/oblongs:

Thanks for shedding light on the subject.

**DansSlk** · 11-19-2007

No worries Eddy mate

The small little dimple sensors that are knocking about the car only come on the digi climate, they are supposed to work together and compensate for solar heating of the cabin and they also are meant to stop the cabin misting up by controlling the air flow.

They don't do either job very well.

**richard_leeds** · 11-19-2007

If you don't have a hosepipe, you can test the rain sensors with a small splash of water on the sensor area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

meant to stop the cabin misting up by controlling the air flow.

They don't do either job very well.

We often get a sudden misting when in cold or damp conditions.

Its almost as if the car thinks "oh, it might get misted up, I'd better do a pre-emptive strike to avoid that", which it does. Then after 15 minutes it forgets why it did the pre-emtive strike, fan drops a to slower speed and/or less dehumidification from the air con leading to misted windows in a minute. Often only on one side of the windscreen and associated door.

Press "Auto" button off then on, and it's well behaved again.

Wouldn't happen in a SAAB!

**DansSlk** · 11-19-2007

Thats the problem exactly Richard, its too clever for its own good.

**jbanks15** · 02-24-2008

dan, i had my windshield replaced and now the rain sensor does not go on when wipers in position 'i'. how does the service guy adjust the sensitivity provided that is the problem? thanks

**DansSlk** · 02-24-2008

What do you mean it does not go on mate?

Does it sweep once but then wont sense any rain or does it sweep constantly or not at all?

The sensor can be adjusted from coding the overhead control panel, you need to make sure you got the right windscreen and the right lenses and if anything has changed the sensor has been told exactly what is different.

**jbanks15** · 02-24-2008

it sweeps once and works on other settings but after the one sweep, even under a hose it does not go or stay on. so it does not sense rain or stay on on that setting.

11-18-2007	#1 (permalink)
bildio SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oceanport, NJ Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Rain Sensor Where is the windshield wiper rain sensor located? It was drizzling today & the rain sensor did not seem to be working properly, based on a short drive. I installed a Sirius antenna in the passenger side engine vent cowl. Is the sensor in the vent cowl or on the dash or elsewhere? Is it settable? Perhaps I turned it off inadvertly doing a reset for time change.

11-18-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 282 Times in 173 Posts	IIRC, the rain sensor is located on the windshield in the same place as the light sensor. This is located inside the blackened area where the cockpit rear-view mirror anchors unto(when looking at the windshield from outside the car). For auto windshield wiper function to work (i.e., those with rain sensor), turn the wiper control to the first step only. It will work mainly when there is moderate drizzle rather than a light drizzle. It is not as sensitive as one expects but to me this is a good thing, as I don't want the wipers to function when there is minimal moisture on the front windshield/windscreen. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

11-18-2007	#4 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 282 Times in 173 Posts	If you look closely at the photo below, inside the circle is where the sensors are located: __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

11-18-2007	#5 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	then the 'thingy' on the dash near the bottom of the center of the windshield is for? a. determines light conditions? b. phasers? c. i thought that was the sensor for wipers? __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

11-18-2007	#7 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	dan, the caac? you talking dirty to me again mate? __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

11-18-2007	#3 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yeah like he said it is at the top/center of the windshield. Also I assume you have used it before, but not all cars have the rain sensor...like mine for instance.

11-18-2007	#8 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,795 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	Simple test start your car rotate the multifunction stalk forward one notch the wipers should now make one sweep of the windscreen regardless of its condition. Hop out and use a hose to flood the sensor the wipers should start to move on a fixed speed setting, both doors must be closed for this otherwise the car wont wipe the screen and you will get the car's innards soaked with the hose. If when you turn the key you get an intermittent sweep mode / no motion at all without any water present you don't have a rain sensor, if the car has the sensor it will always make one sweep on a dry screen then stop until water activates it. The dealer can adjust the sensitivity of the thing if you prefer it to start a little sooner or sweep faster but I'm like Eddy i prefer the screen to have a meaningful amount of water present first. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

11-18-2007	#10 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	yes, but eddy said the rain sensor was located on the top of the windshield (see picture) and i thought it was on the front bottom of the windshield washer (the little red thingy). i am sooo confused. which is it? __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

11-18-2007	#11 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,795 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	The SLK has the RLS Rain & Light Sensor it is located under the mirror base as seen in Eddy's pic the rain part of the sensor is behind the 6 lenses. The sensor by the wash nozzle is another for the climate control. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

11-19-2007	#14 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,795 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	No worries Eddy mate The small little dimple sensors that are knocking about the car only come on the digi climate, they are supposed to work together and compensate for solar heating of the cabin and they also are meant to stop the cabin misting up by controlling the air flow. They don't do either job very well. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

11-19-2007	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,795 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	Thats the problem exactly Richard, its too clever for its own good. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

02-24-2008	#17 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	dan, i had my windshield replaced and now the rain sensor does not go on when wipers in position 'i'. how does the service guy adjust the sensitivity provided that is the problem? thanks __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

02-24-2008	#18 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,795 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	What do you mean it does not go on mate? Does it sweep once but then wont sense any rain or does it sweep constantly or not at all? The sensor can be adjusted from coding the overhead control panel, you need to make sure you got the right windscreen and the right lenses and if anything has changed the sensor has been told exactly what is different. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

02-24-2008	#19 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	it sweeps once and works on other settings but after the one sweep, even under a hose it does not go or stay on. so it does not sense rain or stay on on that setting. __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

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