Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain and light sensor The sensitivity of the rain and light sensor can be adjusted manually using the switch → Fig. 71 1 in the wiper lever → . – Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lotus effect), or detergent deposits (from an automatic car wash) can cause the rain and light sensor to become less sensitive and react too slowly, or prevent it from reacting at all. Clean the sensitive surface of the rain and light sensor → page 206 at regular intervals and in- spect the wiper blades for damage. – Switch to the right – high sensitivity.
The rain and light sensor remains active when the ignition is switched off and on again, and re- activates when the wiper levers are in posi- tion B and the vehicle speed is higher than 16 km/h. – Switch to the left – low sensitivity. – Crack in the windscreen: a wipe cycle will be triggered if the rain and light sensor is switch- ed on when the windscreen is impacted by a stone. The rain and light sensor will then regis- ter the reduction in sensitivity of the surfaces and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack can affect the way in which the rain and light sensor activates the wipers.
WARNING The rain and light sensor cannot always detect all precipitation sufficiently and activate the wipers. If visibility is restricted, this can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries. The wipers will try to wipe away any obsta- cles that are on the window. The wipers will stop moving if the obstacle blocks their path. At this point, remove the obstacle and switch the wipers back on again. ● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually if the water on the windscreen restricts the field of vision. Mirrors Troubleshooting Fault in wipers The wipers do not wipe. Introduction – Switch the ignition off and on. This chapter contains information on the follow- ing subjects:
– If the fault persists, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership. – Interior mirror 81 – Exterior mirrors 82 Fault in rain and light sensor Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations relating to the sensitive surface → page 5 of the rain and light sensor: The driver can use the exterior mirrors and interi- or mirror to observe the traffic behind and adjust the driving style accordingly. For safety reasons, it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors cor- rectly before starting a journey → . – Damaged wiper blades:
a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can increase the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals be- tween wipes, or cause the wipers to run quick- ly and continuously. Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entire area around the side and rear of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may be objects and other road users in the blind spot. – Insects: insects hitting the windscreen surface can cause the wipers to be activated. – Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits can cause the wipers to continue to wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
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