Car rain sensor

The rain sensor detects when it starts to rain and how heavily it's raining. This information is then passed on to the windscreen wiper system. When rain is detected on the windscreen, the windscreen wipers will automatically turn on. The harder it rains, the faster the wipers will move. The sensor detects rain by the refraction of the light beam caused by the raindrops. The rain sensor sends an invisible light beam at a specific angle to the windscreen. This angle ensures that the light is reflected back through the windscreen and received by the sensor. With raindrops on the windscreen, the light will not or only partially reflect back to the sensor. This way, the rain sensor knows if it is raining and how hard.

Rain sensor fault

A faulty rain sensor is easy to recognise. Do you have the windscreen wipers on automatic, but they don't turn on when it rains? Then a component of the windscreen wiper system is faulty. You can check if the problem is with the wipers by turning them on manually. If the wipers work normally, then the problem is probably with the rain sensor.

In modern cars, the light and rain sensor warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. In these vehicles, the sensor also automatically controls the lights. A malfunction of the sensor will then trigger a warning light. Do you have any other lights on in the dashboard, but don't know what they mean?

Replacing the car rain sensor

Replacing the rain sensor is a simple job that you can do yourself. You don't need any special tools for this. In a few steps we will explain how to replace the rain sensor:

1. Remove the rearview mirror and disconnect the cable from the mirror.

2. There is a connector on the sensor. You can carefully pull this off.

3. Then use a small screwdriver to carefully push down the spring clip.

4. You can now carefully remove the sensor with a gel pad. Do this in a smooth motion without pulling on it. The gel pad may remain in place. Carefully remove this with a small flat-bladed screwdriver. Be careful! Do not damage the gel. A damaged gel cannot be repaired.

5. Clean the location of the old sensor thoroughly. Make sure this area is completely dry before fitting the new rain sensor.

6. Check that the gel pad of the new sensor is still intact. If the gel pad is damaged, you will need to purchase a new sensor.

7. Then place the new sensor in the same place and press it carefully. The clips will make a clicking sound when the sensor is properly in place.

8. Then reconnect the connector and refit the rearview mirror.

9. Test the sensor by spraying some water on the windscreen. The windscreen wipers should react to this by moving.

Buying a rain sensor

Looking to buy a new rain sensor? Then you've come to the right place at Winparts. With us you can easily find the right parts using your registration number. Enter your registration number or select the correct vehicle on the website. We will make sure that the appropriate car parts are shown to you. You will also find a wide range of temperature sensors, speed sensors, throttle position sensors and oil temperature sensors.

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Car rain sensor

The rain sensor in a car automatically turns on the windscreen wipers when it starts to rain. In many cars, this sensor is located between the base of the rearview mirror and the windscreen. Nowadays, the rain sensor is increasingly placed on the inside of the windscreen, out of the field of vision. The sensor measures whether it is raining or not in a certain area. This information is passed on to the windscreen wiper system. When it rains, the wiper system will automatically turn on the windscreen wipers. In addition, the sensor adjusts the speed of the wipers based on how hard it is raining. Need a new rain sensor? Then take a quick look at our wide range of sensors!

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