Rain sensing wipers

[Grandad]

Are these a reliable piece of MB kit? do they play up much? rain just does not seem to have any effect on mine.
With the wiper control set to position one I get a 4 second wipe whether the screen is dry, or there is a slight drizzle, or there is a heavy downpour.
Screen is a Pilkinton, could it have been changed? as side windows/doors are different manufacturer.
I have read previous posts on this matter and wondered if there was any other feedback from members with this delightfull weather we are having?

 

[jberks]

it should be pretty good. Not foolproof - I sometimes have to hit the single wipe or else switch it off, but its a lot better than a simple intermittent and a real boon on the motorway, varying speed automatically as the rain and spray vary. If its not working, i'd get it checked. As you say, a replacement screen would require it to be set up again.

 

[Grandad]

Many thanks for the reply jberks, and yes I will be returning to the main dealer (under warranty).
After all if it is fitted and it is MB, it should work, though I am on unknown territory here so we shall see.

 

[whitenemesis]

Are you sure you have rain sensing wipers?

Sorry not wishing to insult but this has fooled others in the past. It's not a standard fitment.

 

[Grandad]

Many thanks for the reply whitenemesis
I was told by the salesman that the car had rain sensitive wipers, he advised me to keep it on position one as it is then auto in the rain.
There is also a couple of sensors behind the rvm.
When I questioned him about their non-functioning, staying on 4 sec interval (even when screen is dry) after being in various levels of V light to torrential rain, I had the feeling of being fobbed off with a story on the lines of sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
I wanted to make sure of the facts before returning to the dealer, the manual is a little vague on what actually happens.
Regards Geoff

 

[whitenemesis]

I have rain sensing wipers (I retro-fitted the sensor after the screen needed replacing) and they work remarkably well. Just as jberks says, especially on the motorway.

The wipers should vary depending on the severity of the rain from very intermitant throught regular to constant slow and constant fast with the occasional excursion into warp speed!

I would also suggest that you may need to have the sensor re-adapted to the screen as the slight shade differences change affect the performance significantly.

Good luck at the dealer and let us know how it goes

 

[jeffmohd]

Hi Guys
Need help urgently. I have just bought for my wife a 'P' reg Merc C180 Esprit. It was working ok till yesterday when suddenly the wiper turn on intermittently about every 10 secs. The switch selector is off. Please advise as this is getting very annoying! What should I do. Thanks

 

[television]

Many thanks for the reply whitenemesis
I was told by the salesman that the car had rain sensitive wipers, he advised me to keep it on position one as it is then auto in the rain.
There is also a couple of sensors behind the rvm.
When I questioned him about their non-functioning, staying on 4 sec interval (even when screen is dry) after being in various levels of V light to torrential rain, I had the feeling of being fobbed off with a story on the lines of sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
I wanted to make sure of the facts before returning to the dealer, the manual is a little vague on what actually happens.
Regards Geoff

If the car stays on a fixed cycle then auto wipers are not on the car, simple test in the dry, when they make one sweep when on

 

[television]

Hi Guys
Need help urgently. I have just bought for my wife a 'P' reg Merc C180 Esprit. It was working ok till yesterday when suddenly the wiper turn on intermittently about every 10 secs. The switch selector is off. Please advise as this is getting very annoying! What should I do. Thanks

Hello, I think that you will require a new stalk

 

[sixpack]

Wipers

Hi Jeff,

Wipers starting with stalk in off position is usually caused by dirt in the switch. Prise off the cap on the end of the stalk, use a blunt knife. its stiff but it does come off, watch the spring as you release it. Spray the white plastic part with switch cleaner. (Servisol from Maplin). Catch the dirty residue as it drips out with a rag, reassemble, job done !.

Peter

 

[jeffmohd]

Hi Jeff,

Wipers starting with stalk in off position is usually caused by dirt in the switch. Prise off the cap on the end of the stalk, use a blunt knife. its stiff but it does come off, watch the spring as you release it. Spray the white plastic part with switch cleaner. (Servisol from Maplin). Catch the dirty residue as it drips out with a rag, reassemble, job done !.

Peter

Hi peter

Thanks for the reply. I am not a DIY person and i don't know what a stalk is. So sorry. Any pictures or manual i refer too? thanks

 

[Grandad]

Yes thanks for that whitenemesis, nothing is perfect I know but this does seem to be a good bit of kit to have working.
Went back to MB dealer today and the expert on this matter is on day off. However I am going to be phoned tomorrow, will keep you all posted.
Also found this site for diy fitting and technical explanations.

http://www.oedes.com/raintracker.php

 

[jeffmohd]

Hi Jeff,

Wipers starting with stalk in off position is usually caused by dirt in the switch. Prise off the cap on the end of the stalk, use a blunt knife. its stiff but it does come off, watch the spring as you release it. Spray the white plastic part with switch cleaner. (Servisol from Maplin). Catch the dirty residue as it drips out with a rag, reassemble, job done !.

Peter

Hi Peter,
Thank so much. It works wonderful. It's ok now.

 

[Daeths]

would this be the same process for a 2001 E320 ?? cos mine works only when it fancies it. Don't recall a cap to prise off on mine ??