Rain Sensor Module: Description
The Rain Sensor Module (RSM) is the primary component of the automatic wiper system (Fig 1 ). The RSM is located on the inside of the windshield, between the rear view mirror mounting button and the windshield header and is concealed behind a molded plastic trim cover that snaps over the module housing. The triangular-shaped molded black plastic housing of the RSM has a rectangular opening located on the upper end of the housing for the module connector receptacle, which contains four terminal pins. These terminal pins connect the rain sensor to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the overhead wire harness that extends from above the headliner. Five openings on the windshield side of the RSM housing are fitted with eight convex clear plastic lenses. A metal spring clip on each side of the housing near the bottom secures the RSM to a plastic mounting bracket that is bonded to the windshield glass. Concealed within the RSM housing is the electronic circuitry of the module, which includes four InfraRed (IR) diodes, two photocells, and a microprocessor.
The RSM software is Flash compatible, which means it can be reprogrammed using Flash reprogramming procedures. However, if any of the hardware of the RSM is damaged or faulty, the entire module must be replaced. The RSM bracket is serviced as a unit with the windshield glass. If the bracket is faulty, damaged, or separated from the windshield glass, the windshield unit must be replaced.