Automatic Wipe Mode

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If the vehicle is equipped with the optional automatic wiper system and it is enabled, when the control knob on the control stalk of the right (wiper) multi-function switch is moved to one of the five sensitivity positions, the SCM sends an electronic wiper switch sensitivity message to the EMIC over the LIN data bus, then the EMIC relays an electronic wiper switch sensitivity request message to the Wireless Control Module (WCM) over the CAN data bus, and the WCM relays the message to the Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) (also known as the Light Sensor Module/LSM or Rain Sensor Module/RSM) over the LIN data bus. The LRSM monitors an area within the wipe pattern of the windshield glass for the accumulation of moisture. Based upon internal programming and the selected sensitivity level, when sufficient moisture has accumulated the LRSM sends the appropriate electronic wipe command messages to the WCM over the LIN data bus, which the WCM relays to the TIPM over the CAN data bus, then the TIPM operates the front wiper system accordingly.

As the sensitivity level is set higher, the LRSM is more sensitive to moisture accumulation and will send wipe commands more frequently. The third (middle) sensitivity position of the control knob is designed to provide optimal wiper performance for most typical driving requirements. The TIPM logic is also programmed to provide an immediate wipe cycle each time the control knob on the control stalk of the right (wiper) multi-function switch is moved from the OFF position to one of the five sensitivity positions, and another immediate wipe cycle each time the control knob is moved from a lower sensitivity position to a higher sensitivity position.

Also, if a vehicle is equipped with automatic wipers but the feature has been disabled using the customer programmable features function, when any sensitivity position is selected with the control knob the system will respond in the same manner as in the intermittent wipe mode. The automatic wiper system also has features designed to protect the mechanical components of the wiper system, and will not allow automatic wiper operation under the following conditions:

Low Ambient Temperature - When the ambient temperature is below 0° C (32° F), the automatic wipers will not operate during a new ignition cycle until the wiper switch has been moved to a different position than that which was selected at the moment the current ignition cycle began, or until a vehicle speed input is detected.
Transmission In Neutral - When the transmission gear selector is placed in the NEUTRAL position with the ignition switch in the ON position, the automatic wipers will not operate during the current ignition cycle until the wiper switch has been moved to a different position than that which was selected at the moment the NEUTRAL position was selected, until the vehicle speed is greater than 8 kilometers-per-hour (5 miles-per-hour) or until the transmission gear selector is moved out of the NEUTRAL position, whichever occurs first.