Why is the automatic wiper sensor not sensitive?

[AylaLee]

If the car's automatic wipers are not sensitive, it may be due to excessive dirt on the windshield, which prevents the wipers from functioning properly. It is recommended to clean the windshield regularly. Below is some relevant information about wipers: 1. Precautions: There is no fixed replacement cycle. If there is abnormal noise or the wipers do not clean effectively, repair or replace them promptly. Note that removing and installing wipers requires good manual skills; otherwise, the mechanism can be easily damaged. Therefore, it is more convenient to leave the replacement to professionals. 2. Overview: Wipers, also known as windshield wipers, are devices used to remove rain and dust from the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. Due to legal requirements, almost all vehicles are equipped with wipers. Rear windows of hatchbacks and SUVs also have wipers. Besides cars, other means of transportation, such as trains and trams, are also equipped with wipers. Some engineering machinery, like cranes, also have wipers.

[TravisFitz]

I've encountered this issue before – it's really annoying when the automatic wipers suddenly become sluggish. The main problem could be that the small sensing area on the windshield is dirty. Oil film or bird droppings can affect light refraction. Another common situation is when the rain sensor itself malfunctions, such as dust getting in during window tinting or the circuit shorting due to moisture. Also, if you've had your windshield replaced, the installer might not have calibrated the sensor angle properly. I recommend first thoroughly cleaning the sensing area (located near the rearview mirror base) with glass cleaner. If that doesn't work, driving to a 4S shop to check the fault codes is the most reliable solution – their equipment can determine within minutes whether the sensor's mainboard is faulty.

[Emilia]

Slow response of automatic wipers is usually related to these three components: the sensor on the outside of the windshield is covered by stubborn oil film that the wipers can't remove, causing abnormal light refraction; the wiring of the rain-sensing module is aged and has poor contact; or the data drift of the vehicle's computer needs recalibration. Here's a little trick: when it's drizzling and the wipers don't move as they should, try pouring mineral water on the sensor location. If they start working immediately, it indicates a problem with the windshield surface. A mechanic once told me that some car models have particularly sensitive sensors, and applying a metal film can cause them to malfunction. In such cases, the only solutions are to remove the film or relocate the sensor.

[DonovanLee]

The sensor is installed behind the interior rearview mirror. If there are scratches or water marks on the outer windshield, it may cause the infrared sensor to inaccurately measure the rainfall. Additionally, if wax products come into contact with the sensor area during car washing, rainwater may not adhere properly. An important note: If it suddenly stops working, first check the relevant fuse in the fuse box. Last time, my car had a burnt fuse. Nowadays, new cars are connected to the vehicle system, and you can adjust the sensitivity level of the sensor in the vehicle settings. You might have accidentally set it to the lowest level.