After new windshield replacement, automatic windshield wiper behaving differently

[ejbst25]

I recently got a new windshield and the automatic windshield wiper behavior is different - I used to be able to keep the automatic wipers on all the time and it wouldn't run unless needed. Now it will run on a dry window every 10 seconds or so.. I noticed while cleaning my car that the left side camera(?) looks like it has a big air bubble in it. Is that normal? I don't see any other Mach Es parked to take a good look at that.

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[Mach-Lee]

Nope, that air bubble is bad and prevents the wiper sensor from working. It needs a new gel layer or just replace the sensor.

 

[EMachE]

I recently got a new windshield and the automatic windshield wiper behavior is different - I used to be able to keep the automatic wipers on all the time and it wouldn't run unless needed. Now it will run on a dry window every 10 seconds or so.. I noticed while cleaning my car that the left side camera(?) looks like it has a big air bubble in it. Is that normal? I don't see any other Mach Es parked to take a good look at that.

Pop the cover off on the inside and make sure the sensor is properly secured to the windshield, may have to bend retainer to get a stronger grip.

 

[RickMachE]

Go back to the installer and make them do it right. There is also calibration that needed to be done if it wasn't.

 

[breeves002]

Go back to the installer and make them do it right. There is also calibration that needed to be done if it wasn't.

As far as I know theres no auto wiper calibration. There is a front camera calibration but in my opinion it is unnecessary as the front camera will calibrate itself after short periods of driving. The WSM used to not say to calibrate it then they added that later at some point. Likely for liability issues if there is a fault before it self calibrates.

 

[ejbst25]

Yes, the Safelite guy fixed it in less than 10 minutes. Said they must have installed it dry which causes that problem.

 

[silverelan]

Yes, the Safelite guy fixed it in less than 10 minutes. Said they must have installed it dry which causes that problem.

Did you find out how to reset the automatic wiper sensor? I think the same thing happened to me, my autowipers don't seem to work anymore since I got the windshield replaced.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Did you find out how to reset the automatic wiper sensor? I think the same thing happened to me, my autowipers don't seem to work anymore since I got the windshield replaced.

Go outside and look at the sensor, and see if you see air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles like the photo here, it won't work right. This guy re-poured the gel interface and fixed it himself:

Rain sensor not "sealed" against windshield anymore

 

[AngryMan]

I haven't had the recall done yet because I don't want to introduce more problems just to fix something that doesn't cause me any issue at present.
Besides if Im flying out the front in an accident I think it would be better to NOT slam into/through the front windshield before I slam onto the pavement.

 

[silverelan]

Go outside and look at the sensor, and see if you see air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles like the photo here, it won't work right. This guy re-poured the gel interface and fixed it himself:

Rain sensor not "sealed" against windshield anymore

tried to see if this is what you guys mean by bubbles?

 

[Mach-Lee]

tried to see if this is what you guys mean by bubbles?

Yeah that doesn't look right, poor sensor contact.

Also, what is that black line going across that touches the edge of the circle? That's not supposed to be there.

 

[silverelan]

Yeah that doesn't look right, poor sensor contact.

Also, what is that black line going across that touches the edge of the circle? That's not supposed to be there.

As far as the black line goes, I've never noticed it before. It's a windshield replacement from a shop in Boise and I assume that it's correct.

Maybe I can get the dealer to fix it when i get my HVBJB replaced.

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

Go outside and look at the sensor, and see if you see air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles like the photo here, it won't work right. This guy re-poured the gel interface and fixed it himself:

Rain sensor not "sealed" against windshield anymore

That was me! Thanks again @Mach-Lee for the rec on the gel kit. It was a very quick and easy fix and my wipers are working great now.

 

[silverelan]

Yeah that doesn't look right, poor sensor contact.

Also, what is that black line going across that touches the edge of the circle? That's not supposed to be there.

The dealer looked at it in January and said it was a bad install by the windshield replacement shop and quoted me $500 to fix it.

I called Safelite and they said it they'd fix it under warranty within the first 12 months. The Safelite van showed up at my house and fixed it in the driveway. Thanks for your help on this @Mach-Lee and pointing me in the right direction!

 

[RSH]

@Mach-Lee, so glad I found this thread after searching unsuccessfully before. My auto rain sensor is also not working anymore. I did have my windshield replaced due to a crack earlier this summer, but it didn't rain immediately so I didn't connect the two. This is what mine looks like. It doesn't seem to have air bubbles but looks odd. Is this the gel issue also?

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