Wiper bug...

[mitchgat]

My interval wiper feature has suddenly stopped working; both the regualar and fast speeds work, and when I adjust within the interval I get one wipe, but no matter where I set the interval, it doesn't work until I switch to another interval, at which point I again get only one wipe.

Fuse? Something else? Thoughts?

[gibbons]

Regular interval or rain sensor?

[OKCXC70]

Try this: Press on the square black thing behind the rear view mirror. If you get it to wipe (it may go a little crazy and start wiping really fast) then you have a problem with the sensor. I had my windshield replaced and the glass people screwed up my sensor and had to replace it. Basically, the silicone seal thing isn't fully engaged on the glass so it can't sense the rain. Can't remember how much that cost but it wasn't cheap. The glass people paid for mine. Good luck, I know how freaking irritating that is!! And just so you know, you can't reprogram the car to go from auto to a manual interval setting.

[mitchgat]

That has to be it. I had my windshield replaced about two weeks ago, and it hasn't worked since. I'll try the button and go from there....thanks! By the way, Gib....rain sensor...so there's no way i can fix it?

[Willy]

Yes and no, if I a am not mistaken, you can modify your wipers to time inerval action.
Simply unplug the rain sensor, the sensitivity knob will now serve for iterval time settings.
Willy

[OKCXC70]

Yes and no, if I a am not mistaken, you can modify your wipers to time inerval action.
Simply unplug the rain sensor, the sensitivity knob will now serve for iterval time settings.
Willy

When I had trouble with mine after the windshield replacement (actually, it never really worked all that great before that) I asked the indy shop I frequented if that could happen and they said they tried but that's not how it works. They could be wrong, but I would be very interested if anyone can make that actually happen! Seriously, it worked so bad before the windshield replacement that I was going to trade it in. Glass guys actually did me a favor!

[Willy]

I know it sounds strange, but it does work. The rain sensor has been the subject of some debate a few years ago,
some find it doesn't work well, others (such as myself) think it is great.
The general conclusion was that it is in part between the ears: almost never will the rain sensor engage the wipers
at the exact moment you would do so manually, if you focus on that, you will become nerveous :)
But if you switch the senored wipers on and drive all day without paying much attention to them, tou may find they
kept the view clean and didn't keep wiping a dry windshield either. Of course all this doesn't mean some rain sensors
can't be faulty! There is more: the rain sensor can be calibrated, there is procedure.
I suggest you do a search on the forum, go a few years back (Volvo changed the design in 2005 I think so that the
rain sensor can be replaced by timed intervals - it ivolves.....yes, switching off the sensor :D) and you will find a lot
of info about calibrating the sensor and changing to timed intervals by disconnecting it.
Willy

[mitchgat]

I tried pushing in the "square thingy" (it's about 2"x2") attached to the rear view this morning, compressing it to the windshield, and lo and behold, interval wipers working...hopefully, Gib, I won't come to have to try the unplug, but I'll certainly report back if I do.

Thanks to both for the input; saved me unpleasant phone calls and trips...

Mitch

[Art]

The PDF below provides some insight to the functions and limitations of the 1st gen rain sensor.

Precise location of the sensor is crucial to its performance when a new windscreen is being installed.

[OKCXC70]

If I had known I could pull the plug on the sensor, I would have done it! I did search the forum and read back all the way to 04. I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one but I might not have been so frustrated if I had known. Why didn't that independent shop know this?? I already knew about the resetting when you turn off the ignition, so I knew I was doing that part right. When I discovered the forum, I didn't think to search for info on that topic. One thing I now know is that you need to keep the sensor area on the windshield clean for it to function properly. I will give the sensor in my new 08 the benefit of the doubt. I actually didn't want the auto sensor again but I had no choice as I bought it off the lot. I would think that the sensor disconnect would work as well in the new models? This hasn't been brought up in the new model forum.

[Willy]

I don't think the "disconnection tric" is relevant to the newer models since I believe they have a
switch to choose between sensored and timed intervals.
The possibility to convert the wipers to timed intervals by disconnecting the sensor in one of the
better kept secret (or perhaps unintended) features in the XC, I am not surprized your independent
mechanic didn't know about it,the contrary would rather have surprized me ;)
Willy

[OKCXC70]

If there is a switch, I don't know where it is. It isn't on the stalk and it isn't mentioned anywhere in the owner's manual that I was able to find. I would prefer the wipers to not be automatic. I want to put a window tint strip (called an "eyebrow") at the top of the windshield because the sun always finds the gap between the visor and the A pillars. I drive to work going East and home going West. I'm going to the dealer today to have my rear view mirror replaced because it won't stay in place so I will ask them about the auto sensor disconnect or switch and let everyone know what they say.

[Willy]

I can't be sure about the switch in the latest models, MY2005 has one, see the attachment.
If MY2008 doesn't have a switch, perhaps it is still possible to convert to timed intervals by
disconnecting the sensor.
Willy

[Art]

According to the '08 manual below, the on/off button for the rain sensor should also be located on the stalk.

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2008/2008_XC70/08xc70_03b.htm#pg96

[OKCXC70]

Boy do I feel dumb! I looked at that and somehow it didn't register with me that it really meant a person could turn off the sensor! Thank you for pointing it out and I apologize for this happening in the 01-07 forum. I did ask the tech yesterday at the dealer and he said he would have to look it up to see if it could be disconnected permanently. Thanks again!

[Willy]

I think we all fail to register some things, sometimes (according to my wife, I do anyway) :D
If not, we would probably all be boring know-it-alls and forums such as this one would be a lot less useful :eek:
Hope you will soon have a wiper function that is more to your liking [thumbup]
Willy

[X2dC]

Speaking of wipers, is there any way (fuse perhaps?) to deactivate the headlight wipers? I've seen so many Volvos with seized headlight wipers stuck in a vertical position... The car is almost 5 years old and I can't imagine that the motors and pivots will last much longer.