Windshield wipers and washer -> Rain sensor for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

NOTICE  
To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the wind-  
shield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield  
only when they are in the service position.  
Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against  
the windshield before driving the vehicle.  
Rain sensor  
Fig. 94 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting rain sensor 1.  
Fig. 95 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive  
rain sensor surface.  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or length-  
ens the time between wiping intervals depending on how hard it is  
raining . The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted manually.  
Manual wiping (vehicles without rain sensors), see page 187,  
Windshield wiper lever.  
Push the lever into the desired position fig. 94:  
(A) Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).  
(B) Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.  
(1) Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain sensor:  
– Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.  
– Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.  
After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor  
stays on and works again with the wiper lever in position (B).  
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works  
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone  
of its sensitive rain-sensor surface fig. 95 (arrow) and not work for a  
number of reasons, which include:  
Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of  
water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to  
wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.  
Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers.  
Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can  
cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.  
Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lo-  
tus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's  
sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.  
Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the wind-  
shield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After  
that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to  
respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending  
on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not  
change.  
WARNING  
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the  
wipers.  
Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield  
reduces visibility.  
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface fig. 95 (arrow) regular-  
ly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.