Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Rain sensor

Fig. 89 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting
rain sensor Ⓐ.

Fig. 90 Sensitive rain sensor surface.
Read and follow the introductory information and
safety information first⇒

Introduction
to the subject
When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or lengthens
the delay 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) ⇒ Windshield wiper lever .
Push the lever into the desired position ⇒ Fig. 89 :
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor active – automatic wiping
as needed.

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 ① when the vehicle speed is over
10 mph (16 km/h).
Even if the rain sensor is disabled, it is still necessary to reach this speed
to reactivate the wipers when the windshield wiper lever is in the intermittent
wiping position. The wipers then wipe at fixed intervals instead of wiping as needed,
as they do in rain sensor mode.
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may not work properly in the sensitive area⇒ Fig. 90
(arrow) for a number of reasons; these 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: Dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus 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 windshield
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
smaller 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.
90 regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.

To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend
using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Fig. 88 Windshield wiper in service
position.
Read and follow the introductory information and
safety information first⇒Introduction
to the subject Service position
In the service position ...
Fig. 91 In the engine compartment: Cap
of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Read and follow the introductory information and
safety information first⇒Introduction
to the subject Check ...
See More:
Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual > Changing a wheel: Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following
steps in the order listed ⇒ :
Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting
the vehicle.
Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission:
shift the transmission into Park (P) , Manual transmission only: shif ...