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Rain sensing wipers stopped working after windshield replacement

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Old 07-30-2022, 08:56 AM
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Question Rain sensing wipers stopped working after windshield replacement

I replaced my badly cracked windshield on my E60 due to a pretty good offer, coupon, and discount with safe lite. They replaced the windshield with a "Fuyao" brand windshield that looked identical to the OEM one (green stripe at the top, etc.). Everything looked good, but it has not rained in 44 days here in north Texas. We finally got some pretty good downpour yesterday and when I turned on the auto-wipers, they only wiped once, but did not continue wiping.

Is there a way I can reset the sensor before taking it back to safelite? Unfortunately I've read reviews that their customer service is pretty bad. I just wanted to know if this is something I can DIY at home, or take it back in.

Please note the wipers work as normal when not using the automatic wipers.


Thanks, MD.
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Old 07-30-2022, 02:40 PM
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Its either going to be the glass or the sensor got messed up. All that sensor does is detect rain by reflection.

Rain on the windshield will simply act like a mirror. That new windshield may have different light refracting properties. I am assuming you already adjusted the sensitivity wheel through its full range.

Last edited by donpb; 07-30-2022 at 05:46 PM.
Old 07-30-2022, 05:11 PM
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I have not adjusted the sensitivity wheel. Should it be completely up or all the way down?
Old 07-30-2022, 05:16 PM
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I will try resetting the adaptations on my OBD-II scanner to see if that does the trick. It's one for E60's, but not as high-tech as the SnapOn one such as this video
Old 07-30-2022, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by militarydave
I have not adjusted the sensitivity wheel. Should it be completely up or all the way down?
I just fiddle adjusted mine until I got it to where I liked it. Try all the way up, then all the way down next time, or hose your windshield if you can't wait until then.
Old 08-16-2022, 01:40 PM
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Looks like the sensor has to be reset on the DME. No dice when just fiddling with the wheel. The SnapOn reader as seen in the video link i put pretty much has to be done. Hoping there is a scan tool on Amazon I can buy to do tasks like this instead of paying the dealership or an indy.
Old 08-16-2022, 03:32 PM
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I had a new window a couple years ago. It was genuine BMW window, done by an ex-BMW dealership glass tech, but I had no issues with the rain sensing wipers.
Old 08-16-2022, 03:42 PM
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Originally Posted by twh
I had a new window a couple years ago. It was genuine BMW window, done by an ex-BMW dealership glass tech, but I had no issues with the rain sensing wipers.
His windshield most likely exhibits different refraction.
Old 08-16-2022, 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by militarydave
Looks like the sensor has to be reset on the DME. No dice when just fiddling with the wheel. The SnapOn reader as seen in the video link i put pretty much has to be done. Hoping there is a scan tool on Amazon I can buy to do tasks like this instead of paying the dealership or an indy.
Well, if fiddling did not work, you'll need to reinitialize the sensor. You can use INPA or an expensive scan tool. I doubt an indy BMW mechanic would charge much to do it.
Old 08-16-2022, 05:54 PM
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I got mine replaced with the same brand windshield 12 years ago. Before they left the were supposed to pour water on it to make sure it worked. Just take it back. It's there responsibility to make sure it works like it did before they replaced it. If they can't get it to work they will put another windshield on and or pay for the dealership to fix the issue


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