BMW 5-series - Malfunction of windshield wipers | HELLA

BMW

5-series (E39)

All models with rain sensor built up to 01.2000

Malfunction of windshield wipers

If a customer complains about the above problem, this could be caused by a defective relay or an error in the software.

The disturbances may manifest themselves as follows.

1. No control of the wipers by the rain sensor.

2. Despite low rainfall, the wipers run continuously.

3. Delayed activation of the wipers when switching from stage 2 or 3 back to stage 1 (rain sensor control).

4. Uncontrolled activation of the wipers when the lighting conditions change from dark to bright

5. The response of the rain sensor is not adjustable.

These faults can be caused by a software error in the rain sensor.

Other problems may include:

- The control fails after a few wiper movements in stage 1 (rain sensor active).

- The windshield wipers do not remain in the final position, but move another 10° - 15° up, before they stop.

In these cases, the wiper relay is defective.

If you suspect a software error, the fault memory should be read out. For the complaints 1 to 4, check software version. If the version is 1.3 or below, a new rain sensor must be installed.

For complaint 5 ("Adaptation to windshield not possible" stored in fault memory'), the rain sensor must be reprogrammed. In some circumstances, the problem cannot be fixed by reprogramming. Then a new rain sensor must be installed.

Important safety note Technical information and practical tips have been compiled by HELLA in order to provide professional support to vehicle workshops in their day-to-day work. The information provided on this website is intended for use by suitably qualified personnel only. Reprinting, distribution, reproduction, exploitation in any form or disclosure of the contents of this document, even in part, is prohibited without our express, written approval and indication of the source. The schematic illustrations, pictures and descriptions serve only for the purposes of explanation and representation of the instructions and cannot be used as a basis for installation or assembly work. All rights reserved.

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