Auto Wipers

[rhyno]

Since i bought my car(bora 4mo) about 4 months ago i haven't had the auto wipers working.
I know the windscreen was replaced for the roadworthy prior to me taking possession.
The rearview mirror bracket is stuck to the windscreen with, what looks like, black silicone.
I unclipped the mirror from the bracket and found that the sensor is stuck inside the bracket with clear silicone.
If i have the stick on intermittant, and i wave my hand in front of the sensor (now hanging down by its wires) the wipers go.
Do these three facts sound right to you?
Is the bit stuck to the window supposed to be fully enclosed (black) or is the sensor supposed to be able to see out?
What should i be looking for?

I'd love to have my wipers fully functional, as its a PITA when there are light showers and i only have constantly on, or manually push down on the lever to wipe every 20 secs or so.

[Peter Jones]

Mine never worked either, I just swapped the relay out for an intermittant one. The adjustment on the stalk then controls the wipe frequency.

Pete

[Peter Jones]

Had to go on a bit of a search for the info.

To quote myself from the "what have you done today thread"

Replaced relay 192 with relay 377 thus downgrading the non-functional rain sensing wipers to fully functional intermittent wipers.

Relay is located just above your right foot.

Pete

[Treza360]

For what it's worth they've never worked that well, is the MkV it sounds like they're even worse. Have a look at this thread here for a discussion that's relevant to our cars as well as probably the Passats and other VDubs:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=13382

Also see below photos of my installation (replacement windscreen as well), apparently it does cost extra when it is replaced for them to do it (was done before I got the car but the previous owner and the receipt say this).
Cheers,
Trent

[balkanac]

my sensor looks the same. I never had a problem with the wipers, but sometimes it seems like they are a bit too enthusiastic about their job

[rhyno]

Thanks for the info.
If the conversion from auto to standard is as easy as swapping a relay, then i'll definately do that. I haven't yet reached a stage in my life where i'm too busy to flick a lever when it rains.
Is the relay mentioned a VW part, or would i be able to get one from Bursons, etc?

[Peter Jones]

It's a VW part I'm afraid, but all MK4s had them so they're not too scarce.

Camden GTI (GolfLoon) was able to dig one up for me.

There's a couple of other numbers that would do the trick too there's been a few revisions.

Oh, and yes, all you have to do is swap the relay.

Pete

[gavs]

Interesting how VW have done this, my GF has just bought a Peugeot 207 and it's auto sensing wipers have some kind of complex optics with a double layer windscreen!