Rain Sensor Fault after windscreen replacement

[maximumxposure]

Hi everyone,

I've found quite a few posts around various forums about this but thought I'd ask if anyone had first hand info as I'm getting the run around by AAMI (my insurer) and Windscreens Obrien (the repairer).

Basically long story short, large crack in 2008 R36 windscreen, called AAMI, they referred me to Windscreens Obrien, windscreen replaced and now rain sensor isn't working and auto lights are always on.
Obrien then pulled the sensor apart again and gave me the spiel that they don't disconnect them, put the keys in an aluminium foil bag and don't start the car with the windscreen out so it shouldn't need to be reset.

I've connected my VCDS cable and attempted to clear the error code (004 - No signal / Fault Status 01100100) and it comes back straight away. Went back to Windscreens Obrien and they've advised that as it's not a genuine windscreen it may need to be recalibrated, can't find any info in the VCDS to calibrate or even adjust the sensitivity so I've booked it into VW.

Has this happened to anyone before and is there a fix?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Nathan

[ian]

Well that's a lesson to be learnt in future we should all demand that an original windscreen be installed by VW

[maximumxposure]

I questioned AAMI about it and they said under their terms and conditions "If a non-genuine item is available, it'll be used in direct replacement of the genuine glass".

My argument was that I took the car in fully functioning and with genuine glass all around and it came out not working and with an inferior windscreen, at which point they then referred back to the T&C's.

Definitely take it as a warning everyone..

[Amalgam]

I questioned AAMI about it and they said under their terms and conditions "If a non-genuine item is available, it'll be used in direct replacement of the genuine glass".

My argument was that I took the car in fully functioning and with genuine glass all around and it came out not working and with an inferior windscreen, at which point they then referred back to the T&C's.

Definitely take it as a warning everyone..

AAMI are notorious for using non genuine parts with their smash repairs and forcing down the repair quote of the repairers. As a result they hate AAMI.

I would firmly but politely ask AAMI in writing to sort out this problem as you went to their recommended repairer and inform them that if there is no satisfactory repair, you will seek the assistance of your states consumer protection.

Good luck

[maximumxposure]

Thanks for the advice. I've been documenting all correspondence with AAMI and Obrien 'just incase' it gets to that.

[revivor]

AAMI are notorious for using non genuine parts with their smash repairs and forcing down the repair quote of the repairers. As a result they hate AAMI.

I would firmly but politely ask AAMI in writing to sort out this problem as you went to their recommended repairer and inform them that if there is no satisfactory repair, you will seek the assistance of your states consumer protection.

Good luck

I agree! stay away from AAMI! My once bad experience through an AAMI repairer: They had the car a few days and news came from AAMI that my RNS got stolen from the dash and damaged it while at the repairer!!. All the hassle of police reports, finger print white powders etc!!! Then my car still had to be repaired by them again which took 1mth for a simple <1 week job. Piss off workmanship as well!

Learnt the bad way! Nvr again. I am very happy with AI Insurance with choice repairer!

Update: AI insurance do not provide choice repairer anymore as according to the latest PDS. I'm swapping to NRMA which comes out cheaper for my renewal.

[Darkhorse Developments]

Ive seen it quite a few times...the sensor gets pulled from the screen and swapped onto the new screen...the sensor just doesnt like it. .I would say 1 out of 10 sensors need replacing after being moved.

[booba]

you aren't lucky with aami. I had the dodgiest repair with their 'recommended repairer'.

[kleung]

I questioned AAMI about it and they said under their terms and conditions "If a non-genuine item is available, it'll be used in direct replacement of the genuine glass".

The actual text from the current PDS is:

When we authorise repairs to your car we will:
- ensure the repair work is properly carried out;
- use new parts or parts that are consistent with the age or condition of your car, including non-original equipment parts. These parts will meet available manufacturers’ technical specifications and/or applicable Australian Design Rules;
- only use new original equipment parts if your car is under the manufacturer’s standard new car warranty period (but not under any extended dealer/manufacturer warranty period).

and specifically relating to glass repairs:

For windscreen or window glass repairs, we might use glass that is different from the original but the
glass and repairs will meet Australian Design Rules.

So if they're going to cite the Ts and Cs to you, you should beat them over the head with the first two conditions, which is that the repairs be properly carried out, and/or that the replacement parts do not meet the manufacturer's tech specs (given that the rain sensor no longer works).

[maximumxposure]

Thanks for all the feedback, it's really appreciated. Guess it's just a matter of waiting until Tuesday now and see what VW say, kind of hoping Obrien have killed the sensor just so I can stick it to the smug workshop manager..

[brad]

Well that's a lesson to be learnt in future we should all demand that an original windscreen be installed by VW

I had my new windscreen installed by Windscreens O'Brien. Everything worked. No issues with the workmanship.

About the only thing I'd fault is the "sandblasting" appears to have occurred about 4x faster than the original windscreen.

[kamold]

I've had 2 windscreens installed by OBrien also. One in my previous Golf, and one in the inlaws Tiguan.
Service was excellent and no issues with either screen.
Both with rain sensors. No clarity issues either.

[dieterbohlen]

Let me tell you AAMI is not the only one who doesn't replace it with genuine glass.

I'm with RAC and they're bunch of idiots. Few months back I had a crack on the windscreen from the rock that flew from god knows where.
Called RAC and they advised me to file a claim and then they will replace it with non-genuine windscreen. I said that I want the genuine VW glass since I'm paying to insure VW and not cheap Chinese Cherry. They said that I will have to pay the difference plus $100 excess fee (non-genuine glass was about $300).

So, i called the place that RAC directed me to replace the windscreen and asked them how much it would be to replace with genuine VW glass and they quoted me $650 all up. If I went through RAC it would've cost me about $500 plus $100 excess charge. So I said f-off to RAC, cancelled the claim and went direct with the installed.

Moral of the story is that insurer will have their way with you no matter who it is and how much you pay.

[JustCruisn]

Your next click should be Financial Ombudsman Service

[booba]

I use VW Insurance underwritten by Allianz. They guarantee genuine parts