Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation
GENERAL INFORMATIONWINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER OPERATION
Intermittent control (Vehicle speed-dependent variable type) ]Initial condition: with function[
1. ETACS calculates the windshield intermittent wiper interval T1 from the position of the windshield intermittent wiper switch on the column switch and the vehicle speed signal (sent from the combination meter to ETACS via CAN communication).
NOTE: Using the configuration function, the vehicle speed-dependent intermittent function can be invalidated.
2. When ETACS receives the ON signal of the windshield intermittent wiper switch, it turns the windshield wiper relay ON. When the wiper reaches the stop position, the windshield wiper auto-stop signal turns OFF, and the windshield wiper relay turns OFF.
When the intermittent time T1 calculated by step 1 has elapsed after the windshield wiper relay ON, the windshield wiper relay turns ON again, and the above-mentioned operation is repeated.
Mist wiper control
When the windshield wiper mist switch on the column switch is turned ON while the ignition switch is in ACC or ON position, the column switch turns the windshield wiper relay ON. At the same time, the wiper speed switching relay turns ON (HI). When the windshield mist wiper switch is ON, the windshield wiper operates at high speed.
Low speed wiper and high speed wiper control
When the windshield low speed wiper switch on the column switch is turned ON while the ignition switch is in ACC or ON position, the column switch turns the windshield wiper relay ON. Also, the wiper speed switching relay turns OFF (LO), and the windshield wiper operates at low speed.
When the windshield high speed wiper switch is turned ON, the windshield wiper relay turns ON. Also, the wiper speed switching relay turns ON (HI), and the windshield wiper operates at high speed.
Windshield wiper linked with washer function ]Initial condition: with function[
When the windshield washer switch on the column switch is turned ON while the ignition switch is in ACC or ON position, ETACS turns the windshield washer relay ON.
When the windshield washer switch is kept ON for 0.3 seconds or longer, the windshield wiper relay (the wiper relay output time varies depending on the conditions. For details, see the table.) is turned ON, and the windshield wiper operates at high speed. The windshield wiper is turned OFF with 3 seconds delay after the windshield washer switch is turned OFF. Even when the windshield washer switch is turned ON while the windshield wiper is operating intermittently, the intermittent action starts again after the linked operation is finished.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACC position while the windshield washer switch is ON, the windshield washer relay turns ON, but the windshield wiper does not perform the linked operation. When the windshield washer switch is turned OFF and then ON, the windshield wiper starts the linked operation.
NOTE:
- Using the configuration function, the washer linked windshield wiper function can be invalidated.
- Using the configuration function, when the washer linked windshield wiper function is invalidated, only the washer operates. It is useful to melt down the ices of the frozen windshield.
Rain sensitive wiper function ]Optional: Vehicles for USA with lighting control sensor (rain sensor)[
- Lighting control sensor (rain sensor) has been installed in the upper part of the windshield to sense the raindrops and windshield wiper can be operated when the ignition switch is at ON and wiper switch is at AUTO position.
- The lighting control sensor detects the raindrops on the windshield surface using the optical element, and it automatically switches the windshield wiper operation, depending on the amount of rainfall, to the intermittent or LO/HI operation.
- The lighting control sensor detects the raindrops using the reflections of infrared rays, and depending on the amount of rainfall, it automatically adjusts the wiping speed.
- Dry windshield: All infrared rays emitted from the emitter diode are reflected by the windshield and directed to the receiver diode as they are.
- Wet windshield: Part of the infrared rays emitted from the emitter diode are transmitted to outside of the windshield through the raindrops, and the infrared rays with reduced intensity are directed to the receiver diode.
NOTE: Using the configuration function, the rain sensitive wiper function can be invalidated.