W203 Add rain sensor / Auto Wipers ?

[whitenemesis]

x332race, same car as mine!

The picture of your sensor was the same as mine and with just the two lenses.

These are the lenses for combined rain&light sensor I fitted (using a new windscreen). The lenses are all bonded directly to the glass

Inside view

This is the actual R&L seensor that clips into the new frame that comes bonded to the new screen

According to EPC A2218700092 is the R&L sensor part number @ £41 from MB but you will need a new windscreen!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x223/Whitenemesis_photos/Rain Sensor/P7270062.jpg

 

[x332race]

Whitenemesis:- thanks for your reply....I have tried to follow the thread and work out if it was a simple or complicated job to upgrade to rain sensors.....I now have a definitive answer from someone who has gone through the same process....until I get a new screen, not worth following this mod through......just on further question though....my light sensor connector has 4 wires going into it.....would this need to be adapted to fit the rain/light sensor?

 

[whitenemesis]

x332race, yes, you will need to get the 3 wire loom. I left the original 4 wire loom connected and fitted the new loom into a spare socket in the OCP.

The relevant part #'s are listed but I would hazard a guess they have been superceeded by now. Have a chat with your local MB parts man, mine was very helpfull in finding a suitable loom.

It may well be possible to utilise the existing 4 wire loom but without meter readings and being confident with the WIS wiring diagrams (from experience these do tend to be somewhat variable in accuracy) I wouldn't recommend it!

 

[x332race]

x332race, yes, you will need to get the 3 wire loom. I left the original 4 wire loom connected and fitted the new loom into a spare socket in the OCP.

Thanks! You have been very helpful.... 1 final question....where do I find the OCP?

 

[whitenemesis]

Thanks! You have been very helpful.... 1 final question....where do I find the OCP?

OCP = Overhead Control Panel. It's the interior light cluster and switches by the RVM (rear view mirror ). If you pop off the lens for the interior light there are two catches, release those and the unit drops down giving access to the control module and sockets.

The original loom will have been stuck to the back of the head lining so not worth trying to remove it. Just feed the new loom above the lining (fiddly) and down to the new RLS.

 

[miro]

............but you will need a new windscreen!

The same thing can be attained by changing the plastic bracket. The parts peel off if you can find a broken donor screen.

Not a job for someone who does not know where the OCP is.

 

[whitenemesis]

The same thing can be attained by changing the plastic bracket. The parts peel off if you can find a broken donor screen.

Not a job for someone who does not know where the OCP is.

It's not just the bracket, it's the lenses, they must be bonded to the screen, with no flaws. Something only the screen manufacturer can do to the required standard and accuracy.

 

[x332race]

The same thing can be attained by changing the plastic bracket. The parts peel off if you can find a broken donor screen.

Not a job for someone who does not know where the OCP is.

Thanks for that Miro....I may not have know what the acronym OCP stood for but now I know what it is, I am certainly capable of doing any adaptations....I have been "messing" with cars for years....

 

[miro]

It's not just the bracket, it's the lenses, they must be bonded to the screen, with no flaws. Something only the screen manufacturer can do to the required standard and accuracy.

Singing to the choir my brother. I did it aftermarket just perfectly. Knowing the problem is only part way to knowing the solution. It is done by glass installers every day of the week because they can buy the glass panels without the plastic bracket for 1/3 the price. It only takes a few minutes to transfer the bracket.

Let's not be hasty on the assumptions.

The whole thing is one piece. It comes off clean. The surface which attaches to the glass is just a smooth flat plastic panel. The whole thing is made of clear plastic and the black parts you see have been painted black. It is no more challenging than sticking on plastic to plastic. The adhesive is called Terrastat and it dries clear.

Hence, that is why there is a calibration step in the rain sensor procedure. This allows for the variations.

 

[miro]

Thanks for that Miro....I may not have know what the acronym OCP stood for but now I know what it is, I am certainly capable of doing any adaptations....I have been "messing" with cars for years....

you might take some solace in finding the same information in the owners manual.

 

[whitenemesis]

So, the lenses are all part of the sensor frame? All on a common clear backing?

That would make things easier!

 

[prc]

Still don't think it's that simple. What glue to use?
Would rather just wait for a cracked windshield (Once a year in my case).

 

[whitenemesis]

Still don't think it's that simple. What glue to use?
Would rather just wait for a cracked windshield (Once a year in my case).

Definately the lower risk option

 

[Smatt]

In the OWNERS manual it tells you that unless it is raining there is no need to have the auto-wipers on.

The system is not calibrated for dry rain. Only wet rain.

This post is six months old, Miro. I did not realise there was that much delay from here to Oz!
Fortunately I managed in the meantime, whilst waiting for the helpful advice

 

[miro]

Still don't think it's that simple. What glue to use?
Would rather just wait for a cracked windshield (Once a year in my case).

You would be amazed how many times it gets done by the glazier without the customer knowing it. The idea that it can only be done in the factory is 'pase'.

 

[prc]

Back to the programing bit....

Done this on my W203 (with dealer programming) but was now doing it on newly aquired car for wife and can't get it activated... Any help??

1- Have set to present on EIS
2- Have set F SAM to "combined Hella"
3- OCP activated and calibrated

Rain sensor doesn't initialize and really didn't want to drive to the only dealer I know that will do it (3 hr drive)..

 

[miro]

Back to the programing bit....

Done this on my W203 (with dealer programming) but was now doing it on newly aquired car for wife and can't get it activated... Any help??

1- Have set to present on EIS
2- Have set F SAM to "combined Hella"
3- OCP activated and calibrated

Rain sensor doesn't initialize and really didn't want to drive to the only dealer I know that will do it (3 hr drive)..

And with which cable have you connected the unit ?

 

[prc]

Have picked up the same cable, part# A2035409006

Merc dealers in My area and where I work are not very helpful and will not code, so I either need to figure it out myself or take a day off from work and drive 3 hrs....

 

[miro]

Have picked up the same cable, part# A2035409006

Merc dealers in My area and where I work are not very helpful and will not code, so I either need to figure it out myself or take a day off from work and drive 3 hrs....

Then one end is blue 3 pins and the other sensor end is black 3 pins.

The pins run
1-1
2-2
3-3

In other words ... straight through.

Then also POWER DOWN the overhead panel and then power up again (pull the main plug). You might find that works in many instances where the coding doesnt.

 

[prc]

Sorted....Power down seemed to work.