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Windscreen wash, wipe

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Windscreen wash, wipe

Vehicle fitted with front windscreen wiper rain sensor

The rain sensor is located on the windscreen, in front of the interior rear view mirror.
A.
a single sweep of the wipers
A short push will trigger one sweep of the wipers.
B.
stopping
C.
automatic wiper function
When this position is selected, the system detects water on the windscreen and triggers the wipers at a suitable wiping speed.
You can change the triggering threshold and the time interval between sweeps by pressing the rotary switch once 2:
  • G: minimum sensitivity;
  • F: maximum sensitivity.
The higher the sensitivity, the quicker the wipers will react and the faster the wipe.
When activating automatic wiping or when increasing sensitivity, one sweep of the blades is performed.
The warning light appears on the instrument panel to confirm that the function is activated.
Note:
  • the rain sensor is only intended as a driving aid. In the event of reduced visibility, the driver should manually activate the wipers. In foggy weather or during snowfalls, wiping is not automatically triggered and remains under the driver's control;
  • in the event of temperatures below zero, automatic wiping is not activated when the vehicle is started. It is automatically activated as soon as the vehicle exceeds a certain speed (approximately 5 mph (8 km/h));
  • do not activate automatic wiping in dry weather;
  • fully de-ice the windscreen before activating automatic wiping;
  • when washing the vehicle under a roller type car wash, set the stalk 1 to position B to deactivate automatic wiping.
Operating faults
In the event of a malfunction of the automatic wiping, the wiper is set to intermittent wiping. Call an approved dealer.
The rain sensor operation may be interrupted in the event of:
  • damaged windscreen wipers – a film of water or traces left by a blade in the sensor's detection zone may increase the response time of the automatic wiper, or increase the wiping frequency;
  • a windscreen with any chip or crack near the sensor, or a windscreen covered in dust, dirt, insects, ice, the use of washing wax and water-repellent chemicals. The windscreen wiper will be less sensitive or may even not react at all.
D.
slow continuous wiping
E.
fast continuous wiping
Special feature
When driving the vehicle, the wiping speed slows down whenever the vehicle stops. For example, fast wiping speed will slow to normal wiping speed. As soon as the vehicle moves off, wiping will return to the speed originally selected.
Any action on the stalk 1 overrides and cancels the automatic function.
Precautions
  • In the event of ice, check whether the blades are stuck to the windscreen before operating the wiping mechanism. If you activate the wipers while the blades are stuck down with ice, you may risk damaging both the blade and the wiper motor.
  • Do not activate the wipers on a dry screen. This will lead to premature wear or damage to the blades.

Specific front wiper position (service position)

This position enables the blades to be lifted to remove them from the windscreen.
It may be useful to:
With the ignition on or engine started, lift the stalk 1 twice to position A (single sweep). The blades stop slightly away from the bonnet.
To return the blades to the lowered position, with the ignition on, ensure that the wipers have folded down onto the windscreen, then move the stalk 1 to position A (single sweep).
Before switching on the ignition, place the wipers on the windscreen. Otherwise, there may a risk of damage to the bonnet or the wipers when they are switched on.
WARNING
Before any action involving the windscreen (washing the vehicle, de-icing or cleaning the windscreen, etc.) return the stalk 1 to position B (park).
Risk of injury and/or damage.
Tip
In the event of obstacles on the windscreen (dirt, snow, ice etc.), clean the windscreen (including the central area located behind the interior rear view mirror) before starting the wipers (risk of motor overheating).
If an object is preventing a blade from moving, it may stop functioning. Remove the obstacle and reactivate the wiper using the wiper stalk.

Windscreen washer

With the ignition on, pull the stalk 1 then release.
A longer pull will trigger, in addition to the windscreen washer, two sweeps of the wipers followed, a few seconds later, by a third.
Note:
  • A front washing action at stalk 1 lasting for more than 30 seconds may cause the windscreen washer pump to cut out. This prevents the pump from overheating;
  • in temperatures below zero, the washer liquid risks freezing to the windscreen, thereby reducing visibility. Heat the windscreen using the demister control before cleaning.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, ensure that the windscreen wiper stalk is in position B (stop).
Risk of injury.
Tip
Efficiency of a wiper blade
Check the condition of the wiper blades. How long they last depends on you:
  • it must remain clean: clean the blade and the screen regularly with soapy water;
  • do not use it when the screen is dry;
  • free it from the screen when it has not been used for a long time.
In all cases, replace it as soon as it begins to lose efficiency: approximately once a year WIPER BLADES: REPLACEMENT.
Precaution for using the wipers
  • In freezing or snowy conditions, clear the screen before starting the wipers (risk of motor overheating);
  • ensure that no objects are obstructing the travel of the blade.