Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Condensation sensor
The condensation sensor consists of a sensor element with integrated processor on a flexibly mounted circuit board. The condensation sensor records the relative air humidity and the temperature on the inside of the windscreen.
The rain/lights/solar/condensation sensor is integrated in the base of the mirror and is held in place by a spring on a retaining plate. The retaining plate is securely bonded to the inside of the windscreen.
The visual connection between the rain/lights/solar/condensation sensor and the windscreen is formed by a silicone gel layer on the optical element. The condensation sensor is mounted directly on a "flexible" circuit board.
Due to the specified installation location, the flexible circuit board with the condensation sensor is pushed against the windscreen. This ensures a good thermal connection with the windscreen. A permeable membrane made from Teflon protects the condensation sensor from becoming dirty.
Fault code memory entries for the function of the rain/lights/solar/condensation sensor are stored in the junction box electronics.
If the condensation sensor fails, the junction box electronics transmits this via the KCAN2. The central gateway module transmits the information on the K-CAN. The integrated automatic heating/air-conditioning system thus receives the information and deactivates the program to prevent condensation from forming on the windscreen.
It is permissible to replace a rain/lights/solar/condensation sensor as long as no bubbles occur in the silicone gel layer (adhesive layer) when you do so. Please remember to initialize the sensor.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.