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.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DBβ LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSKIA2011OPTIMA L4-2.0L TURBOREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISWIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMSRAIN SENSORSERVICE AND REPAIR
2011 Kia Optima L4-2.0L Turbo
Rain Sensor: Service and Repair
2011 Kia Optima L4-2.0L TurboSECTION Service and Repair
Inspection
Rain Sensing Wiper
1. In IGN2 ON state, if auto switch input (LIN communication) is ON then both wiper low relay and wiper high relay outputs are controlled by the rain sensor input signal.
2. If the wiper switch has been left in automatic mode with the vehicle ignition OFF, and then the vehicle ignition switch is turned on, a single wipe will be performed.
3. A single wipe will be performed whenever rain has been detected (Rain Detected signal from Rain sensor) and the wiper switch is moved to the AUTO position. But a single wipe will not be performed when the wiper switch is moved to the AUTO position and OFF signal is being received from Rain sensor. But if the wiper switch is moved to AUTO position for the first time since vehicle ignition switch is turned on then a single wipe will be performed regardless of Rain Detected or OFF signal.
4. The drive may adjust the rain sensor performance by adjusting the sensitivity input. When in automatic mode, the BCM will perform a single wipe each time the sensitivity is adjusted upward to a more sensitive setting (downward more then one step). This single wipe will only be performed if Rain Detected signal is being received from the Rain sensor. If the sensitivity adjustment is adjusted upward more than one sensitivity, the BCM will only perform a single wipe unless the time between Increases is more than 2 seconds.
5. Fault strategy for the rain sensor
Rain Sensor Fault 1 - Internal Fault Detected
This failure is detected when the wiper is in automatic mode and the input faulty rain sensor from the rain sensor has a duty cycle corresponding to Fault 1. The confirmation delay for the failure is of 1 sec.
When this failure is detected, the wiper outputs are OFF and the wiper will also do a wipe in slow speed on the transition from sensitivity 3 to sensitivity 2 (Step 2 to 3) in order to signal the presence of this fault. If another sensitivity is set, the wiper won't make any additional wipe.
Rain Sensor Fault 2 - Glass Attachment Fault Detected
This failure is detected when the wiper is in automatic mode and the input faulty rain sensor from the rain sensor has a duty cycle corresponding to Fault 2. The confirmation delay for the failure is of 1 s.
When this failure is detected, the wiper outputs are OFF and the wiper will also do a wipe on the transition from sensitivity 4 to sensitivity 3 (Step 1 to 2) in order to signal the presence of this fault. If another sensitivity is set, the wiper won't make any additional wipe.
Rain Sensor Fault 3 - No Input Signal Present
This failure is detected when the wiper is in automatic mode and the input faulty rain sensor from the rain sensor has a duty cycle corresponding to Fault 3 or in case the duty cycle of the input faulty rain sensor is 0% or 100%. The confirmation delay for the failure is of 1 s.
When this failure is detected, the wiper outputs are OFF.
Removal
CAUTION:
The rain sensor may not operate properly if contaminated. Protect the rain sensor surface by not removing the cover until installation time. The coupling pad on the rain sensor surface has adhesive strength. Take care when installing the sensor. If the sensor is separated from the windshield by force, the sensor or windshield may be damaged. Take care when removing the sensor.
1. Remove the rain sensor cover (A) first.
Be careful not to damage the cover latch by applying excessive force. To remove the latch, pull aside the latch using the cover hole (B) with the little (-) screwdriver (C).
2. Remove the wiring harness connector (D) from sensor.
3. Rain sensor module is attached to the front windshield by glue replacing the front windshield, remove the rain sensor module from the existing front windshield and install on the new front windshield.
Installation
NOTE:
- In case of the windshield with reflection layer which reflects the infrared rays in sensing field, remove the reflection layer from the rain sensor mounting position prior to installation.
- Avoid contamination of the sensor during installation.
1. Install the rain sensor bracket to the windshield glass using the tape.
CAUTION:
It is very important that the coupling pad pushes against the windshield completely to prevent bubbles from forming at the contact surface.
2. Connect the rain sensor connector, and then install the sensor cover.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
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:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.