Hello Forum,

I get from time to time Audi magazines. And the last page is dedicated to answer Canadian owners' questions.

Here is one of the questions that I always wanted to know the answer for:

"How does a rain sensor work?

In the light and rain sensor. which is fitted at the top of the windscreen behind the rearview mirror, light-emitting diodes send out an invisible infrared beam which is reflected by the outer surface of the windscreen. The reflected light is continuously measured by photodiodes. As soon as water droplets hit the windscreen in the area of the sensor, the amount of reflected light increases. A control unit uses the strength of the reflected light to calculate the optimum wipe interval, automatically adjusting the interval according to the strength of the rain. The same sensor triggers automatic headlight activation when light conditions deteriorate."

Reference: Audi magazine 3/2011

 

I get the Audi Magazine too and enjoy them quite a bit.
I bought my Audi as a CPO so it must not be limited to new Audi buyers.

 

Can Audi service turn down the sensitivity of this feature? The intermittent wipers even on low are painful.

 

Adaptation channel 22 on the central convenience module has an option to change the Rain Sensor Transmission Grade. Don't know what specific impact this would have though. Something you will need to try on your car and let us know what the effect is.

 

thats awesome! i get the magazine to but honestly the last 3-4 i just skimmed. that really cool to know how that actually works. appreciate the time to post it up! thx!

 

I've had 5 Audis and no damn magazine. WTF!

 

Ya for me its very interesting. I get very frustrated when I dont know how stuff work.

Knowledge is power!