I have finally disabled the automatic windscreen wiper operation due to its totally erratic operation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't work, more often it does random wipes which may or may not have something to do with the external precipitation. How can I 'sort' the rain sensor to give some coherent operation?

When you say erratic, is it the sensor is faulty or it does things you were not expecting

 

VW Group cars in recent times are fitted with a speed sensitive system that reduces wipes when stationary, and the sensitivity can be changed by the interval thumbswitch (alters the delay between wipes).  

 

Also does extra wipe about 5 seconds later to sweep any residual drips running down screen.

 

Can also change some wiper settings in infotainment (see pages 80-81)

 

https://ws.skoda-auto.com/OwnersManualService/Data/en/Octavia_5E/11-2018/Manual/Octavia/A7_Octavia_OwnersManual.pdf?_ga=2.210236886.23707114.1548530781-d6c8ccb4-bc74-4b92-9238-3afc75b8242f

 

 

Edited 27 January, 20197 yr by SurreyJohn

On 26/01/2019 at 18:01, Graywallis said:

I have finally disabled the automatic windscreen wiper operation due to its totally erratic operation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't work, more often it does random wipes which may or may not have something to do with the external precipitation. How can I 'sort' the rain sensor to give some coherent operation?

 

I found mine to be the similar and it became frustrating waiting for the wipers to clear the screen. Ive just turned mine off and use the intermittent function to how I require it

Mine works pretty good, i dont usually take it off "auto" setting unless its this time of year when the muck on the roads is really dirty & the auto wipers just smear dirt so you cant see.

 

58 minutes ago, Gabbo said:

Mine works pretty good, i dont usually take it off "auto" setting unless its this time of year when the muck on the roads is really dirty & the auto wipers just smear dirt so you cant see.

 

 

I use mine in much the same way, always on auto and adjusted by means of the thumb wheel as and when required. I've also changed the washer function to delay the headlight washer spray a little, to conserve screen wash. If however the screen gets smeared with road grime then a quick squirt will redress the view.

The 'Erratic' operation is typically shown by the wipers continuing to wipe at frequent intervals, long after rain has ceased or refusing to start until the level of rain has reached torrential. However, sometimes (not very often) the wipers do exactly as intended and track the rain behaviour with remarkable accuracy. Using the switch A as shown on page 82 in the Octavia handbook reduces the frequency when there are too many wiper sweeps but in the second case the only option is to switch on the wipers to the continuous setting. As an electronic design engineer (retired) this indicates one of 3 faults: a failing sensor; intermittent wiring or connectors; a poorly debugged piece of software. The handbook does not indicate the sensor location, although I believe it to be close to the rearview mirror. 

As a secondary fault the voice control is completely useless, leading to a belief that the 'infotainment' software may need a complete reinstallation. The vehicle performance on the road has always been faultless.

Advice as to how to proceed would be helpful.

 

The rain sensor is in front of the rear view mirror, you should be able to see it looking from standing in front of the car, there will be little clear section/s in the black dotted area. Is your windscreen the original factory fit or has it been changed? I had a new windscreen in my previous Octavia and I had read threads on here about ensuring that the sensor is functioning correctly afterwards. Apparently they can be problematic if not removed/refitted correctly.

 

I must admit I don't use the voice control function built in to the car, but I do use the android auto voice control replying to messages, this is quite frustrating as it sometimes does or doesn't understand my broad Derbyshire accent.

Edited 29 January, 20197 yr by Stonker
Added info for clarity