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  NOTICE 
To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor 
when it is cold outside, always make sure that blades are not 
frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using the 
windshield wiper service position can be helpful in cold weather 
so the wipers do not freeze to the windshield ⇒  Windshield wip-
er service position. 
Indicator light 
 
     
        
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frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using the 
service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do 
not freeze to the windshield ⇒  Windshield wiper service posi-
tion. 
  If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the 
wipers will continue at the same wiping speed when the ignition 
is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects 
on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor. 
  Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driv-
ing. 
  If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them care-
fully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.  
  NOTICE 
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is 
dry because the windshield can be scratched. 
  The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and 
the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatical-
ly when the engine hood is opened. 
  The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the 
driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move. 
  If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them careful-
ly. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray. 
Windshield wiper functions 
 
     
        
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Push the lever into the desired position ⇒ fig. 94: 
(A) Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position). 
(B) Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed. 
(1) Adjusting the sensitivity of the rain sensor: 
–  Move switch to the right – high sensitivity. 
–  Move switch to the left – low sensitivity. 
After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor 
stays on and works again with the wiper lever in position (B). 
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works 
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone 
of its sensitive rain-sensor surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) and not work for a 
number of reasons, which include: 
  Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of 
water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to 
wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed. 
  Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers. 
  Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can 
cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry. 
  Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lo-
tus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's 
sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all. 
  Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the wind-
shield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After 
that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to 
respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending 
on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not 
change. 
  WARNING 
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the 
wipers. 
  Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield 
reduces visibility. 
  Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) regular-
ly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.  
     
        
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