Golf MK5 - Convenience Pack & Rain Sensor/Intermittent Wiper Fault/Problem

[Jeff Tracy]

Hi experts, there are many similar posts on this topic, but I’m posting this request as I couldn’t find the info I need.

I have a 2008 Golf MK5 (UK) with the convenience pack. The auto headlights are activated OK when it gets dark, but the rain sensing/intermittent wiper function doesn't work. When I switch the wiper control stalk to position 1 (up), the wipers wipe once, but there is no further movement. The auto park for wiper change works OK and normal wipe speeds also work fine. I can see no physical problems with the sensor and have tried pouring water over it with a watering can with no effect (it obviously doesn't’t work whilst driving in the rain).

I enquired at a VW dealership and a number of independent specialists asking if they could diagnose a faulty sensor with their diagnostic software, but none of them would give me a straight answer to this. They would however be happy to charge me anything between £25 – 50 to plug a laptop in! How can I diagnose a faulty rain sensor other than by replacement? I read there may be a relay associated with the intermittent wipe function, but again even the dealer spares department weren’t sure about this!

Is there any other component that could be at fault, such as the wiper stalk on the steering column, fuse etc? The dealer price for a new sensor was ~£150 and although there are second-hand units available for ~ £50, but both options require me to dismantle to mirror and sensor unit to find the part number. I would really like to know if my sensor or anything else could be at fault before I proceed any further or start paying for ‘diagnostics’.

Any advice or guidance gratefully received.

[Guest 2]

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