Where is Rain Sensor?

MrLeadFoot · October 10, 2023

I'd like some clarity on the rain sensor please. My understanding it is not based on the windshield camera, and that it is a separate piece. Is that corrent? And, can someone please tell me exactly where the rain sensor is on 2022 Refresh 1500 Denali?

Thank you

redwngr · October 10, 2023

This section doesn't really say where, but my understanding is it is in the area in front of the rearview mirror, (same area as one of the cameras)

B117AWindshield Outside Moisture/Ambient Light and Humidity Sensor

Note: Due to the sensitivity of the sensor, the wipers may swipe once upon start up or rapid lighting changes.

The B117A Windshield Outside Moisture/Ambient Light and Humidity Sensor utilizes an internal infrared LED and an optic sensor to determine the amount of water on the windshield.

The infrared LED bounces infrared light against the inside of the windshield.

The optic sensor measures the amount of light returned after bouncing off the windshield.

With a dry windshield, all light bounced off the windshield is returned to the optic sensor.

As water accumulates on the windshield, the light input to the optic sensor is diffused and reduced.
The amount of light reduction corresponds directly to the amount of water on the windshield.

The B117A Windshield Outside Moisture/Ambient Light and Humidity Sensor interprets the amount of light returned and communicates this info to the K9 Body Control Module, which will control intermittent wiper operation
based on the sensitivity selection of the S82 Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch and the amount of water on the windshield.

MrLeadFoot · October 11, 2023

Thank you for posting this!

MrLeadFoot · October 12, 2023

My rain sensor is not working after having a new OEM windshield installed. I read somewhere that a "gel pad" or the sensor itself needs to be replaced if a new windshield is installed. Does anyone know anything about this?

Edited October 12, 2023 by MrLeadFoot

redwngr · October 12, 2023

I'd be seeing a GM dealer.

Might be the sensor was damaged.

Might be some sort of calibration required?

Was the camera it that area correctly aimed?

Perhaps dealer could check/verify/calibrate both?

MrLeadFoot · October 12, 2023

This was an insurance claim, and insurance uses company uses Safelite. Windshield was OEM, but the glass is wavy, so is being replaced. Camera was supposed to be recalibrated, but Lane Assist now thinks I'm still in my lane when I'm riding the line on my left. They claim it's because the glass is wavy, but I doubt that's it because when pressed right up against the glass I don't think the camera can be seeing the distortion in the glass. I think they didn't calibrate it properly. I also think they either broke the rain sensor, or possibly did not know they needed to replace the gel pad, or whatever. I think I need to let them attempt to make this right first before I can raise a big stink, although I kind of already started that ball rolling. If I was scared they'd damage something the first time, I am now quite concerned, especially if they don't know what they're doing. I should never have done this and lived with the bulls-eye chip until the windshield cracked completely. Lesson learned.

Edited October 12, 2023 by MrLeadFoot

newdude · October 12, 2023

Did they actually use an OEM windshield? Fuyao is typically the manufacturer now, but genuine GM glass will have the "GM" mark of excellence logo printed on it in addition to the Fuyao branding.

MrLeadFoot · October 12, 2023

Yes, they did. GM, HUD, etc. Laminated I passenger side, just like original.

MrMagloo · October 12, 2023

I would tell the insurance company that you gave Safelite a chance and they clearly blew it. That you want to bring it to the dealer to handle now so it's done right.