Module, Light Rain Sensor: Installation
The Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) is equipped with a clear, silicone gelatin (SilGel) adhesive membrane that serves as an optical coupler between the sensor and the windshield glass. Extreme care must be exercised to protect this membrane from contamination before it is installed in the vehicle. The LRSM should always be serviced only in a dust-free environment. Do not touch the membrane with your fingers or tools. The membrane should only come into contact with the clean and dry inside surface of the glass within the mounting bracket bonded to the windshield. If contaminated, clean any foreign material from the windshield glass using rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. A contaminated SilGel membrane will negatively impact LRSM performance.
When installing the Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) it is necessary to minimize air pockets trapped between the SilGel membrane and the windshield glass. Excessive air pockets will negatively impact LRSM performance. It is important to adhere to the procedure steps in a deliberate manner to achieve satisfactory results.
To avoid excessive air pockets, do not try to install the spring steel retaining strap until AFTER the Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) has been successfully positioned to the glass within the mounting bracket bonded to the windshield.
- If a new Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) is being installed, remove the protective shipping cap from the LRSM. Refer to MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, STANDARD PROCEDURE . If an existing LRSM is being reused, the silicone gelatin (also known as SilGel) adhesive membrane pad MUST be removed, discarded and replaced with a new unit. Refer to MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Grasp the LRSM (2) by the connector receptacle between your thumb and middle finger. Place your index finger on the back of the LRSM at the point opposite the connector receptacle.
- Align the LRSM with the mounting bracket (1) bonded to the inside of the windshield glass near the inside rear view mirror mounting button.
- Slowly insert the LRSM to the mounting bracket at a slight angle so that the edge of the module nearest the tip of your index finger makes the initial contact with the windshield glass.
- Using a slow, deliberate motion and light pressure, draw your index finger across the back of the LRSM toward the connector receptacle until the silicone gelatin adhesive membrane pad is in full contact with the windshield glass.
- Engage one side of the spring steel retaining strap (5) to the groove on one side of the LRSM mounting bracket (4) on the inside of the windshield glass (2).
- Depress the opposite side of the retaining strap over the LRSM firmly and evenly until it fully engages the groove of the mounting bracket with an audible click.
- Looking through the windshield from outside the vehicle, inspect the silicone gelatin adhesive membrane pad for air pockets. If air pockets are observed, let the vehicle stand for about four hours at room temperature to allow the air pockets to dissipate. If an adhesive void (air pocket) greater than about 1 millimeter (0.04 inch) is observed, replace the flawed silicone gelatin adhesive membrane pad with a new unit. Refer to MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Connect the wire harness connector (1) to the LRSM.
- Install the inside rear view mirror to the mounting button (3). Refer to MIRROR, REARVIEW, INSTALLATION .
- Connect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), connect the IBS connector.