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Home >> Mercedes Benz >> 2007 >> SL55 >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Electrical >> Charging Systems >> Battery, Data Bus, Display, Fuses, Relays & Sensors -- Basic Knowledge -- 230 Chassis >> Basic Knowledge >> Rain/light sensor location/task/function - GF54.21-P-4123R >> Rain sensor/light sensor, function - GF54.21-P-4123-04R
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Rain sensor/light sensor, function - GF54.21-P-4123-04R

Principle of operation of rain sensor 

Infrared light is radiated by the infrared transmitter unit (1) and led to the windshield (3). The intensity of the light reflected at the windshield (3) is measured by the infrared receiver unit (2).

If the windshield (3) is dry in the area of the rain/light sensor (picture A), then the light is almost completely reflected and the infrared receiver unit (2) measures a high light intensity.

If the windshield (3) is wet in the area of the rain/light sensor (picture B), then part of the light is scattered from the glass of the windshield (3). As a result the intensity of the reflected light reduces and the infrared receiver unit (2) measures a lower light intensity.

The light intensity measured by the infrared receiver unit (2) represents a measure for the degree of wetting of the windshield (3). The lower the measured light intensity the higher the degree of wetting of the windshield (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Infrared Transmitter Unit And Windshield
G05075920Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Principle of operation of the light sensor 

The light sensor measures the light intensity falling on it from outside.

IMPORTANT The information is transmitted on the Controller Area Network bus class B (interior) (CAN-B) via the overhead control panel control unit.