How to Turn On Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers

In most cars, turn the wiper stalk to AUTO (or press the wiper button with an “A” or raindrop icon), then adjust sensitivity on the stalk’s ring or slider; in vehicles with screen-based controls, enable “Rain-Sensing” or “Auto Wipers” in the settings, and the wipers will activate automatically when moisture hits the windshield. Rain-sensing wipers use an optical or camera-based sensor to detect water and manage wipe speed without constant driver input, improving visibility and letting you keep your hands on the wheel.

How to Tell If Your Car Has Rain-Sensing Wipers

Before trying to activate the feature, confirm your vehicle is equipped. Automakers use different symbols and menu names, but several quick checks can identify rain-sensing capability.

• Look for “AUTO” or an “A” with a wiper icon on the wiper stalk or a dedicated button with a raindrop symbol.
• Check behind the rearview mirror for a small, dark, glossy patch on the windshield—the optical rain sensor module is often mounted there.
• Open the vehicle’s settings (infotainment or driver display) and search for Wipers > Rain Sensor, Auto Wipers, or Rain-Sensing.
• On camera-based systems (e.g., many Teslas), “Auto” wipers are controlled through the touchscreen and steering wheel buttons rather than a stalk position.
• Confirm via the owner’s manual or the automaker’s app using your VIN; some trims or packages include the feature while others don’t.

If you find any of these indicators, your vehicle likely supports rain-sensing wipers; if not, you may have conventional intermittent wipers only.

Basic Steps to Activate Rain-Sensing Wipers

Once you’ve confirmed the feature, these are the typical steps to turn it on and fine-tune how it behaves in rain or spray.

1. Start the car and ensure the windshield area ahead of the sensor (near the rearview mirror) is clean and free of ice, fog, or stickers.
2. Set the wiper control to AUTO or press the wiper button with an “A”/raindrop symbol. On some brands, the “intermittent” position becomes automatic when rain-sensing is enabled in settings.
3. Adjust sensitivity using the stalk ring/slider: higher sensitivity wipes sooner with lighter rain; lower sensitivity waits for heavier droplets.
4. For screen-based systems, enable Auto/ Rain-Sensing Wipers in the vehicle menu (often under Vehicle > Wipers or Convenience) and select a sensitivity level if offered.
5. Test briefly with the windshield washer: many systems will perform a couple of wipes and then return to automatic detection.
6. Drive normally; the system will speed up or slow down wiping as rain intensity changes.

After setup, you typically won’t need to touch the controls again unless you switch to manual wiping, enter a car wash, or encounter ice and heavy snow that require manual control.

Brand-Specific Notes

Controls and menus vary. Here are common approaches by automaker families to help you locate the right switch or setting on your vehicle.

Toyota/Lexus

Move the stalk to AUTO; rotate the sensitivity ring to adjust responsiveness. Some models have a cluster/infotainment toggle for Rain Sensor. If AUTO isn’t wiping in rain, check that the Rain-Sensing option is enabled in settings.

Honda/Acura

Use the AUTO position on the stalk or press the AUTO/raindrop button at the stalk tip; adjust the ring for sensitivity. Look for “Auto Wipers” in the vehicle settings on newer models.

Ford/Lincoln

Enable Rain-Sensing Wipers in Settings > Vehicle > Wipers. Then place the stalk in the first (intermittent) position; the thumbwheel adjusts sensitivity and functions as the rain sensor control when enabled.

Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac

Toggle Rain-Sense in Settings (often Vehicle > Comfort and Convenience or Wipers). The intermittent position becomes automatic, with a dial/slider for sensitivity.

Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche

Set the stalk to AUTO (often labeled with “AUTO” or “A”); adjust the slider on the stalk. An MMI/infotainment option may allow enabling/disabling the rain sensor.

BMW/MINI

Press the button with an “A” on the wiper stalk; a green LED confirms auto mode. Use the rocker/slider on the stalk to adjust sensitivity. iDrive includes a Rain Sensor toggle.

Mercedes‑Benz

Place the stalk in the first detent (intermittent/auto) or press AUTO if labeled. Adjust via the stalk rocker; some models offer a Wipers setting in MBUX to enable the sensor.

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis

Use AUTO on the stalk and set sensitivity with the ring. A Rain Sensor option may appear in the cluster or infotainment settings to turn the feature on/off.

Subaru

Move the stalk to AUTO and use the ring for sensitivity. EyeSight driver-assist is separate from wipers; check the vehicle settings for a Rain-Sensing toggle on applicable trims.

Tesla

Open Controls > Wipers and select Auto (A) or use the left stalk button/steering wheel controls to cycle to Auto. Tesla uses cameras to detect rain; performance can vary with lighting and visibility. You can adjust wipe frequency on-screen and disable Auto when needed.

Volvo/Polestar

Press the rain-sensing button on the stalk (raindrop icon) to activate; a green indicator lights up. Use the thumbwheel to adjust sensitivity. Settings may include Rain Sensor and Wiper Service Position.

Adjusting Sensitivity and Behavior

Sensitivity control tailors how quickly the system reacts to moisture and can help avoid needless wiping or delayed response in drizzle.

• Higher sensitivity: responds early to light drizzle or road spray; useful on highways where spray is frequent.
• Lower sensitivity: waits for heavier droplets; helpful to reduce chatter in mist or fog.
• Speed-linked wiping: many cars speed up wiping at higher vehicle speeds even with the same sensitivity.
• Washer use: spraying washer fluid usually triggers several wipes, then returns to Auto.
• Glare/night: some systems adjust differently at night; if performance seems conservative, nudge sensitivity higher.

Experiment with the control to find a balance that keeps the glass clear without excessive wiping, and adjust as conditions change.

Troubleshooting: When Auto Wipers Don’t Work

If the wipers ignore rain or wipe when it’s dry, a few common issues are usually to blame.

• Dirty or blocked sensor area: clean the glass ahead of the rearview mirror; remove stickers, dashcams, or toll tags that overlap the sensor patch.
• Ice, snow, or heavy fog: these can confuse optical sensors; switch to manual wiping until the glass is clear and dry.
• Worn blades or chatter: replace blades; streaks can mislead the sensor and reduce effectiveness.
• Setting disabled: re-enable Rain-Sensing/Auto Wipers in the vehicle menu; some cars default to off after service or software updates.
• Windshield replacement: sensors may need correct mounting or calibration; if performance worsened after glass work, return to the installer or dealer.
• Camera-based limits (e.g., Tesla): low light, glare, or dirty cameras can reduce detection accuracy; clean cameras and consider manual control.
• Car washes/maintenance: turn off Auto before entering to prevent unwanted swipes; use “Wiper Service” mode if available.

Addressing these basics restores normal operation in most cases; if problems persist, a dealer can test the sensor and check for software updates.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

Automatic wipers are a convenience, but you remain responsible for visibility. These tips keep the system reliable and your view clear.

• Keep the windshield and sensor area clean; use quality washer fluid suited to the season.
• Replace wiper blades at least annually or at the first signs of streaking or noise.
• In freezing weather, ensure blades are free before activation; disable Auto to avoid motor strain on iced glass.
• Disable Auto in car washes or when scraping ice; use service position if provided.
• Override with manual control anytime visibility is compromised—the system is an aid, not a substitute for judgment.

Following these practices helps the wipers react accurately and prevents damage or surprises in unusual conditions.

Summary

To turn on rain-sensing wipers, set the stalk to AUTO or press the wiper’s “A”/raindrop button, enable the feature in the vehicle’s settings if required, and adjust the sensitivity on the stalk or screen. Keep the sensor area clean, disable Auto for car washes or icy glass, and switch to manual wiping whenever conditions demand immediate, predictable action.

How do you activate rain-sensing wipers?

And when the stock is pushed all the way down high-speed wiping is engaged to use the windshield washer pull back on the stalk. The washers will stream until the stalk is released.

How to activate water on wipers?

You. If you pull the lever while in the delay. Range the wiper will operate for several wipe cycles after the lever is released.

Why won’t my rain-sensing wipers work?

If your rain sensing wipers aren’t working, first check that the system is activated and the lever is in the correct AUTO position. Next, inspect the rain sensor area on the windshield, ensuring it’s clean, clear of debris, and properly seated without gaps or damage to the gel pad underneath. If the issue persists, test the sensitivity settings and try cleaning the sensor. If these steps don’t work, the sensor may be faulty and require recalibration, replacement, or a professional inspection of electrical connections, according to this Reddit thread.
 
Troubleshooting Steps

1. Activate the system: Ensure the auto-wiper lever is in the “AUTO” position, not “OFF” or a fixed speed setting. 
2. Clean the sensor area: Gently wipe the sensor’s lens and the surrounding windshield area with a soft, clean cloth and water to remove dirt, ice, or condensation that can interfere with the sensor’s readings. 
3. Check for physical damage: Look for any cracks or gaps between the sensor and the windshield. 
4. Check for proper seating: Make sure the sensor is firmly pressed against the glass, often requiring the gel pad to be flush with the windshield. 
5. Adjust sensitivity: If your vehicle has a sensitivity dial or setting, try adjusting it to a higher or lower setting to see if it resolves the issue. 
6. Perform a basic test: You can test the system by splashing water on the windshield to see if the wipers activate. 

When to seek professional help

• Post-windshield replacement: Opens in new tabIf the wipers stopped working after a windshield replacement, the sensor was likely not installed correctly with a new gel pad, according to this YouTube video. 
• Electrical issues: Opens in new tabA professional can check for damaged wiring, corroded electrical connections, a faulty wiper control module, or a blown fuse. 
• Sensor malfunction: Opens in new tabIf the sensor itself is failing, it may need to be recalibrated or replaced. 

This video explains how to clean the rain sensor lens and the gel pad: 1msmart carsYouTube · Jan 2, 2016
Where to find the rain sensor
The rain sensor is typically located behind the rearview mirror, in a small housing on the windshield.

How do I tell if I have rain-sensing wipers?

To determine if you have rain-sensing wipers, look for a small sensor (a clear or dark square/circle) near your rearview mirror on the windshield, check your wiper stalk for an “AUTO” setting, or find the \”rain-sensing wipers\” option in your vehicle’s settings menu on the infotainment system. The presence of an automatic function that speeds up as rain increases is the key indicator, according to YouTube. 
1. Check the Wiper Control Lever/Stalk 

• Look for an “AUTO” position on the wiper control lever. 
• If your car has an “AUTO” setting, turning the stalk to that position will activate the system, and the wipers will then automatically start and adjust their speed based on the amount of rain detected. 

This video explains how to find the AUTO setting on the wiper stalk: 1mLincolnYouTube · Jan 10, 2018
2. Inspect the Windshield

• From inside the car, look at the area on the windshield behind your rearview mirror. 
• You’ll see a small cutout, a square, or a circular lens that acts as the rain sensor. 
• If you don’t see this component, you likely do not have the system. 

3. Use the Vehicle Settings Menu 

• Access your car’s infotainment system. 
• Look for options related to “Vehicle,” “Settings,” or “Comfort and Convenience”. 
• If the “Rain-Sensing Wipers” option is available and can be turned on or off, your vehicle has the feature. 

4. Test the System

• Once you’ve identified the presence of the sensor and control, turn the wiper stalk to the “AUTO” position. 
• You can then gently spray water on the sensor area or wait for actual rain. 
• If the wipers activate automatically and adjust their speed according to the amount of water on the windshield, you have the system.