Can someone advise how the variable part of the control on the wiper stalk work? The owners manual is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. It says it allows you to vary the rate - great, but no matter which direction I adjust it, it doesn't make a difference. Does moving it toward the narrow end of the "logo" means there is less time between wiper sweeps or does does it mean less frequency of sweeps? Am I making sense?
I guess I could ask the stealer as the damn car is always in there anyway for one thing or another.

Doesnt seem to make any difference on my TDV8 either.  FF 4.4 V8 Soooo looking forward to this bad boy
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For years I thought it was just me who didnt know !

The new 10MY has fast and slow on the stalk as well as the logo to help. MY10 TDV6 HSE, Alaska White, Ebony with Contrast, Park Heat, Paddle Shift, Privacy, Heated Steering Wheel, Extended & Premium Leather,

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Supposedly it adjusts the sensitivity of the sensors - I've yet to be convinced of that though. Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.8::MG Montego Turbo::MGB GT::Rover Sterling::MGF::MG ZT 190+
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On my 2010 model there does seem to be a difference in sensitivity but really only between the Top & Bottom settings. All the settings in between do nothing! But Hey C'mon..... It's a Rangie..... It'd be boring without all it's.... Ummm.. "features"!  2013 Discovery HSE Luxury - 3.0 SDV6 - Santorini Black
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My manual says "You can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the rain sensor, and therefore the frequency of wiper operation, by rotating the delay switch either clockwise or anticlockwise."

From my experience it does make a slight difference to wipe rate between max and min settings but it is too little difference to be of any practical use.

It's also vehicle speed dependent.

Quote:

The rain/light sensor is active when the wiper column control switch is in the intermittent position. The rain/light sensor suspends wiper operation when the area of the windshield for the rain/light sensor is dry and operates the wipers continuously when the windshield is subject to heavy rainfall.

By using the intermittent rotary switch on the wiper stalk the driver can adjust the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor. Six sensitivity levels of the sensor can be selected, which has the effect of increasing or decreasing the wiper delay period, allowing driver adjustment for the prevailing conditions. When several continuous wipe cycles have taken place, the sensor will maintain the continuous operation to avoid switching back to intermittent from a continuous wipe and back again.

The rain/light sensor receives vehicle speed information from the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module on the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus via the CJB. The sensor increases the sensitivity as the speed increases to optimise wiper operation. When the vehicle speed is reduced to less than 5 mph (8 km/h), the sensitivity is automatically reduced. Below this speed the wipers will only operate continuously in very heavy rain.

Quote:

By using the intermittent rotary switch on the wiper stalk the driver can adjust the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor. Six sensitivity levels of the sensor can be selected, which has the effect of increasing or decreasing the wiper delay period, allowing driver adjustment for the prevailing conditions

According to my dealer who I asked the same question - The wider the bar, the more sensitive

I've found mine works really well, more it to the top to be most sensitive. WINNER - 2009 ‘Just Doing What It’s Designed To Do’ Award

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Adjusting the sensitivity on the wiper stalk seems to make a substantial difference mostly on the frequency of the REAR wiper operation. For the front wipers, it makes an almost insignificant difference, usually you can confirm it if you are stopped at a red light and under a light drizzle. Under the least sensitive position, the front wipers pretty much don't move until the car starts moving again. If you flip the knob to the most "sensitive" position, the wipers activate even while stationary every few seconds... But once you are moving, I don't see any difference, the sensor has a mind of its own. 

ok never read the manual but i know it makes a difference since i use it alot.

Ive found the key thing to remember is when you have the REAR wiper ON the stalk only changes the speed of the rear wiper. Turn the rear wiper off to adjust speed of front wipers.

Not sure which ones the wider bar since never looked but i know if i rotate the stalk upwards (so the plastic lip gets away from me) it gets more sensitive.

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ViewWise wrote:

Ive found the key thing to remember is when you have the REAR wiper ON the stalk only changes the speed of the rear wiper. Turn the rear wiper off to adjust speed of front wipers.

ah, it makes more sense to me now, should have read the manual  purple people eater

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ViewWise wrote:

Ive found the key thing to remember is when you have the REAR wiper ON the stalk only changes the speed of the rear wiper. Turn the rear wiper off to adjust speed of front wipers.

twozzie wrote:

Ok, I'm with ya on this but which direction is the more sensitive, Pointy end or Wide end of logo?

Does this point you in the right direction?

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