Auto rain sensing wiper aren't auto!

[Holybob]

Hi all,

I'm new to Volvo having been around the Germanic auto manufacturers block. I received my shiny new V60 D4 R-Design sat nav lux last week.

I've got a few niggles which I'm trying to work through (like the fact speed camera warnings don't seem to always work, and when they DO work, you can hardly hear them), but the thing that's really doing my head in is the fact I need the enable the auto rain sensing wipers every time I get in the car! It's only a little niggle, but in most cars, if you enable auto-wipers, they're always enabled until you disable them again. Is there a setting I've missed? Is there a secret menu somewhere which I need to access?

Cheers!

Bob

[Considered1]

Had our first trip in the rain yesterday and couldn't figure it out on the move, have now read the manual so will see next time I'm in the car if there is a button to press on right stalk nearest steering wheel. Should also light up on the dash

[Flux]

You have to press the button on the right stalk every time you get in the car if want to activate auto wipers. They remain in auto mode until you either press the button to turn off or stop the car (ignition off).

There is no default option in the menu and needs to be activated each time you wish to use when raining..

[Holybob]

Cheers Flux, so you've confirmed my suspicions that there's no default option. Seems a bit crazy not to have it as an option seen as it's what every other car manufacturer (in my experience) does!

[xsaab]

SAAB (RIP) used to require the rain sensor wiper to be activated when required for the first use after engine start.

So perhaps a North European thing versus a Mittel European thing.

[wimorrison]

Very sensible on the part of Volvo. If you could set them to always be on auto then the mechanism could get damaged trying to move blades that are frozen to the screen, they would get damaged in car washes, and a few other cases.

Much better to actively switch on the auto wipers

[Bigun37]

I have owned countless German cars and they all required activating following start up. I've got to say that in my opinion auto wipers are a total gimmick! You've got to switch them on anyway, they have a mind of their own and wipe at speeds that don't equate to rain fall most of the times. The only time I've ever switched them on is when I've been off road in previous vehicles. That sudden gush of water onto the screen when driving through muddy puddles. The once over the screen wipe is quite welcome because your hands and brain are usually busy. On a positive note, Volvos variable wiper speed switch is the finest, clear and easy to use. The revolving switch feels like quality under your fingers. I do miss the German intermittent wipe when stationary but I flick the stalk at lights, no big deal hey?

[Holybob]

Originally Posted by Bigun37

I have owned countless German cars and they all required activating following start up.

That's odd. My 05 VW, 05 Audi A3, 07 BMW and 10 Audi A6 all stayed in auto mode on an engine restart.

[GJB]

Originally Posted by Holybob

That's odd. My 05 VW, 05 Audi A3, 07 BMW and 10 Audi A6 all stayed in auto mode on an engine restart.

Dose that make it right?
They don't switch on for a reason to stop them being broken when frozen to windscreen.

[Bigun37]

What do you class as auto? BMW and VAG group have buttons on the stalks that you press in and they illuminate (green) to indicate auto activation? When the key is removed the status returns to off. No menu on the I drive for bmw from my memory?