[Done] Rain-Sensing Wipers Installed

[XirallicBolts]

Edit: Full installation post

My Flex needs a windshield replacement. Considering they're going to swap over the rain sensor to the new glass anyway, figured this was a good opportunity to test it on the Bronco,

I compared the wiring diagram between the Flex, Fusion, F150, and Bronco. All are virtually identical, with rain-sensing models having the obvious addition of a rain sensor. Tonight I did a rough open-air test to see if it was worth ordering a replacement sensor and designing the parts.

The sensor itself is rather universal. From what it looks like, most Fords made after 2013 uses cross-compatible sensors. As long as it's the correct shape, it should work.
Wiring is simple: Power, Ground, and LIN. The LIN needs to tap into the yellow/grey wire running between the SCCM and wiper motor. Easiest access is by removing the steering column shroud (3x 7mm screws)

For the sensor end, I crimped a 3-position female Dupont connector.
Pin 1 is accessory power, Pin 2 is LIN, Pin 3 is ground.

Parts:

• LU5Z-17D547-B Rain Sensor, ~$40. -A will also work if you cut the plastic welds holding the retainer.
• BL3Z-17D550-A Rain Sensor Cover, ~20. I'll also have a 3D-printable version available.
• Rain Sensor bracket and cover, either CNC or 3D-print.
• Rain sensor bracket if you don't have access to a CNC or 3D printer
• 3-position DuPont female connectors if you don't have a crimper
• Oracal 651 Vinyl, matte black. Ideally a Cricut will give the best results, but it can be hand-trimmed if needed.

AsBuilt changes were all done through easy mode.

• SCCM: Rain Sensing Wiper [ENABLE]
• SCCM: Rain Sensor [ENABLE]
• APIM: Rain Sensing Wiper [ENABLE]

With the sensor stuck to the windshield and AsBuilt changes made, I turned the wiper control to Intermittent. It performed one wipe, then waited ~15 seconds and parked the blades. After that it was ready and responded as expected to water hitting the sensor! A heavier mist would result in faster wiping. If no water is detected after ~30 seconds, it parks the blades.

When the 'Rain Sensing' option is turned off, the intermittent stalk positions work like factory.
When the "Rain Sensing' option is turned on, the intermittent stalk positions adjust sensitivity, with Constant Slow and Constant High still overriding like factory.

----

Now that we know the Bronco can support it, I have to make it look good.

Things get a little trickier at this point.

First problem: The masking around the rain sensor in factory applications. This one should be an easy fix, a little Oracal 651 permanent vinyl, trimmed to match the correct shape and applied to the inside of the windshield. This is exactly what I did on the Flex to add lane-assist. From the outside it looks similar enough to the normal black masking. A Cricut is probably needed to get a perfect circle.

Second problem: The mounting bracket. You can't buy these from the dealer or official parts sites, they're considered integral to the windshield. Your options are junkyard pull, 3D-print, CNC, or buy a replica bracket off Aliexpress.

Third problem: Where to mount it. I intend to cover the sensor using P/N BL3Z-17D550-A - this style was used in the F150, Flex, Expedition, and Mustang. It appears the two main options are either behind the mirror (opposite the ADAS camera) or next to the ADAS camera more towards the passenger side. The position doesn't affect functionality as long as it's in the wiper path. Behind the mirror is less intrusive but the cover is designed for the wire to exit towards the driver rather than towards the middle. It might not be visible from the driver's seat, though, so a notch can be cut in the top and the hole left open.

So that's where I'm at right now. Proof of concept worked, now time to make it look relatively factory.
I'll order a sensor and design the bracket/vinyl template, updating this thread as I do so with more details.

LIN wire in steering column. Luckily it's the only mostly-yellow wire that isn't in a twisted pair, making identification easy.

Possible location

A more likely location

Example diagram. Pinouts and wire colors aren't a match, this is from a Fusion.

Oracal 651 vinyl stuck to the inside of the Flex's windshield to mimic the masking on cars that normally have lane-assist.

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[FleshTuxedo]

Whoa! Awesome!

 

[adamruiz2001]

Well I be damn, now this is what I am talking about, nicely done sir!

 

[CrazyPete]

Very cool. I was very surprised to learn that my 23 Wildtrak Lux didn't come with this already.

 

[RagnarKon]

Very cool!!!

I’ll admit I am the type of person who despises rain-sensing wipers and have always disabled the functionality.

But still very cool. Nice work!

 

[XirallicBolts]

Hoping I didn't botch it with ordering parts. I was in a bit of a rush and ordered a LU5Z-17D547-A instead of -B.
Looking closer, it appears the only difference is -A has the retainer perpendicular, -B has it angled. It seems they use the same sensor and retainer for both applications, the -A and -B denoting what angle they attached the retainer.

I'm sure this has to do with how some models would have the rearview mirror mount double as the rain sensor mount, while others had a dedicated rain sensor bracket.
Easy fix, at least. This must be a newer change because my old rain sensor didn't have a permanently-attached retainer.

 

[3People1Body]

Thank you! Not that I want rain sensing, but I like adding functionality... on the F150 Forum, XLariaT and BoostedGreyGoose modified their XLT's with upper trim functionally... I'd like the Braptor paddle shifters please. My truck (XLT) has a Raptor steering wheel with functional paddles , I use them when Im driving twisties.

 

[aniljavali]

thats cool, it will be an amazing upgrade to the bronco. saving this post for now.

 

[FlyingScot]

This is fantastic, definitely watching this thread for future progress!

 

[mikeeshim]

My Flex needs a windshield replacement. Considering they're going to swap over the rain sensor to the new glass anyway, figured this was a good opportunity to test it on the Bronco,

Between this and the post about getting lane centering, I'm hoping one day I'll be able to get both of these done to get the full what-should-have-been LUX package!

 

[Tricky Mike]

Impressive!

Also, do not want.

 

[swooshdave]

We already got poorly calibrated wipers, not sure I want to compound it.

But I still might.

 

[JBlanco]

If it involves hacking and 3D printing, I'm in!

 

[Min_Ahn]

This is some quality content, thank you

 

[AKBronc49]

I love this!

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