[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. A rough test with dangling wires and the sensor crudely stuck onto the windshield was enough to determine that the Bronco does support rain sensing.

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). On the sensor, Pin 1 is accessory power, Pin 2 is LIN, Pin 3 is ground.

Parts (pick one from each group):

• Rain Sensor - $40
  • LU5Z-17D547-B
  • LU5Z-17D547-A, only difference is retaining clip orientation.
• Rain Sensor Cover - $0 to $20
  • BL3Z-17D550-A
  • 3D Print your own (PETG)
• Rain Sensor Bracket
  • AliExpress reproduction
  • 3D Print your own (ASA preferred, PETG might be ok)
• Connectors
  • WPT-1096 Pigtail
  • 3-position DuPont female headers
  • Crimp your own DuPont headers
• Adhesive - $12
  • 3M VHB GPH-series, designed to withstand higher temperatures than normal VHB
• Vinyl - $2
  • Oracal 651 Vinyl, matte black

You also have the option of visiting the junkyard to get the sensor, bracket, cover, and pigtail. Be careful not to get the sensor gel dirty, replacement gel is half the cost of a brand new sensor.
I tried using Cricut software to cut the vinyl but it's not an easy program for me to figure out. I ended up using my 3d printer as a vinyl cutter instead.

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.

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.

A more likely location

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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