Kia Sedona (2008 year). Manual - part 547

Fig. 15: Identifying Washer Motor Connector Terminals 
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. 

Fig. 16: Windshield And Rear Washer Motor Circuit Diagram 
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. 

RAIN SENSOR 

DESCRIPTION 

The Rain sensing windshield wiper system is a wiper system that, in addition to providing normal wiper 
functions off, mist, manual low speed, manual high speed, and wash, provides automatic control of automatic 
intermittent automatic low, and automatic high speeds. 

When the ignition key is in the ON position, the rain sensor will be activated.

 

2008 Kia Sedona EX 

2008 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Windshield Wiper/Washer - Sedona

  

Microsoft 

 

Monday, May 24, 2010 4:10:03 PM

Page 9 

© 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 17: Identifying Rain Sensor, Unit And Cover 
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. 

SYSTEM FUNCTION 

BASIC PRINCIPLE 

Emitted Beam from luminosity diode is reflected entirely against the windshield exterior, and then turn into 
photo diode. 

If there is water on the windshield exterior, beam separates optically, and the degree of remained beam is 
measured in the photo diode. 

What there is water in the windshield, it means beam is not reflected all, so the degree of lost beam indicates the 
degree of glass surface wet. 

OPERATION CONTROL 

Wiper ECU transmits the signal as a rain sensor, and then the rain sensor perceives the rainwater to transmit to 
the wiping order wiper ECU, wiper ECU controls the wiper motor according to the signal. 

CONTACT INFLUENCE 

The rain sensor can malfunction due to the following conditions : 

1. Contamination of the measurement surface.  

2. Air bubbles between the windshield and the coupling pad contact surface.  

3. The movement of coupling pad by vibration.  

4. Damaged wiper blade.  

NOTE:

Rain sensor consist of two luminosity diode, two photo diode, optic fiber and 
coupling pad.

 

2008 Kia Sedona EX 

2008 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Windshield Wiper/Washer - Sedona

  

Microsoft 

 

Monday, May 24, 2010 4:10:03 PM

Page 10 

© 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

AUTO OPERATION 

1. Operation Condition 

RAIN SENSOR OPERATION CONDITION 

2. Safety Function 



When there is an ice in the sensing field, the rain sensor cannot recognize the correct working 
condition.  



Glass damage: rain sensor cannot perceive the damaged windshield within the sensing field.  



The rain sensor will not operate properly if detached from the windshield.  



If the wiper ECU does not transmit any effective data in 5 seconds, the rain sensor turns off LED.  



If the intermittent wiper signal is interrupted for >2 sec, the wipers are moved to the parking 
position.  



If a rain sensor signal communication error lasts for > 5sec, the wipers are moved into the parking 
position.  



If the rain sensor transmits an error to the wiper ECU, the wiper ECU stops the AUTO function 
after 4.5 seconds.  

REMOVAL 

Operation mode

Operation condition

Direct mode

Switch AUTO is basic operation 

condition that rain sensor perceives dry 

windshield. From this condition, the 

rain sensor decides the wiper operation 

mode depend on the quantity and time 

of measured rainwater

Intermittent mode

Operation pauses between 0.5-5 

seconds, then the wipers switch to 

intermittent mode

Low speed

Operate continuously at low speed

High speed

Operate continuously at high speed

NOTE:

Do not operate the rain sensing wipers unless the windshield is 
completely clear of ice and snow.

CAUTION: The rain sensor may not operate properly if contaminated. Protect the rain 

sensor surface by not removing the cover until installation time. The 
coupling pad on the rain sensor surface has adhesive strength. Take care 
when installing the sensor. If the sensor is separated from the windshield 
by force, the sensor or windshield may be damaged. Take care when 
removing the sensor.

 

2008 Kia Sedona EX 

2008 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Windshield Wiper/Washer - Sedona

  

Microsoft 

 

Monday, May 24, 2010 4:10:03 PM

Page 11 

© 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

1. Remove the sensor cover. When removing it, make sure take care to prevent damage. To remove it, press 

back the locking hook using the cover hole using an appropriate tool. 

Fig. 18: Identifying Sensor Cover 
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. 

2. When removing rain sensor from the bracket, open the spring clip using the (-) driver, and then remove. 

Fig. 19: Identifying Rain Sensor And Bracket 
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. 

3. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the sensor.  

4. Rain sensor is fitted with 2 spring slides by clip type on the front glass, it can be replaced easily. When 

replacing the front glass, take away the rain sensor from the existing glass. 

After then attach it to new one again. 

INSPECTION 

 

2008 Kia Sedona EX 

2008 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Windshield Wiper/Washer - Sedona

  

Microsoft 

 

Monday, May 24, 2010 4:10:03 PM

Page 12 

© 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.