306 wipers

[froggy]

Hi, we had a new windscreen fitted on the 306. the wipers now only work on one setting, we no longer have the intermitant or fast setting. will changing the wiper stalk/ lever resolve this? or do we need to replace the winscreen again! cheers Terry.

[GiveMeABreak]

I don't have your VIN for your 6=306, but I suspect you will have had a rain sensor fitted.

These are well known to fail on windscreen replacement where the same sensor is refitted. The sensor gel pack can become milky or opaque and this affects the wiper speeds, especially the intermittent when set to auto as it can't properly detect the rain falling.

If this is the case, have a look closely at the sensor and see if you can see any opaqueness. If you had the windscreen replacement done on your insurance, get in touch and tell them they've stuffed the rain sensor since replacement. They should have insurance for this sort of thing.

I had to do the same on my C5 X7 - although its a more complicated multi-function sensor, I had them replace it. I ordered the part which was over £240 and got them to pay for it. They sent the fitter back out and they initially tried to show it was working, by chucking water over the sensor - but I proved otherwise when I told him mine has 19 speed settings and it was clearly mot working with light rain using a spray gun. You could see the gel pad, once removed, never goes back on again - it's like trying to re-use sellotape once you've peeled it off - it goes all opaque.

If you need the part number, just shout, but they are mega bucks, circa £311.78 with UK VAT. But I'll confirm with your VIN if necessary Terry.

[Shredder11]

Are there any differences between the rain sensors fitted on a 306 Phase 2 vs Phase 3? My previous Ph3 worked very effectively on the auto setting, but my current Ph2 is not so good at reacting to changing rain levels. The glass is probably original as it is chipped and repaired at the sides but not around the sensor.

[GiveMeABreak]

There is only the 306 and the 306 Restyle models listed by Citroen and only the 306 Restyle has the Rain Sensor and it is the same part for all 306 restyle versions. The Phase 2 and 3 are slight variations of the 306 Restyle, and although cosmetically slightly different, share the same sensor.