Xantia X2 auto wipe?

[HDI]

The automatic windscreen wipe function stopped working on my HDI a while ago, it has defaulted to a fixed interval wipe. Thought I would try to find out what the fault is. So there is a module on the inside of the windscreen behind the rear view mirror area. When the wipers are switched to intermittent wipe one yellow flashing LED or sensor can be seen on the drivers side, from the outside but as the module seems to be identical on the other side I presume there should be 2 flashing sensors or LED's? I'm assuming this is the problem. Can this module be repaired or is it a replacement job?

[GiveMeABreak]

The part is 6405 E8 - for a Xantia S2. Not sure there would be much to fix in these as they are not exposed to the elements. Have you tried to ascertain the issue is with the sensor itself, as these are hard to find second hand and new they are £223.34 Inc. VAT from Citroen. Won't hurt to try and disconnect the battery for a while and see if that cures the niggle. Have you tried putting it on the auto setting and dropping some water from a jug on either side of the sensor to see if it is both sides or just the one that is the problem?

[myglaren]

I have read somewhere that if you can see the flashing yellow light that the sensor is OK.
Problems noted are dirt/haze on the inner screen causing non-operation.
Is the other sensor not for the automatic lights?

As Marc says, disconnecting the battery for a while can have some surprising results.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've just located the other part number for it - (9630591380) and here's one for a tenner on the bay in case you're tempted - but as Steve says, they are prone to malfunction if the glass is at all oily or dirty - the back of the module also has pins exposed - so it may be worth a controlled spray with electrical contact cleaner in case they have gone a bit gunky!

According to the system they are supposed to work either on an intermittent variable setting or one of 2 preset speeds.

Anyway here's the link to the spare:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Xanti ... 2147444496

[GiveMeABreak]

Is the other sensor not for the automatic lights?

IIRC the Xantia didn't have Auto Lights Steve, just an early system of the automatic wipers.

[xf1ref]

The sensor have two silicon pads and is pressed on the windscreen with help of a metal bracket...see if the sensor is firmly fixed in the metal bracket .Also try to dismantle the sensor and clean the surface of the windscreen where the pads make contact. The sensor have two parts, one silicone pad where you see the LED light and the other silicon pad where is the photo-diode sensor.

[CitroJim]

I believe the sensor must be very close to the screen to work so if it's come a little adrift it may stop working...

[HDI]

So should there be 2 flashing yellow LED's?