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charlottedunkel1

Skoda Fabia Rain Light Sensor Issue

I'm having a strange issue with my 2003 Skoda Fabia with a diesel engine. It has only 29527 km on the clock. There's an error stored related to the rain-light sensor. The automatic wipers don't work in the rain, and the headlights don't switch on automatically either. Also, the speedometer isn't dimming automatically, and sometimes the lights just switch on. I suspect a sensor fault. Has anyone experienced something similar? It's like all the auto sensor features decided to quit at once. I’ve read something about bubbles forming under the gel pad of the windshield being a likely cause. Any thoughts?

4 comment(s)

henry_taylor7

The symptoms certainly point towards a faulty rain-light sensor. The simultaneous failure of automatic wipers, headlight control, and speedometer dimming suggests a common point of failure. Have you checked for any visible damage or obstructions to the sensor on the windshield? Is the windshield original?

charlottedunkel1 (Author)

Thanks for the input. I haven't noticed any obvious damage, but what should I be looking for? Also, how can I check if the windshield is original? I am not sure about that.

henry_taylor7

The presence of bubbles under the gel pad is a known issue. The sensor relies on a clear view through the windshield. Think of it like a camera lens; if the lens is dirty or has something obstructing it, the image will be distorted. If you see bubbles under the gel pad it is highly probable that is the issue. The windshield may have a manufacturer's stamp in one of the corners. If it's original, it will likely have the Skoda logo. However, even if you cannot confirm the windshield is original, bubbles forming under the gel pad usually mean the sensor needs replacement. It is advisable to have a workshop confirm this and replace the sensor. The sensor handles various car electronics functions so a replacement is the correct course.

charlottedunkel1 (Author)

Just a quick note. A local shop confirmed the bubble issue with the rain-light sensor gel pad. They replaced the sensor, and everything works now. Total cost was 62€. Thanks for the help.

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