rain sensor windshield wipers question

[idea3]

Hi

I just purchased the 2003 VW Passat with those reain sensored windshield wipers. I have no manual that came with this vehicle. My wipers have mind of its own, unless adjust to the "steady going" position - when it's raining. Is there anything I should checked, so they work properly when turned on to the "time to time position"

Is there a manual or a diagram somewhere I can take a look at?

Thanx for any help

[snapdragon]

It isn't a very good system compared so say Peugeot or Vauxhall.
First of all you have to normally leave them in the off position until it rains then turn them to auto - if you leave them auto position you would imagine them to come on when it rains, but they don't, you have to turn them off and on again! (it even admits this in the manual)

Next make sure the wipers wipe cleanly over the sensor and there are no chips within the circular sensor. Look into the sensor at night with a torch and make sure the dark gel pack filter is properly stuck on the glass so as you can harly see it is there and not peeling off or with creases or air-bubbles showing. Sometimes the windscreen is replaced and they peel off the old filter and stick it on the new one all mangled.

Even with all this correct, they aren't as good as they are on other makes, they are speed dependant too which may make them seem to have a life of their own.