Is this a rain sensor??

[Leifmb]

Just took delivery of a 2025 CB and noticed what looks like a rain sensor on the top of the windshield cameras-is it new or already existing and maybe some light sensor?

Sponsored

 

[SSonnentag]

I hadn't noticed that before. I have no further insights on its purpose though. Could be a light sensor for headlight activation???

 

[RonSol]

My CT built on 12-7 has the same setup.

 

[Leifmb]

My CT built on 12-7 has the same setup.

Good to know-I searched all over and it was difficult to find a clear picture of that! So, what is that sensor-light? Rain? Anyone know for sure?

 

[The Tesla Guy]

ChatGPT says.

The circular cutout in the front windshield camera assembly of the Tesla Cybertruck, as seen in your photo, is likely designed for a sensor or camera. Based on Tesla’s design for their vehicles, this could be for:
1. Forward-Facing Camera System – Tesla vehicles use a suite of cameras for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, and a clear cutout ensures an unobstructed view for a specific sensor or camera.
2. Rain/Light Sensor – Many modern vehicles have rain and light sensors integrated into the windshield to control automatic wipers and headlights.
3. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Sensor – Some vehicles use these cutouts to house additional ADAS sensors to improve the accuracy of lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.

Since this is the Cybertruck, which has a different windshield and camera placement than other Tesla models, this cutout is most likely for an important sensor in the driver-assist system.

 

[jf64k]

My FS AWD (113xx Delivered May 2024) has that too.

 

[SCTesla]

From the service manual, it looks like the GNSS antenna. There is no rain sensor.

 

[Leifmb]

From the service manual, it looks like the GNSS antenna. There is no rain sensor.

Gotcha, so much for that idea! ?

 

[mongo]

Just took delivery of a 2025 CB and noticed what looks like a rain sensor on the top of the windshield cameras-is it new or already existing and maybe some light sensor?

I think that is the ambient temperature and humity sensor.
https://service.tesla.com/docs/Cybe...UID-A307FBFA-A139-448A-93D4-C80EAEBBD172.html

 

[mongo]

From the service manual, it looks like the GNSS antenna. There is no rain sensor.

Isn't that mounted under the camera lower blackout panel?

 

[SCTesla]

Isn't that mounted under the camera lower blackout panel?

I think you are correct. There are other sensors in there, but no rain sensor in the service manual.

 

[Macgreiner]

Tesla went to camera based rain detection. That is why auto wipe is so sh!t.

 

[SSonnentag]

I'm leaning toward it being an actual rain sensor. Tesla may not currently utilize the sensor, but I'm thinking it was an inexpensive addition that may come into play later.

I asked GROK how most rain sensors work and was given this:

1. Sensor Placement: The rain sensor is usually embedded in the windshield, often near the rearview mirror or behind it. This location is chosen because it's less likely to be obstructed or affected by other elements like the wipers themselves.
2. Infrared Light: The sensor emits infrared light into the windshield. This light beam travels through the glass and reflects back to a detector within the sensor.
3. Detection of Rain: When rain drops or moisture land on the outside of the windshield, they alter the way light is reflected back to the sensor. Water on the glass causes some of the light to scatter, which reduces the amount of light that returns to the detector.
4. Signal Processing:
   • Less Light Detected: More rain leads to less light being detected because the water droplets scatter the light.
   • More Light Detected: A dry windshield reflects more light back to the sensor.
5. The sensor measures these changes in light intensity or the angle of reflection. By analyzing how much light is reflected back compared to when the glass is dry, the sensor can determine if it's raining and how heavily.
6. Wiper Activation:
   • The data from the sensor is sent to the vehicle's control unit.
   • Based on the intensity of rain detected, the control unit decides the speed and frequency of the wiper operation. For light drizzle, the wipers might move slowly or intermittently, while in heavy rain, they would move faster.
7. Adaptive Control: Many modern systems also adapt over time. They might learn from driver inputs if the driver manually adjusts the wipers, refining the sensitivity and response to better match the driver's preferences.

 

[WheresMyCybertruck]

Spray it with water and report back with your findings ?

 

[mongo]

I'm leaning toward it being an actual rain sensor. Tesla may not currently utilize the sensor, but I'm thinking it was an inexpensive addition that may come into play later.

I asked GROK how most rain sensors work and was given this:

1. Sensor Placement: The rain sensor is usually embedded in the windshield, often near the rearview mirror or behind it. This location is chosen because it's less likely to be obstructed or affected by other elements like the wipers themselves.
2. Infrared Light: The sensor emits infrared light into the windshield. This light beam travels through the glass and reflects back to a detector within the sensor.
3. Detection of Rain: When rain drops or moisture land on the outside of the windshield, they alter the way light is reflected back to the sensor. Water on the glass causes some of the light to scatter, which reduces the amount of light that returns to the detector.
4. Signal Processing:
   • Less Light Detected: More rain leads to less light being detected because the water droplets scatter the light.
   • More Light Detected: A dry windshield reflects more light back to the sensor.
5. The sensor measures these changes in light intensity or the angle of reflection. By analyzing how much light is reflected back compared to when the glass is dry, the sensor can determine if it's raining and how heavily.
6. Wiper Activation:
   • The data from the sensor is sent to the vehicle's control unit.
   • Based on the intensity of rain detected, the control unit decides the speed and frequency of the wiper operation. For light drizzle, the wipers might move slowly or intermittently, while in heavy rain, they would move faster.
7. Adaptive Control: Many modern systems also adapt over time. They might learn from driver inputs if the driver manually adjusts the wipers, refining the sensitivity and response to better match the driver's preferences.

Rain sensors have a larger opening in the mask.
There is also no such part in the catalog nor schematic.
It appears to be the same type temperature humidity sensor as other models.

Sponsored