2009 xc70 rain sensor install problem

rod850 · Post by **rod850** » 27 Mar 2014, 11:05

Just bought an 09 xc70, it had an aftermarket windshield with some distortions, so I had the dealer replace it as part of the deal. Now, with OEM glass, the rain sensor is not properly seated against the windshield. The top half of the sensor is not in contact with the glass. The problem is that the wiring harness (black arrow; the green plastic not the wires, those are moved out of the way), when attached to the sensor, is hitting the top of the inside of the recess in the rear view mirror stem (red arrow), where the harness sits when installed. Because of this the sensor can not get to the proper angle to sit flush against the windshield. All of the parts are genuine volvo and the parts numbers are all correct according to the parts guys at the local dealership. I'm at a total loss as to why things are not lining up correctly, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

rod850 · Post by **rod850** » 28 Mar 2014, 13:30

rod850 · Post by **rod850** » 31 Mar 2014, 08:16

rod850 · Post by **rod850** » 03 Apr 2014, 14:20

Post by **abscate** » 20 May 2014, 13:02

Couple of thoughts

Have you confirmed the windshield is OEM? Aftermarket glass is much less expensive than OEM, so powerful incentive to use again.

Why did the car have an aftermarket windshield? Perhaps an accident has bent the frame and the new windshield might not fit quite right.

rod850 · Post by **rod850** » 21 May 2014, 09:26

The new windshield came directly from Volvo, so it's not an aftermarket glass problem.
We tried another sensor but that still does not align properly.
The current theory is that the mounts on the glass (for the rear view mirror and sensor) are not positioned properly so they are ordering a new windshield to see if that fixes the problem.
As far as a possible accident being the cause, there is no evidence in the cars history (carfax etc) or in the car itself that would suggest any underlying structural problem.
The car was originally sold and driven in Colorado and as I understand it windshield replacement there can be an annual exercise because of gravel used during the winter.
So hopefully the new windshield fixes the problem, but any other suggestions are welcome.