Rain Sensor Interchangeability Question

[MXZDrew]

I have just diagnosed an automatic headlight issue I am having as being the fault of a bad rain sensor.

My question is in regards to the replacement part.

The Porsche part is p/n 955.618.506.01, it lists for $344. I found it for $277 but I still need to check with Sunset tomorrow.

The Touareg part is 1K0955559AF, it lists for $190, I found it for $134.

From photos, they sure look the same to me. In fact, I even found a TSB type document on the sensors. The 'original' sensor in the attached link looks exactly like the Cayenne sensor. VW has updated their sensor as noted in the second picture. In fact, that one in the TSB has even been superseded (p/n I listed is most current).

Here is the VW TSB VW Touareg Rain Sensor TSB

Big question is does anyone have an opinion on if the connector will be the same? Any reason the car could tell the difference?

[PTEC]

I would bet that its the same. You could try taking your sensor down to your local VW and comparing it. I would bet they have them in stock, they're commonly when windshields are replaced.

I used a blower regulator from a Toureg in a Cayenne after I found the Porsche dealer didn't have it but the VW dealer across the street did. It used the same connectors and everything. It installed perfectly with no problems. You may have the same experience.

Edited September 23, 2010 by PTEC

[SA321]

touareg connector number 1c0973119B 3-pin identical to Porsche so the rain sensor is 99.9% the same

[MXZDrew]

Both good tips. Thanks to both of you!

Good find on the connector comparison as well!

The wealth of knowledge on this site is impressive. So glad to have found this place and get involved here. I will be following through on this project and seeing if I can get my hands on the VW part. I will report back with final findings and results so anyone in the future with these issues will know what to expect.

Thanks again!!

[SA321]

take a look, they are all the same

http://shop.ebay.de/...3286.m270.l1313

no reason to pay anything above $60

Edited September 23, 2010 by SA321

[MXZDrew]

take a look, they are all the same

http://shop.ebay.de/...3286.m270.l1313

no reason to pay anything above $60

I missed your post by an hour or so! I ordered the VW part for $150 shipped here. Not bad considering my options here in the US. I would have been all over those if I would have seen it. Thanks for posting and hopefully the next member needing one of these will see this!

I will confirm operation in a week or so when the part arrives.

[jagman1]

What was your auto-headlight issue? Mine are always on. I'm wondering if it's the same 'issue'.

Oop, just read your other thread... I'm following now.

Edited September 27, 2010 by jagman1

[MXZDrew]

Well bummer. The new part just arrived and I installed and there is no change, lights still coming on all the time. Still getting an error code in Durametric. This all started with trying to eliminate the faults I am getting as I want the car in order.

Could a battery cause any of these issues? I read on here how they are sometimes the cause of some strange things. I would appreciate any input one of you may have on any of these faults and which parts are needed I would really appreciate it.

I am getting the following faults:

Bosch Digital Motor Electronics

P400B - Camshaft Position Sensor - Timing over advanced or system performance B1 Want to change but I am not sure which one it is.

Porsche Keyless Entry Security System

9804 - Immobilser - Never seen this one before, though I did just have the dealer fit a new key. All works well on car

Air Conditioning

3408 - Servo motor for footwell flap

9102 - Servo motor for central flaps

1207 - Drive motor for temperature valve right

Vehicle Electrical System

8B03 - Load management operation on vehicle electrical system/DME Control Module

Windshield Wiper

F005 - Rain sensor/light sensor

[SA321]

hm, bad battery can cause a lot of problems and the codes you have a unrelated enough, but for a start all error codes should be cleared and then you should check if they re-appear.

[MXZDrew]

That is where I am at, I have reset codes and will see how it goes. I do know through several resets, the a/c faults, the camshaft position sensor and rain sensor faults do not go away. The new codes on this scan were the kessy and electrical draw faults. I don't know if it matters but I usually try to have all accessories off during diagnostics. On that scan the door was open and chiming (kessy) and heated seats were on (draw). May be wishful thinking but at least it is logical (to me anyway) :lol: !

On a rescan just a moment ago there was no kessy or electrical fault present. Wipers & A/C were still there. No camshaft sensor fault either but I know that one will be back!