Mazda 3 Owner's Manual page 179

When Driving
Switches and Controls
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically (off—
intermittent—low speed—high speed).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch downward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it upward for
less sensitivity (slower response).
Switch
4–54
Less sensitivity
Center
position
Higher sensitivity
CAUTION
Do not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain sensor
will not operate correctly.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in
the AUTO position and the ignition
is switched ON as fi ngers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper blades
damaged when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.