and it came back again

[Italian_Job]

I know that's a common fault on clios........the headlights sensor.
it stopped working 5 months ago so the car didnt light up when dark outside.
Doesn't bother me at all but just wondering why it went back in working order yesterday after I bashed into a massive pothole.
anything to check, clean or tighten?

Cheers

 

[BurnyC]

Check it from the outside to see if it looks 'cloudy'. My auto wipers have a mind of their own because the sensors coming away from the screen slightly, causing a 'cloudy/milky' look when it should be completely clear, and should be able to see clearly defined gel spots all the way around the sensor. It's a common fault with no 100 percent guaranteed fix that I know of! I've heard of people taking them off and re-sticking with ibuprofen gel and the like, but I'm sure that's only temporary.

Also, take the sensor cover off and check obvious things like the wiring going into it is all ok etc.

 

[Italian_Job]

yeah, tbh it looked quite steamed up lately I'll double check it.
does the sensor cover come off easily? just pull it off?
thanks for the useful info mate!

 

[BurnyC]

If it looks steamed up its probably cos it's coming away from the glass and air etc. has got between the sensor and the screen...as I say people have taken it off completely and smeared ibuprofen/other clear gel on it to stick it back on, but as I doubt how long term that is, and as the lights still work and wipers I can use to some degree I don't wanna make it worse, so will just wait for it to stop working completely and buy a new sensor (50 ish quid when I checked last from Wests Renault on here) as it will be coated in new, proper glue.

Yep, the cover does just pull off - I found the rear view mirror got in the way a bit so if there's any way of taking the actual mirror bit off that would help, I was just careful and it was fine.