Does anyone know how to do this? The automatic wipers in my 2004 ES330 do not work at all. I have trie to tap the sensor, rain-x the windshield, nothing has worked. The wipers work fine in low and high mode.

Please, any help?

 

Did they just suddenly stop working one day or they have always been like this? If they suddenly stopped working one day, do you remember doing anything odd like tampering with electrical circuits, fuses, disconnecting the battery, etc.?

 

We just bought the car.

I finally got them to kick on yesterday after pushing really hard on the sensor. Unless I am pushing hard on the sensor, they do not work.

I have not figured out how to pull the plastic case off the sensor yet, or I would have that thing unplugged by now. I am told that if I unplug that sensor, the wipers will revert to normal intermittent function.

 

Automatic wipers are actually pretty nice (despite the occasional odd malfunction). I traded in my ES that had automatic wipers for one that didn't and I truly miss the feature whenever it rains. Unless you are one of the guys that just doesn't like that feature, why not just take it to the dealership and let them diagnose the problem?

 

100 dollars an hour to diagnose problems? Dont think so.

This glorified camry will be fixed and maintained by me. I will be doing the timing belt this weekend.

 

So you've taken it there already? That's what they told you? If that's the case I know what you mean but if you haven't taken it to the dealership and been told that, then you are just assuming. Could be a really easy problem that they could identify and do free of charge. I try to do most of the odd problem fixing with my car and my wife's car to save cash and get DIY experience but I have taken my car to the Lexus dealership and had work done free of charge outside of warranty so it kinda depends on the dealer and the situation.

$100 an hour to diagnose a sensor problem seems pretty ridiculous but I know it could happen.