jacobjohn

Hey guys, I know this was a hot topic from before (like before 2010 posts) but I still don't get why the ES line has such horrible rain sensors. For example, when it is raining outside and i start my car and start to drive...it would take atleast 30 seconds for my wipers to turn on if it was already set to auto. I would have to turn off my wipers and turn it back on to auto just for it to clean my windshield. What gives?

Some may say that I shouldn't be spoiled with this technology but forreal, why not complain about something you paid for? My mom's 2004 GX470 rain sensor is waaaaaay more responsive than my 2008 es350? In the same scenario as mentioned above, the GX will automatically turn on the wipers as soon as the car is turned on when it is raining outside. If the GX was already turned on and i splashed water on the windshield, the wipers would turn on instantly. I should try and test that on the ES.

Anyone else feel aggravated about their rain sensors and got a fix for it? I searched for this question in previous threads and people just flame the main poster for being spoiled...but constantly, don't give me that bull**** or else i shoulda just bought a civic with that mentality.

LexPaul

Mine are the same way, they work sometimes, but most of the time, they are slow to come on. I have a 09 ES, my wife has a 05 ES 330 and hers work like 'clock work', i.e very responsive. Now that I think of it, I will take this problem up with the dealer on my next visit. I feel your 'grief', it should work as 'advertiesd'

MadMax96

Mine almost seem too sensitive.. moving the adjustment on the stalk does absolutely nothing.

I just wish it had regular intermittent settings as well so I could bypass the "auto" mode.

dreyfus

I agree. The auto sensing wipers are inconsistent and have too narrow an adjustment range for my liking. I'd much prefer a more dependable intermittent wiper.

jacobjohn

No one went to the dealership and asked why our sensors are so ****y? I have about 1k more miles until my next service, so I will ask then.

lanb

I noticed the same on my 2007 ES350. Sometimes it makes me think i have the
wipers in the off setting.

I also think that it has gotten worse over a period of time, any one else
think the same ?

I am out of warranty (& luck) though.

jacobjohn

HAHA, everytime it rains I always think the wipers are in the off position too, which shouldn't be right!

SW17LS

I think it depends on how the sensor is affixed to the windshield. I had a 2003 ES, and the rain sensors were VERY slow, my 2010 ES was better, and I recently had the windshield replaced with an OEM replacement by a Lexus dealer...and the sensor now works even better believe it or not. If anything its a little too sensitive now...

jacobjohn

hmm...thanks for the info. I will definitely ask about that when I have my car in the shop!

marvinje

Where is the rain sensor located, I have it on my car, but I believe the sensor is missing. I didn't by the car new, so I'm wondering if the windshield was replaced without the sensor

nevernu

It's a black box mounted on the inside of the windshield behind and to the right of the rear view mirror.

marvinje

Ok, I do not see it on the windshield, but it does have the controls though, I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle of getting it reinstalled, seeing as some posts are saying that they work slow, please advise?

LexBob2

You didn't mention if your car was a CPO or not. If it's a CPO the sensor should be there and you'd have some leverage to get the dealer to put it on. If not, it might be one of those options that cost more than it's worth to you to reinstall.

I've had the rain sensing wipers on two ES350's and its worked prety well on both with minimum delay in getting started. Once started both worked fine.

SW17LS

I'm sure its there. If you look to the right of the mirror, theres a little box, maybe 1.5 inches by 3 inches, thats the sensor.

Take a picture of that area and post it for us if you would...

nevernu

A reinstalled rain sensor on an aftermarket windshield may be a problem. Mine fell off 5, yes 5 times, despite all the kings horses and men trying to restick it back on using a variety of techniques. The dealer finally gave up and ordered a new lexus windshield with the rain sensor premounted (at their cost).