My only guess for right now is the rain sensor itself. I will try to open up the drive side kick panel to see if there acutally any relays or fuses that relate to this problem.

 

I dont know, I checked all my fuses and stuff. This car has the original windshield and stuff. I have had some greasy fluid leaking from the sensor, I wonder if the sensor just needs a new silicone seal. Someone suggested a new wiper stalk, or sensor, overall they aren't that expensive but installation might be high from the dealer. I might attempt replacing the silicone pad myself and see what happens.

 

I just found this video, I'm gonna try it on mine, looks promising and he has similar issues:



OK So looks like people are saying there should be a gel pad, I might order one, clean up the sensor and put a new pad on it.

 

My gel pad is scratched most of the corner. I think it mightbe the gel pad ! Let me know if it works for you !

 

OK Here is how to remove the rain sensor assembly on your GS350. From this you can replace the rain sensor tape or the sensor itself.

Parts: Rain Sensor Tape - Lexus (89944-42010)

First if you look up at the overhead console you will see it is split in 2 plastic sections. The section that wraps around the sensor is removable by itself. To remove it I highly recommend using plastic trim removal tools.

1. Start on the driver side towards the windshield (in the us, might be different to remove for other markets) and pull down. The passenger side has a hook DO NOT PULL DOWN IT WILL BREAK THE HOOK ON PASSENGER SIDE. Driver side a clip.
2. Once the driver side is loose, then pry the section between the overhead console and then trim piece towards the center. There are 3 clips holding it in.
3. Once the overhead trim is then look at the rain sensor, move your mirror down as much as you to move it out of the way.
4. The rain sensor (in the US) is on the right side of the mirror, on the front sides you will see a notch. Put your fingernail in that notch and pull out this bracket/clip parallel with the windshield. It should not require a lot of force.
5. The clip will come out about half way, REMEMBER HOW FAR IT COMES OUT you will need to know how far you will need to insert it when reassembling. Otherwise you will be frustrated during reassembly (ask me how I know).
6. Pull down on the plastic housing and the assembly should come off.
7. Do what you need to do, replace the pad, or whatever. I replaced the pad, cleaned the windshield and sensor with alcohol and replaced with a new pad. (Rain Sensor Tape - Lexus (89944-42010)).
8. Once done MAKE SURE THE SENSOR IS EVEN WITH THE PLASTIC HOUSING. I spent hours trying figure out how to reassemble the sensor and turns out it was just the sensor had to be reseated.
9. Replace the plastic bracket/clip in the same position when removing.
10. Place the plastic housing over the metal mounting bracket on the windshield.
11. Insert clip to hold assembly in place.
12. Reinstall the plastic trim.

 

Mine was doing the same thing, only working in manual mode. No mist and no sensing. Out of pure frustration I started cycling the stalk and pushing the sense button and I'm pretty sure I was holding the sensor button in when the indicator light started blinking. I guess it blinked about 5 times and now it's working like it should. Sorry I can't tell you exactly how I got that light to blink but it seems to have been some sort of reset (?). I want to leave well enough alone and not try and replicate what I did. Maybe one of you that has this problem can try and figure out how to get that light to blink AND if in-fact it fixes the problem. It seems to have fixed mine.

 

I've got it to blink before too after just messing with it, but how do you use manual mode? I haven't been able to figure it out?


Also after replacing the gel pad the issue is back. So I ordered a replacement sensor off of ebay so let's see if this fixes it.

 

Same exact issue but I was able to fix by cleaning the Auto button with CRC contact cleaner.

now works as it should.

 

Started the investigating my issue and noticed that the sensor on my car is not under the clear cut out. Someone must have had the windshield replaced but put the sensor back on wrong. The sensor is currently just looking at a black sky.

im having some trouble fully removing the trim piece that’s attached to the overhead console. I’ll try and find a diagram to help show how it’s clipped in

 

You have a pre or post facelift?


​​​​​

 

pre

in looking at the plastic pieces for sale, there are two tabs that plug in from the map light console. Just gotta press them up to release them and get the piece free.

 

Yea looks like there some trim piece in the headliner that like 5 clips. Then the rain sensor piece slides down (along the windshield) and disengages from the holder.