Strange Windshield Wiper Behavior

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Feb 3, 2014 | 08:36 AM

dashmer

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Driver

Joined: Dec 2013

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From: Nova Scotia

Strange Windshield Wiper Behavior

Drove in to work this morning with the new IS350 AWD and used the windshield wiper wash for the first time. No issues. Was out at lunch and went to use it again, but this time it was strange. Pulled the wiper stalk towards me and it sprayed fluid no problem but did not wipe. Tried it a few more times and same thing. I can activate the wiper to clear the fluid manually, so they are working ok but it does not seem to do the wipe automatically after spraying the fluid.

Am I having a brain cramp and is there a reason why it is doing this? Seems like a defect to me. Only worked properly the first time.

Thanks.

Feb 3, 2014 | 08:41 AM

4TehNguyen

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From: Houston, Texas

pull the stalk all the way

Feb 3, 2014 | 08:55 AM

dashmer

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Joined: Dec 2013

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From: Nova Scotia

I hope that is the problem...Will feel stupid if that is what it was.

Feb 3, 2014 | 11:31 AM

dashmer

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: Dec 2013

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From: Nova Scotia

Thanks for that 4TehNguyen. You were right. You have to pull it back quite hard to get it to engage the wipers. It is almost like there are 2 switches in there...first 1 squirts the fluid and the second activates the wipe. Other cars I have had both seem to activate off the same switch.

In any case, I am glad it is not a defect.

Thanks again.

Feb 3, 2014 | 01:33 PM

4TehNguyen

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From: Houston, Texas

it confused me at first because it has a two stage pull. Same with the turn signals how its two stages of pull. Its actually kinda nice to have 2 stage, so you can soak the windshield with the first stage in case you get something big like bird crap then pull it more for the wipers. On other cars I would have to time the fluid in between wipes if you had something big to try to wipe off.

I like the two stage turn signal function for changing lanes especially since it turns off after 3 signals.

Feb 13, 2014 | 08:57 PM

dbs600

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: NY

For what it's worth, had the same problem earlier tonight, even after having seen this thread previously... so I was sure to pull harder and the wipers didn't wipe!? WTF.

Feb 13, 2014 | 09:34 PM

JDR76

Lexus Champion

Joined: Nov 2013

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From: WA

On mine it's not about pulling it farther to get the wipers to actuate. It's not a two position switch. I have to hold it on spray for about 3 seconds and then the wipers come on. Short bursts of washer spray will not actuate the wipers.