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I've just added a third Lexus to my fleet - this one is a 2006 LS 430. I noticed that the auto-wiper mode was not working properly. It was behaving like Intermittent wiper only and not sensing rain. I called my mechanic who said it was just probably bubbles in the gel-pad that seats the sensor to the windshield. I subsequently took it in to have it fixed but he told me that whoever had the car last had the windshield replaced and they glued the rain sensor with very strong glue to the windshield. He said that the bond was so tight that they were afraid that they would crack the windshield if they tried to pry it off. His only advice was to put on a new rain sensor the next time I replaced the windshield which may be a long time or never. I'm kind of **** about these things and want everything to work as designed. I researched the internet and found that there are superglue melting agents that can turn the glue into a gel for easy removal but gaining access to the area looks tricky. Does anyone have suggestions or advice as to how to get this glue off the rain sensor and remove it so I can re-attach it properly?
Look at the information on the windshield, it's in the bottom driver's side corner. You may have an aftermarket windshield that doesn't support the rain sensor. In my windshield research I've always read that you are best to buy the OEM adhesive pad, I guess the aftermarket ones don't work. Here's a screen shot of what the service manual says to do to remove the rain sensor, doesn't look like there is any glue involved. If your windshield is one that supports the rain sensor I would do by best to remove the sensor without breaking it but I think you may have to, they are cheap used on ebay ($40) so I wouldn't be too upset.
Thank you JHarris400. This is certainly helpful. I'll look closer to see if it appears to properly support the rain sensor. Hadn't considered that windshield may not support it and maybe that's why they glued it on. I realize that it's not a huge deal and the wipers work fine otherwise. But I can't seem to get it out of my mind that they are not working as designed in auto-mode. I also have a late model LX570 that has an auto-mode works flawlessly and I like it. I feel like that if I can get the glue dissolver where the sensor meets the glass, I might be able to get it loosened and removed and maybe even salvage the rain-sensor. But as you pointed out - they're not that expensive to replace. Thanks for your advice - I appreciate it!
There have been a lot of cases in which replacement windshield glass renders the rain sensor useless.
Cheaper glass (e.g. Safelite) won't have the right refraction properties and will not let the rain sensor work properly. The previous owner likely had the windshield replaced with whatever was cheap (or whatever their insurance company allowed them to) and dealt with the non-functioning rain sensing wipers.
Do you know the manufacturer of the glass? Should be stated somewhere in the bottom corners of the windshield.
I notice you mentioned to cover the water pipe What is the water pipe for? Is it for rain from outside to go into the rain sensor to start the wipers? Just how does this system work? Maybe the whole part about the water pipe is part of the text from another task, not related to the Rain Sensor itself?
I notice you mentioned to cover the water pipe What is the water pipe for? Is it for rain from outside to go into the rain sensor to start the wipers? Just how does this system work? Maybe the whole part about the water pipe is part of the text from another task, not related to the Rain Sensor itself?
That is for the heated windshields, US cars didn't receive this option as far as I know.
There have been a lot of cases in which replacement windshield glass renders the rain sensor useless.
Cheaper glass (e.g. Safelite) won't have the right refraction properties and will not let the rain sensor work properly. The previous owner likely had the windshield replaced with whatever was cheap (or whatever their insurance company allowed them to) and dealt with the non-functioning rain sensing wipers.
Do you know the manufacturer of the glass? Should be stated somewhere in the bottom corners of the windshield.
Thanks *****. Didn't realize that could be an issue. My mechanic said the replacement was of good quality although not OEM. The label/stamp on the lower driver's side says PGW Tint Laminated. Frankly, I really don't know how good it is. It looks fine. On closer observation looking thru the windshield from the outside looking in - it's hard to tell if it has the metal bracket that the rain sensor seats to. It does have the dotted pattern however on the windshield where the rain sensor is affixed. If there's no bracket, it would explain why they glued the rain sensor to windshield although it rendered it useless doing so. I looked online and it looks impossible to get a replacement bracket. Or at least I couldn't find one after doing a rather extensive search online. An OEM windshield is over $1,000 and a new rain sensor would run near $400. Will be handing this car over to one of my daughters pretty soon and not sure if auto-wipers is worth the $1,400 replacement cost plus labor. The wipers work fine otherwise and the car is in impeccable condition. Someone took exceptional care of this car and the few folks that ridden with me have all marveled at it's condition for a 13 year old car. I currently work out of town in Boise, ID during the week and keep this car in Boise as my daily commuter. I'll be done here in Boise at the end of the year and will give it to one of my daughter's who will need a new car soon and after I'm wrapped up here. I drive an LX570 at home and love my rig but I have to say that I've become smitten with this LS430. The solid luxury and silky smooth drive and shifting make me feel like I'm floating on a cloud. It's mesmerizing! I could go on and on about this car. It's so perfect in every other way that I want it to be 100% which is why I'm all twisted around about the auto-wipers. Sounds ridiculous I know. And thanks again!
Thanks JHarris - you're right! It looks like the metal bracket is part of the assembly that for sale. For $25 it might be worth it. I would have paid $25 for the bracket all by itself. I guess the first thing I need to do is ensure that I can remove the existing rain sensor. I'd like to try and remove it without destroying if possible. The only problem is that there really isn't any room to reach in to the area where the metal sensor meets the glass. The black plastic cover is pretty much flush with the glass as well and of course the metal pad is contained inside. Is there any way to remove the plastic housing around it without destroying it?
Rain Sensor Glued to Windshield
