Hey all!

This is my first post here, and I just recently bought a 2007 LS460. Unfortunately, it’s not in the best of condition, but I bought it knowing that it had some issues. I was sort of desperate for a car, and I’ve always wanted one. I am a full time mechanic, but that doesn’t stop me from asking for help.

Regardless, my automatic wipers don’t work at all. I attempted to clean the sensor area, which didn’t work, I verified that it’s plugged in, and I even scanned the automatic wiper “module” (if you really want to call it that), and there were no codes.

I figure that the sensor has failed, but I’ve done some digging and I can’t really find any information anywhere about one of these failing. It’s always possible, but I just wanted to double check with everyone and make sure there’s no “common issue”, like “hey, make sure “this” connector isn’t corroded” or something along those lines.

I also should mention that the windshield is a genuine Lexus windshield, and I don’t think it’s ever been replaced. I’ve seen aftermarket windshields interfere with those rain sensors, and that was really the first thing I checked.

Anyway, if anyone could chime in and tell me if you’ve had your rain sensor fail or know of some other issue that can affect its operation, please let me know!

 

Could that rain sensor get disconnected by accident somewhere behind that plastic cover behind the mirror? Also, might be the switch itself or the switch harness under the steering wheel.

 

The adhesive that attaches the rain sensor to the glass needs to be perfectly applied. It usually occurs when a windshield is replaced but can also happen over time. like an older model. I believe that you can purchase new pad. It's been discussed here before but I don't recall all the details. This link discusses your situation. Let us know how it turns out. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...r-gel-pad.html

 

Thank you for that link. I’ll see if it has something to do with that gel pad. However, I am leaning more towards a defective sensor as the auto function registers in the scan tool, and it shows that I adjust the sensitivity, just nothing is being received from the sensor despite being plugged in. Maybe I have a broken wire or something along those lines, but I will keep this thread updated as I try and diagnose this

 

Since it is a 2007 and you just recently bought it, I'm wondering if somewhere along the line the windshield was replaced. I just looked at my windshield and there is no identifying Lexus label like on the side windows. So I'm not sure how you could identify if it was replaced with a non-Lexus windshield.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that I installed a used sensor with a new gel pad and the auto wipers work now!

A quick tip when it comes to replacing the sensor itself: there is a locking “tab” that’s on the right hand side of the sensor that you pull out. The sensor then needs to be GENTLY pried from the adhesive pad. After the pad breaks free, you slide the sensor to the right. Then take a razor blade and get the majority of the gel pad off of the windshield, then you take some Goo Gone or any adhesive remover and clean the windshield until it’s crystal clean. Then, install the gel pad to the sensor first, then slide the sensor back on and press it against the windshield.