sigh... I was pulling into the parking lot at Target and a person threw their car door open at the perfect time to BANG! It was instantaneous. I've got nicks and scratches all down the passenger side front, it messed her door up quite a bit. There is a little rectangular plastic cap under the headlamp that popped off (and we think it went into her car, where she promptly locked her keys in the car while messing with the banged up door).

What is that sensor under the cap? Should I put some gaffer's tape over it against the weather until I get it fixed?

Thanks for the help !
( btw, this is a 2023 NX 450h+ )

 

Looks like the headlight washer cap or cover. Thing pops up and squirts lights when you spray your windows.(windshield washer)

 

Yikes! That definitely sucks on a new car. I feel your pain. Yep, as FastFord said, that’s the headlight washer. It isn’t terrible if water or a little dirt gets in there, but just to be safe you can cover it up with a little tape. Be sure you don’t operate the windshield washers though with the tape on there because it could damage it.

Also, it should be fine, but if you’re paranoid and picky about everything being factory perfect, have Lexus double check the calibration/operation of the front parking sensors. I would do this if you choose to go through insurance for the repairs (it is quite pricey to do).

 

Yep another useless item that does nothing.

 

Agreed lol, it makes a bigger mess on your car and wastes windshield washer fluid.
It’s just a problematic solution to a problem that didn’t exist.

 

Headlight washers are just mandatory on some markets with XENON and LED headlights

 

They are a great feature up here in winter. When you activate the windshield washers first time after an engine start, these spray the headlights as well. Then you can manually spray as required. A great safety feature.