there's a state law in NC that says you must burn headlights when wipers are on

my jeep has a setting to do the automatically

is there someway to enable this on the rx

 

No, I tried this with the dealer, it's not possible. BUT... you can just turn the headlights on when it's raining and not worry about shutting them off. They are on a timer after you get out just like the running lights.

 

Ill put this on my to-do list when I get the RX.... in November. This is something that I have thought of in my current car but never bothered to do it.

But I would wounder if the DRL (Day Time Running Light) would suffice as headlights on??? Maybe this is why Lexus did not do this?

On the flip side, this is somewhat easily do-able. One can always add a simple micro controller which reads the input of the wiper setting and turn on the headlights, but this would require splicing into the factory wiring.

 

I've noticed (particularly in the morning) when I start the car the wipers seem to come on automatically (its not raining, and theres no condensation) I do have the automatic rain sensing wipers. Anyone else seen this problem?

 

Strange. Have you tried to adjust the sensitivity to a lower setting?

 

Most European cars have this feature. There is a sensitivity setting as to when the headlight comes on. Have your dealer program it most sensitive and it will come on when it rains, unless its a sun shower

 

The lights sensitivity setting is in the Nav system if you have one - I've tweaked mine to come on sooner.

 

So G Man, you're saying adjust the headlight setting? It makes sense since the beam used to trigger the headlights will certainly be affected by rain (i.e. less light), unless it is a sun shower. Thanks!

 

I didnt realize the rain sensor was adjustable. Thanks, I'll look for the setting.

 

Its the dial on the stalk, it looks like a intermittent wiper setting.

 

Hmmm, well, in terms of not having the option for the lights to come on when using the wipers is a ridiculous oversight by Lexus IMHO. I have the same issue with my Infiniti. Pain in the rear as it's a law in PA as well. I try to remember to turn the lights on but this is not a hard thing to have as an option to work automatically if a driver chooses. My wife's 2001 Jeep had this option!

So in PA my understanding is that the daytime running lamps would suffice to meet the law (just what I've read but not confirmed in the law). However, the tail lights don't illuminate so you lose that advantage.

Didn't think to mention this to Lexus corporate when they called but will if given the opportunity.

We have the same issue with the rain sensing wipers at times as well. I usually have them activate when I adjust the rearview mirror too.

Let us know if the adjustment helps the errant wipes.

Jay

 

The option is 'NOT' to turn the lights on, but to turn the lights off. On the new RX, A setting in the NAV will let you run the car without any lights at all. But you have to select it from the setup feature. By default the driving lights or headlights will come on when you activate the ignition unless you have it turned 'OFF' in setup. I just depends on what you have selected on the stalk. And by default they will turn off after a pre-selected time in setup when you turn off the car. So on a cloudy or rainy day if you just select headlights VS driving lights, then there is nothing to worry about. And in the scheme of operating a car, selecting between driving lights or headlights according to the weather is a pretty easy thing to do IMHO.

 

Hmmm, first of all - I laugh every time I see your signature - just wanted to get that off my chest. Great line!!!

Ok, not sure what you mean about the lights on or off. Do you mean that you can turn off the light sensor so that the headlights are always on? I'm not exactly sure which setting you are referring to.

I know about the auto-off feature and setting the delay for that so this isn't really the issue.

and in response to your contention:
"And in the scheme of operating a car, selecting between driving lights or headlights according to the weather is a pretty easy thing to do IMHO"

it's not that it isn't easy. I've been flicking switches my whole life - it's that I don't always remember to actually turn on the headlights when I turn on my windshield wipers. It's the fact that I may not remember to do it - not that it's difficult. Not sure why one would argue that having this option would be a bad thing if it would be more convenient and safe for drivers, not to mention that the law requires it in many states so it's an easy way to stay in compliance with the law and avoid a ticket if one forgets.

So again, no one is saying that your car (or ours ) is awful or bad or anything like that. No one is saying that it's difficult to turn the little **** on the light stalk. Just saying that there is an option on other vehicles and it would be nice to have it on the RX as well.

Cheers!

Jay

 

Jay
Thanks for the 'line' comment. I have a bunch, one of these days I'll change it.

If you go into setup (in the NAV system) while parked, you can set it so that when you start the car, 'no' lights come on or either the head lights or running lights are on. That would depend on what you select on the stalk. I was like you and wanted the same thing. My salesman (I hate it when someone else shows me up) explained it to me over the phone while I did it.

Check it out in setup. Then just change to headlights for a rainy day. Like the running lights they'll come on and turn off automatically.

Good luck

 

Neat - thanks for the tip. I'll have to check that out.

I barely get to spend any time in the RX since it's my wife's car so I only get to play on the weekends.

Jay