Automatic wiper system

[NDRYDEN123]

Why hasnt toyota put the rainsensing/automatic wiper systems in their vehicles. i know that they did it in the lexus's but why not toyota? also has anyone installed this feature and also can it be installed? i found a website that makes the module but not sure if it will work or not. here is a link: http://www.raintracker.com/

thanks.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Is it really a big luxury? I don't think I would want automatic wipers. Sure it would be "cool".

Are you able to change the speed of them?

 

[rook]

Why hasnt toyota put the rainsensing/automatic wiper systems in their vehicles. i know that they did it in the lexus's but why not toyota? also has anyone installed this feature and also can it be installed? i found a website that makes the module but not sure if it will work or not. here is a link: http://www.raintracker.com/

thanks.

I have it OEM on my VW and I like using it. It works well especially in misty conditions. I also like the on/off feature. Some manufacturers do not have on/off, rather it reacts instantly to anything on the windshield, including bug splat.

 

[NDRYDEN123]

Is it really a big luxury? I don't think I would want automatic wipers. Sure it would be "cool".

Are you able to change the speed of them?

I don't really see it as a luxury that much. but I don't understand why toyota didn't put this system in any of their vehicles except for the avalon. as far as I know all lexus vehicles have this. I'm not 100% sure how this system works. if anyone could chime in the advice would be vital. thanks.

 

[Ulfr]

IIRC, my friend's '88 celica had that, or his '88 corolla... I don't remember, but one of those cars had it... Why it's not in the newer ones? Well, probably they think it's quite useless and only to push up the budget. or something...

 

[toto]

I've had the Lexus infrared rain-sensing wiper option before. It replaces the intermittent mode on the stalk with the auto control, and yes, you can adjust the sensitivity just like adjusting the timing on an intermittent setting. It works by bouncing infrared light off the glass and measuing the angle at which the light beams come back to the sensor. The presence of rain drops on the glass will alter the angle at which the beam is reflected. For some reason, putting your finger on the side of the sensor box also has the same effect!

It's a cool toy, but not worth extra money IMHO. It does add to the cost of replacing the windshield, because the sensor has to be removed from the old glass and mounted on the new glass. Also, if you happen to leave it in auto mode and send the car through a car wash, it's a good way to wreck the wipers and/or the wiper motor.

 

[NDRYDEN123]

I've had the Lexus infrared rain-sensing wiper option before. It replaces the intermittent mode on the stalk with the auto control, and yes, you can adjust the sensitivity just like adjusting the timing on an intermittent setting. It works by bouncing infrared light off the glass and measuing the angle at which the light beams come back to the sensor. The presence of rain drops on the glass will alter the angle at which the beam is reflected. For some reason, putting your finger on the side of the sensor box also has the same effect!

It's a cool toy, but not worth extra money IMHO. It does add to the cost of replacing the windshield, because the sensor has to be removed from the old glass and mounted on the new glass. Also, if you happen to leave it in auto mode and send the car through a car wash, it's a good way to wreck the wipers and/or the wiper motor.

so can this sensor be added aftermarket? I was looking at my stepmoms lexus and it seems like it is a somewhat easy install except for actually spending an arm and leg for the part. toto, is this an option that was added to your 4runner from the factory?

 

[snhrph]

Rain-sensing wipers

I have this on my GX470 and I love it. My only gripe is that the sensitivity adjustment is not very sensitive.

toto is 100% correct about taking the car to a car wash - I've done it. Luckily with no damage.

Would be great to have this on T4R. Has anyone done this mod or installed Raintracker?

 

[Uneek]

Too many automatic gimmicks, IMO. I don't even like the auto on/off headlights. Get too use it in one car, it'll be very wierd driving a car that doesn't have the feature.

More than one occassion in my Camry and Tacoma, I flicked the key for it to start as I do in the 4Runner. Neither has the crank and hold feature like the 4Runner and it looks like my car just stalled on the initial start up.

 

[T?@\7]

i personally dislike windshield wipers and use mine as LITTLE as possible...... so an automated setup would inevitably drive me nuts!

 

[toto]

toto, is this an option that was added to your 4runner from the factory?

No, I had it on a Lexus RX.

 

[Kmvreter]

... as far as I know all lexus vehicles have this...

Not all. Base IS doesn't. It's a part of higher option packages.