Lexus ES: Windshield wipers and washer

Operating the lever can switch between automatic operation and manual operation, or can use the washer.

NOTICE

■When the windshield is dry Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.

Operating the wiper lever

Intermittent windshield wipers with interval adjuster

Operating the lever operates the wipers or washer as follows. When intermittent windshield wiper operation is selected, wiper interval can also be adjusted.

1. or
   Off

2. or
   Intermittent operation
   The intermittent windshield wiper operates more frequently as vehicle speed becomes higher.

3.   or 
   Low speed operation

4. or 
   High speed operation

5. or
   Temporary operation

*1: For U.S.A.
*2: For Canada

Wiper intervals can be adjusted when intermittent operation is selected.

6. Increases the intermittent windshield wiper frequency
7. Decreases the intermittent windshield wiper frequency

8. Washer/wiper dual operation

Pulling the lever operates the wipers and washer.

The wipers will automatically operate a couple of times after the washer squirts.

(After operating several times, the wipers operate once more time after a short delay to prevent dripping. However, the dripping prevention does not operate while the vehicle is moving.)

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Operating the lever operates the wipers or washer as follows. When AUTO is selected, the wipers will operate automatically when the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts wiper timing in accordance with rain volume and vehicle speed.

1. or
   Off

2. 
   Rain-sensing operation

3. or
   Low speed operation

4. or
   High speed operation

5. or
   Temporary operation

*1: For U.S.A.
*2: For Canada

When AUTO is selected, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted by turning the switch ring.

6. Increases the sensitivity
7. Decreases the sensitivity

8. Washer/wiper dual operation

Pulling the lever operates the wipers and washer.

The wipers will automatically operate a couple of times after the washer squirts.

(After operating several times, the wipers operate once more time after a short delay to prevent dripping. However, the dripping prevention does not operate while the vehicle is moving.)

■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when The power switch is in ON mode.

■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers) Even when the wipers are not in AUTO mode, vehicle speed affects the time until the drip prevention wiper sweep occurs.

With low speed windshield wiper operation selected, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.

(However, when the sensor sensitivity is adjusted to the highest level, the mode cannot be switched.)

■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rainsensing windshield wipers)

• The raindrop sensor judges the amount of raindrops.

  An optical sensor is adopted. It may not operate properly when sunlight from the rising or setting of the sun intermittently strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are present on the windshield.

• If the wiper is turned to AUTO position while the power switch is in ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is activated.
• If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 185ºF (85ºC) or higher, or -22ºF (- 30ºC) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the wipers in any mode other than AUTO.

■Front door opening linked windshield wiper stop function (vehicles with rainsensing windshield wipers) When AUTO is selected and the windshield wipers are operating, if a front door is opened while the vehicle is stopped and the P position is selected, operation of the windshield wipers will be stopped to prevent anyone near the vehicle from being sprayed by water from the wipers.

When the front door is closed, wiper operation will resume.

■To protect the windshield wipers If movement of the windshield wipers is largely restricted by a foreign object such as snow, the operation of the windshield wipers may be stopped automatically to protect the windshield wipers. In this case, turn the windshield wiper switch off and remove the foreign object, and then use the windshield wipers.

■When stopping the hybrid system in an emergency while driving If the windshield wipers are operating when the hybrid system is stopped, the windshield wipers will operate in high speed operation.

After the vehicle is stopped, operation will return to normal when the power switch is turned to ON mode, or operation will stop when the driver's door is opened.

WARNING

■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers) The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.

■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes warm.

The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward you and held continually.

■When a nozzle becomes blocked In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.

Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

Changing the windshield wiper rest position/Lifting the windshield wipers

When the windshield wipers are not being used, they retract to below the hood. To enable the windshield wipers to be lifted when parking in cold conditions or when replacing a windshield wiper insert, change the rest position of the windshield wipers to the service position using the wiper lever.

■ Raising the wipers to the service position Within approximately 45 seconds of turning the power switch off, move the wiper lever to the MIST (U.S.A.) or (Canada) position and hold it for approximately 2 seconds or more.

The wipers will move to the service position.

■ Lifting the windshield wipers While holding the hook portion A of the wiper arm, lift the windshield wiper from the windshield.

■Lowering the windshield wipers to the retracted position With the windshield wipers placed on the windshield, turn the power switch to ON mode and then move the wiper lever to an operating position. When the wiper switch is turned off, the windshield wipers will stop at the retracted position.

NOTICE

■When lifting the windshield wipers

• Do not lift the windshield wipers when they are in the retracted position below the hood. Otherwise, they may contact the hood, possibly resulting in damage to a windshield wiper and/or the hood.
• Do not lift a windshield wiper by the wiper blade. Otherwise, the wiper blade may be deformed.

NOTICE

• Do not operate the wiper lever when the windshield wipers are lifted. Otherwise, the windshield wipers may contact the hood, possibly resulting in damage to the windshield wipers and/or hood.
• Make sure that the wiper arms do not overlap each other when returning them. Failure to do so may cause damage to the windshield wipers.

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