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Toyota Avalon Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers

15 messages,  Last post on Aug 02, 2008 at 9:38 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Meeting with Toyota Field Technical Specialist by don90

May 10, 2008 (9:08 am)

After six months of requesting to meet with a Toyota representative through my dealer's service manager, I finally had that meeting. The reason for the meeting is that every 2005 and newer Avalon Limited model has a problem with the RAIN SENSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, I have a 2007. The problem is that when the windshield is dry and the weather is dry and you push the start button (smart key) with the wiper switch in the auto position the wipers will make one swipe across a dry windshield as the engine starts. This happens a random regardless of temperture,sun,or clouds or inside a garage or outside. Toyota recognize that this happens but Thomas A. Senneca the Toyota FTS that I met with after making some test stated on my work order that "FTS FOUND OPERATING AS DESIGNED". When I talked to Mr. Senneca before I left my car so he could make his test I asked him "are the wipers designed to make one swipe across a dry windshield so as to smear the bugs or possibly scratch the windshield from dirt that may be on the windshield". All I wanted was a yes or no, what I got was how the system looks at several conditions to determine when the wipers will operate he would not commit to a simple yes or no. As I stated before Toyota recognize that this happens and say it is NORMAL (I guess because they all do this) or their other saying is "WORKING AS DESIGNED". I didn't have this problem with my 2003 Avalon XLS, it had same wipers but not smart key. Since the Lexus ES350 uses the same smart key and rain sensing wipers, I wonder if they have the same problem or did Lexus fixed it for their owners? I have also noticed that the fit and finish is not as good as my two previous Avalons.

#7 of 15 Lemon Avalon by carlosjay

May 30, 2008 (8:36 pm)

This is a 2008 Avalon Limited, bought brand new but upon removing the foot from the gas pedal, the vehicle slows down very quickly. It is unsafe. My dealer and Toyota say that there is no fix. I have checked with independent repair shops who agree there is something wrong with the car because it stops too quickly and does not glide. I have started arbitration. Somebody, help, please.

#8 of 15 Re: Lemon Avalon [carlosjay] by don90

Jun 10, 2008 (5:19 pm)

Replying to: carlosjay (May 30, 2008 8:36 pm)
I have a 2007 Limited and I found that there is a Technical Service Bulliten that helps this condition, it is mainly for the shifting on the 2007 but after I had it done it did take most of the slowing down of the car after removing my foot from the gas pedal. The TSB is EG029-07 I don't know if this applies to your 2008 since it has a six speed transmission where mine has a five speed transmission. It may be worth a shot to see if this applies to the 2008. Good luck with TOYOTA, because if they admit to a problem it will be by luck.

#9 of 15 Let's get back to rain sensing wipers. by mikes.

Jul 24, 2008 (5:44 pm)

I traded in my 05 LTD last night and while driving home it was raining from lite mist to heavy downpour. The wipers on the new car worked great. I always thought the 05 had a problem and my local dealer even replaced the unit once. But it never did work well.
 
I'm already much happier with the 08's wipers.

#10 of 15 Re: Meeting with Toyota Field Technical Specialist [don90] by gomst1

Jul 25, 2008 (6:51 am)

Replying to: don90 (May 10, 2008 9:08 am)
Just my 2 cents. If it is working as designed, the solution is a redesign. Not a fix. It will be hard to say that the 2007 Avalon rain sensing wipers is the same as your 2003 Avalon XLS or the ES350 unless you have the schematic/design info of this component. Electronics keep changing everyday even two exact models are not the same. Components keep changing. I would get rid of the car if it really bothers me. Life is short.

#11 of 15 Re: Avalon Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers2005+ [don90] by amauhry

Jul 25, 2008 (9:42 am)

Replying to: don90 (Dec 07, 2007 4:50 pm)
Every once in a blue moon I have experienced that behavior when starting the car. However, I have notice that when it has happened the humidity is high.
 
My reasoning: high humidity levels may trigger the system. Possible solution: decrease the sensitivity of the windshield sensor. I haven’t done it though, since, as previously stated, this behavior has occurred only a couple of times since last September.
 
Also make sure that nothing is touching the sensor (attached to the windshield).
 
Amaury
’08 Limited

#12 of 15 Re: Meeting with Toyota Field Technical Specialist [gomst1] by don90

Jul 29, 2008 (9:24 am)

Replying to: gomst1 (Jul 25, 2008 6:51 am)
qomst1 I would love to trade it in on another make but since I am on a fixed income (retired) I just can't at this time. Although I have looked at the new Lincoln MRS and like it very much. After elections if the market rebounds a new Lincoln may be in my garage.

#13 of 15 Re: Let's get back to rain sensing wipers. [mikes.] by don90

Jul 29, 2008 (9:28 am)

Replying to: mikes. (Jul 24, 2008 5:44 pm)
mikes Try leaving your wiper switch in the AUTO position I am sure you have the same condition that I have on my 2007. I have talked to -08 owners and they have had this same condition.

#14 of 15 Re: Meeting with Toyota Field Technical Specialist [don90] by don90

Jul 29, 2008 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: don90 (Jul 29, 2008 9:24 am)
gomst1 Sorry the Lincoln was a MKS not a MRS.

#15 of 15 by mikes.

Aug 02, 2008 (9:38 pm)

don90, I'll do that and get back to you.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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