Auto rain sensor problem

[Petlew]

56 plate Avensis T Spirit automatic (for those who note this is different to the car in my profile, I have two of them)

There is already a thread for this topic on the Avensis forum, but it doesn't cover my problem so with respect I'll start another.

I have accidentally whilst cleaning the inside of the windscreen pulled off the rain sensor, not only that, but the sensor spring has been pulled out of the housing. The spring looks as if it was soldered on to the tiny circuit board inside the housing.

In fairness to me, I suspect the previous owner must at some time had a similar problem, as compared to the sensor on my other T Spirit it has always looked out-of-position at an angle on the top of the screen.

So, my problem is; can I obtain a complete sensor? does it plug on to the leads from under the roof lining or is the lead permanently fitted to the sensor? If it means the repair can only be done by removing part of the lining, I'm very likely to quietly forget about it.

As it is at this time, the auto wiper position has reverted to standard intermittent operation with adjustable dwell times.

[Konrad C]

If you have read the following thread, then you may already know that the sensor can be unplugged in that area. Apparently the senor also serves auto-lights, but I think there are two sensors or the lights and wipers would come on at the same time unless there is something clever going on.

Here is a little info that may help - http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/eu/2006/avensis/adt251r-awfgxw/3_273550_124_223W/electrical/8501_windshield-wiper

 You are in a better position than most since you have two Avensis.

[Petlew]

Thank you Konrad C.

Whilst in the period between your reply I called my local Toyota dealer about obtaining a replacement sensor.

Yes it would be available, not in stock but would take about a week. You'd better sit down now, the price is £285 + VAT. !!

Er! no I will not be rushing out to buy one, for what it is that is a ludicrous price (and I said so). It does though plug on to the end of the lead so the roof lining doesn't need to be removed...yippee!!

It happens though, that reading through your other links, it seems that a lot of owners would like to disconnect their auto wipers and revert to intermittent operation (I do have some sympathy with this view). This is precisely what my system has done. I can't guarantee it will work for others, but you could try...pull the sensor off the screen and pull out the spring from the housing, job done. The downside is it is permanent. the wipers will then work intermittently on the stalk auto setting with adjustably dwell times. Whether the same thing can be achieved by simply unplugging the sensor I couldn't say, but it seems fairly logical it might, then at least it can be plugged back in if the car is to be sold on.

As an aside, One of my T Spirit's has auto lights on the other doesn't. With the wiper sensor disabled the auto lights still work as it has an additional sensor in the middle of the mirror housing. However, this is another dubious value "extra" as it takes so long for the "sense" to work that I never use it, after driving in almost pitch black conditions before it turns the lights on. I also use a very long tunnel near here that doesn't operate the auto on al all until just about exiting the tunnel. Manual operation is far easier.

[FROSTYBALLS]

1 hour ago, Petlew said:

56 plate Avensis T Spirit automatic (for those who note this is different to the car in my profile, I have two of them)

Why not include both in your profile.

[Petlew]

Hadn't thought of it, but will do.