Lexus GS Quiz
Driving

Windshield wipers and washer

In this manual: Driving
Illustrated Index — 1Safety Information. For Safety — 8Theft deterrent system. Immobilizer. Double locking system — 1Theft Deterrent System. Alarm System — 1Instrument cluster — 13Operating the Individual Components — 13Driving — 29Interior — 8Maintenance and Care. Cleaning and Protecting the Vehicle Exterior — 1Maintenance and care of the vehicle. Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior — 1Vehicle Maintenance and Care. Vehicle Maintenance — 1Maintenance and Care. Owner Maintenance — 7When Problems Occur. Essential Information — 1When Problems Occur. Emergency Procedures — 10Specifications. Maintenance Data (Fuel, Oil Level, etc.) — 1Technical data. Fuel information — 1Vehicle Specifications. Personal Settings — 3Vehicle Specifications. Initialization — 1
15steps
~90min
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The windshield wipers of the Lexus GS (4th generation, 2016–2020) offer numerous comfort and safety functions, from intermittent control to a rain sensor. The systems automatically adapt to the rain intensity, ensuring clear visibility in all weather. This section explains all operating levels, adjusting the sensitivity, and switching between AUTO and intermittent mode. Care tips and warnings to avoid damage round off these practical instructions.

Operating the wiper lever

Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

Operate the wiper lever as follows.

Immediately after operation, the lever returns to its original position.

Intermittent windshield wiper with intermittent control dial

  1. Push the lever up 2 steps

  2. Push the lever up 1 step

  3. Push the lever down 1 step

  4. Push the lever down 2 steps

    Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

The wiping interval can be adjusted when intermittent operation is selected.

  1. Increase the windshield wiper intermittent frequency
  2. Decrease the windshield wiper intermittent frequency
    Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels
  3. Washer and wiper combined operation

After the washer is operated, the windshield wipers automatically perform several wiping cycles.

If you pull the lever and hold it in this position while the headlights are on, the headlight washer is operated once. After that, the headlight washer is operated every 5th time the lever is pulled.

Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

Windshield wiper with rain sensor

  1. Push the lever up 2 steps
  2. Push the lever up 1 step
  3. Push the lever down 1 step
  4. Push the lever down 2 steps
  5. AUTO mode on/off switch
    Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

When AUTO mode is selected, the windshield wipers switch on automatically when the sensor detects raindrops. The system automatically sets the wiper interval according to the amount of rain and the vehicle speed.

When AUTO mode is selected, the AUTO mode indicator light comes on.

Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

*1: After temporary operation, the system returns to AUTO mode.

*2: AUTO mode is turned off.

When AUTO mode is selected, the sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by turning the control dial.

  1. Increase sensitivity
  2. Decrease sensitivity
    Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels
  3. Washer and wiper combined operation
    Betätigen des Scheibenwischerhebels

After the washer is operated, the windshield wipers automatically perform several wiping cycles.

If you pull the lever and hold it in this position while the headlights are on, the headlight washer is operated once. After that, the headlight washer is operated every 5th time the lever is pulled.

Switching between windshield wiper intermittent operation and windshield wiper rain sensor operation (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)

The wipers can be used as intermittent windshield wipers, which operate independently of the speed and the amount of raindrops. You can switch to windshield wiper intermittent operation when the vehicle is stationary and the wipers are off. The wiper operation cannot be switched when AUTO mode is activated or when the windshield wipers are already operating in intermittent mode.

Press and holdPress until the AUTO mode indicator light stops flashing.

If youkeep pressed until the AUTO mode indicator light stops flashing again, the previous state is restored.

Requirements for operating the windshield wipers and washer

The engine switch is in the IGNITION ON mode.

Post-wash wipe function

After the wipers have performed several wiping cycles during washing, they sweep across the windshield once more after a short pause to prevent streaks from forming.

However, this final wipe is not performed while the vehicle is moving.

Effect of Vehicle Speed on Windshield Wiper Operation

  • When the vehicle is stopped, the interval of the intermittent front windshield wipers changes.
  • When LO is selected, the wiper operation switches from low speed to intermittent operation only while the vehicle is stopped.

Rain Sensor (Vehicles with Front Windshield Wipers with Rain Sensor)

  • The rain sensor detects the amount of raindrops.

An optical sensor is used. The sensor may not function properly if sunlight from a rising or setting sun falls on the windshield, or if insects or similar substances adhere to the windshield.

  • If the AUTO mode is selected while the engine switch is in the IGNITION ON mode, the wipers will wipe once to indicate that AUTO mode has been activated.
  • If the rain sensor temperature is 85 °C or higher, or -30 °C or lower, automatic operation may not function. In this case, operate the wipers in a mode other than AUTO.

When the front wipers are in temporary operation

AUTO mode cannot be activated even by pressing.

When no windshield washer fluid is sprayed

If there is washer fluid in the windshield washer fluid reservoir, make sure the washer nozzles are not clogged.

WARNING

Precautions When Using the Front Wipers in AUTO Mode

The front wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or if the windshield is subjected to vibration while in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or objects do not get caught in the front wipers.

Precaution When Using Washer Fluid

Use washer fluid in cold temperatures only after the windshield has warmed up. Otherwise, the fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view. This may result in an accident causing death or serious injury.

NOTE

When the windshield is dry

Do not operate the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.

When no washer fluid comes out of the nozzles

Pulling the lever toward you and holding it for an extended period may damage the washer fluid pump.

When a nozzle is clogged

In this case, contact a Lexus dealer or authorized repairer, or another qualified and properly equipped repair shop.

Do not try to clean it with a needle or similar object. The nozzle may be damaged.

When Raising the Front Wipers

Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield in a straight line. (→ P. 405) Otherwise, the wiper blades and/or the hood may be damaged.

The front wipers of the 4th generation Lexus GS offer various modes, from intermittent operation to rain sensor control. These systems ensure clear visibility and automatically adapt to weather conditions. Combined with the headlight cleaning system, they also add to driving comfort.

With precise adjustment options for interval and sensitivity, the Lexus GS GRL1 demonstrates its premium quality. Drivers benefit from maximum safety in rain and snowfall.

Thanks to its well-engineered design, the windshield and headlights stay clean at all times, adding to the safety and comfort of this sports sedan.

Test yourself

A quick Lexus GS quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.