2016 LC windshield issue

[gratefuldawg]

Hello,

I have a 2015 LC that has always had an issue with the rain sensor on the windshield. Most recently the sensor fell off the windshield. Originally the dealer blamed it on a crack in the windshield. New non-oem windshield installed and still have issues. Now the dealer is saying that the OEM glass has some metal bracket “in” the windshield that the sensor mounts to. He says I need new factory glass, at 1700.00 installed, to get the sensor properly installed. First time in 4 attempts I have heard this. We also recently got a “PCS” code. Dealer says that’s because the sensor on the windshield is not installed. Can anyone confirm any of this? Appreciate the help.

 

[radman]

for what it’s worth, a lot of us unplug the rain sensor in order to get back the use of “normal” intermittent wipers.

 

[gratefuldawg]

Radman, does that mess/cause any issues with the “PCS” system? Is it just a simple plug? I think you might have solved our issue! Thanks

 

[doru]

I suspect BS. I do not have a '16 but on LX 2013 there is no metal bracket thingy. The rain sensor is attached via a special clear double sticky tape (89944-50021 $58) that you must buy from Toyota and carefully install so there are no bubbles. Your 2016 may be different but you should check with other 2016 owners first.

 

[radman]

Radman, does that mess/cause any issues with the “PCS” system? Is it just a simple plug? I think you might have solved our issue! Thanks

no codes associated with unplugging the sensor.

 

[bloc]

I suspect BS. I do not have a '16 but on LX 2013 there is no metal bracket thingy. The rain sensor is attached via a special clear double sticky tape (89944-50021 $58) that you must buy from Toyota and carefully install so there are no bubbles. Your 2016 may be different but you should check with other 2016 owners first.

This is incorrect.

The sensor itself attaches to a metal bracket that is glued to the back of the panel, that glue appears to be a black urethane similar to what the panel is glued into the body with. The clear gel tape is merely to fill the gap between the sensor face and back of the windshield with a solid but clear material so the ultrasonic (I believe) signal can be transmitted and detected correctly. It isn't actually very sticky even.. certainly wouldn't hold the sensor to the glass by itself for any length of time.

I'm sure of this because I had an OE panel sitting in my living room for about 8 months while I looked for an installer that could be trusted. I actually got a picture of the bracket for a previous discussion but can't seem to find it.

It is totally possible for the bracket to fall off the panel, though I'd be surprised if this happened with an OE panel. Gluing it back wouldn't be very difficult either, you'd just need to center the shiny section of the sensor with the small window in the black section at the top. The clearance between the bracket and panel is probably pretty important.. you could likely measure the thickness of the existing glue to have a number before removing the old glue and reinstalling. It being parallel with the panel is also very important.. my prior pilkington panel was slightly off so I had a bubble I couldn't get rid of.

And no, I don't believe the PCS system has anything to do with the rain sensor in a 13-15. 2016 is a whole different animal.. so the difference between your thread title and the first post could be an important one.

 

[gratefuldawg]

This is incorrect.

The sensor itself attaches to a metal bracket that is glued to the back of the panel, that glue appears to be a black urethane similar to what the panel is glued into the body with. The clear gel tape is merely to fill the gap between the sensor face and back of the windshield with a solid but clear material so the ultrasonic (I believe) signal can be transmitted and detected correctly. It isn't actually very sticky even.. certainly wouldn't hold the sensor to the glass by itself for any length of time.

I'm sure of this because I had an OE panel sitting in my living room for about 8 months while I looked for an installer that could be trusted. I actually got a picture of the bracket for a previous discussion but can't seem to find it.

It is totally possible for the bracket to fall off the panel, though I'd be surprised if this happened with an OE panel. Gluing it back wouldn't be very difficult either, you'd just need to center the shiny section of the sensor with the small window in the black section at the top. The clearance between the bracket and panel is probably pretty important.. you could likely measure the thickness of the existing glue to have a number before removing the old glue and reinstalling. It being parallel with the panel is also very important.. my prior pilkington panel was slightly off so I had a bubble I couldn't get rid of.

And no, I don't believe the PCS system has anything to do with the rain sensor in a 13-15. 2016 is a whole different animal.. so the difference between your thread title and the first post could be an important one.

This is fantastic. It is indeed a 2015, I fat fingered the title and can’t seem to change it. Is the metal bracket a stand alone part or does it only come with the oem windshield? From what I think I understand in the parts catalog, that sensor/bracket only comes as one kit with the windshield. See attached screenshot

 

[bloc]

This is fantastic. It is indeed a 2015, I fat fingered the title and can’t seem to change it. Is the metal bracket a stand alone part or does it only come with the oem windshield? From what I think I understand in the parts catalog, that sensor/bracket only comes as one kit with the windshield. See attached screenshot

View attachment 3011723

As far as I know it’s only available as an assembly with the glass panel.

You still have the sensor after it fell off the windshield? The bracket should still be attached to it. I don’t see a reason it couldn’t be glued back to the panel, but as mentioned you’d need to be careful about not adding any distance between the sensor and glass.