Toyota RAV4 Owner Puzzled By A Strange Issue, But It Could Be Due To An Incorrectly Installed Replacement Front Windshield
Despite recent mishaps, Toyota still has a reputation for making reliable cars. Granted, there have been a few issues that caused more than a few people to lose faith in the brand's legendary reputation for quality and longevity. No one can escape time, not even Toyotas built before the last decade, as we find out from one 2014 Toyota RAV4 owner, who posted on the forum Toyota Owners Club. Here's what he says:
“Hi everyone,
I've got a very strange issue with my Rav4 2014 front windscreen wipers. The normal wipers where the speed from low to high can be controlled work fine.
But the issue is with the 3 intermittent settings (where the wiper stop momentarily between each wipe) does not work properly. However, I must add that every time I choose each intermittent setting, the wiper activates, but only once. After that nothing happens.
Any idea what could be causing this?
PS: I've just noticed that I have a rain sensor on top of the windscreen near the rear-view mirror.
If you need further info, please let me know.
Thanks.”
In the 2010s, Toyota's reputation for reliability was still, largely, spotless. While the RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs you can buy, there are still some common issues with the current generation RAV4, you need to be aware of.
Fellow forum members chimed in with a few educated guesses, some of which, more valid than others. Nevertheless, isolating causes is part of the “game”, and here's what some members say.
Mixstreme says: “Hi, any issues with wipers can usually be attributed to the wiper motor. Having stripped these down and reserviced them despite being informed it's a new motor needed, I've found the grease inside contaminates the ring circuits and causes these issues.
The pic shows the black cover with 2 screws and 2 or 3 plastic yabs, clean everything inside, remove grease and it will work fine.... (Obviously, as long as the motor itself isn't Kaput, but from your description it's clearly not.)”
While it makes sense for the wiper motor to be the main culprit when it comes to such issues, an educated comment by the thread starter, pretty much, excludes this as a possibility.
Toyotathebest (thread starter) says: “Thanks for your help @Mixstreme
Apologies, but how can it be the motor if the wipers work absolutely fine when enable the high/low or via the auto?
The only thing that doesn't work is the interval timing, which is supposed to be based on the delay time and when the rain sensor detects rain.”
Mc Tavish says: “Hi TTB
I had a similar issue after windscreen was changed, your right to be curious about rain sensor, sticky tab that holds that on was to blame, albeit I couldn't see from outside the sensor wasn't totally attached and had small gaps causing wipers on auto to not function in heavy rain and light rain would cause the wipers to act like propellers and would attempt to leave the scene at Mach 3!
New adhesive tabs were sought, and fingers crossed, as to date all good. I hope that helps.”
Mixstreme chimes in again with a more detailed explanation:
“Its not the motor. The motor is the big silver bit on the pic..... my terminology was as a unit not specifically the actual motor part or even other technical relays, fuses, sensors etc....
The issue I'm suggesting is the ring-type circuits under the black cover. They sit on top of pins, and each ring has a length of circuit that, in unison with the relay, provides power for the correct amount of time required to complete a turn.
I've done a few for the taxis, and it's so much better than giving toyota £200 plus to just swap it out.
If at any time during your investigation you told it needs a new motor, humor me and check out that greasy ring to save £££
BUT, having noticed the year, I would stick to checking that rain sensor as Mc Tavish has suggested...... even easier fix.
Obviously, rain sensors etc. are suspects, but I like to check the basics and fix, usually pays off.”
The thread starter does not clarify whether he bought the car new or not. On that note, some members speculate that the windshield may have been replaced, and the rain sensor (located behind the rearview mirror) may not have been placed properly.
Mc Tavish adds a few key things that may hint at whether the Toyota RAV4 may have had a windshield replacement:
“Further to last make sure sensor is lined up with window on screen, the square smooth glass and away from textured area and again clean .... must be clean
Also get a couple of pads as it's a one-time hit and if you're like me it took me more than one go to get it right ..... measure twice fit once.
Glass on passenger side bottom right as you looking at car should say Toyota if it's replaced it might say Pilkington or other make ...all glass is marked with date of manufacture good way to check not an exact science but check other glass on motor and you can reference
Unless you've had car from new chances are it's had a screen with the state of roads it more than likely it's took a rock from the car in front!
Pads look right apart from price .... wow! Maybe just get one and take your time then! Either that or have a ratch about or ...... keep an eye out for a tech fitting a screen and harpoon him for one ... I'm sure that's the kind of thing they will carry as stock.”
My own personal experience, dealing with faulty electronics leads me to suggest that the wiper stalk is also a potential culprit for this type of issue. The stalk may not be sending the correct signal to the relay control module. I had an issue like this, but on my turn signal stalk (2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe). However, it is best to leave guesswork out of the equation. Apparently, this issue is not an isolated case as other owners are fairly familiar with what the cause may be.
In conclusion
A 2014 Toyota RAV4 is an 11-year-old SUV at this point of writing this article. While each model has its fair share of well-documented common problems, cars tend to develop additional issues at random, as age and mileage accumulates. Then, there are also issues with certain Toyota RAV4 models that owners fix incorrectly. Despite that, there is still a strong case to be made about old Toyotas, as many owners still opt to drive their Toyota RAV4 even when its 20 years old.
I would be interested to hear if you have had a similar issue with your Toyota (or another brand). Feel free to share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below so we can contribute to more helpful automotive content.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2014 Toyota RAV4