I'm wondering if it's possible to retrofit the Tundra with a rain sensor like the ones in the Lexus. Since I live in the Seattle area, the rain capital of the US, it would be really nice to have that feature. Is there an after market kit or perhaps the Lexus sensor can be fitted in the Tundra? Does Toyota have that feature in any of their current models?

What does a rain sensor do on a vehicle? Automatically turn on the wipers for you? Let you know when it's raining in case you are blind? :confused:

Originally posted by Hover
What does a rain sensor do on a vehicle? Automatically turn on the wipers for you? Let you know when it's raining in case you are blind?


LOL!! :D

It senses how much rain is falling on the windshield and regulates the wiper speed accordingly. Whenever there's no rain, the wipers will be off. The sensor can be left on all the time in automatic mode, or if preferred, override for manual operation. :)

I would think that it should be a fairly easy thing to do. It is really just a sensor that mounts on the dashboard toward the front of the windshield that tells the wipers when to turn on and how much speed to apply. I assume you should be able to just tap into the power circuit to install the added wiring. But im not sure.

I saw these on a luxury Buick car. Just took me a while to figure out how the wipers were adjusting there speed without the driver touching the knob. :confused: ;)

I figure why would you need a sensor to tell you when it is raining?? Doesnt make much sense to me but then what do I know

Just another "bell and whistle", but hey so are power windows, power locks, self dimming mirrors, power seats, cruise control, automatic transmissions, DRLs, etc........ :D

Great idea. Two potential problems:

1. The "Rain Sensor" may not be a stand-alone device -- it may just be another input to the Body Computer (BCM) in the donor vehicle, and the BCM actually controls the wipers. Interfacing a "foreign" BCM is a big undertaking.

2. Judging by what Toyota gets for a "Blower Amp" for a Sequoia (hint as to one of my upcoming mods) -- over $100 -- I would suspect the "Rain Sensor" to be mucho expensive. Although, I think the device is based on something like this Infrared Range Detector (http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R48-IR12.html) manufactured by Sharp, so it may be possible to build your own system. If I get time, I'll look into it further.

Originally posted by RitcheyRch
I figure why would you need a sensor to tell you when it is raining?? Doesnt make much sense to me but then what do I know

It's mainly for regulation of wipers' speed, depending on how much rain the sensor is picking up.

Mudog, thanks for the info! Let me know what you find out, or better yet, post a rain-sensor upgrade mod for all the T/S members. :D

Originally posted by davecsu
It's mainly for regulation of wipers' speed, depending on how much rain the sensor is picking up.

Mugdog, thanks for the info! Let me know what you find out, or better yet, post a rain-sensor upgrade mod for all the T/S members. :D

Well it looks like I found an aftermarket company that sells "universal" systems, they might even be the patent-holder (like Muth was for the SignalMirrors that first appeared on Ford trucks & SUVs).

Rain Sensing Wipers (http://www.raintracker.com/)

Factory direct price is $99, which doesn't sound too bad.

That's exactly what I'm looking for. It doesn't seem too hard to install! :)

I'm totally spoiled by the convenient features in my other vehicle. I realized after I purchased my Tundra, I tried to upgrade it with many of those feature, i.e. heated seats, navigation, electrochromatic mirror with temp/compass, sunroof, reverse backup sensors, reverse camera, HID, etc..... Now I really enjoy all the Luxury amenities in the Tundra.
:D

I called the Rain Tracker today ordered the rain sensor. I will update the result after I install it next week. Normally I don't care for rain, but hopefully there'll be some rain after I put it in. :)

What model did you get and how much was it? Let us know how the install goes and how it works.

I ordered RT-F and XC-1. The total with shipping was around $147.

RT-F has all wiping speed including fast wipe. XC-1 allows external control of the speed. Without XC-1, the sensor automatically wipe at a preset speed whenever it senses water. With XC-1, the sensor is still automatic, but the speed can be further adjusted. The automatic sensor can be override with a switch to manual mode.

I look forward to installing it, but I'm running out of space on my dash to install the extra switch. Any suggestion?
:)

Originally posted by davecsu
I ordered RT-F and XC-1. The total with shipping was around $147.

RT-F has all wiping speed including fast wipe. XC-1 allows external control of the speed. Without XC-1, the sensor automatically wipe at a preset speed whenever it senses water. With XC-1, the sensor is still automatic, but the speed can be further adjusted. The automatic sensor can be override with a switch to manual mode.

I look forward to installing it, but I'm running out of space on my dash to install the extra switch. Any suggestion?
:)

Funny you ask. When I saw the XC-1, my first instinct was to eliminate/relocate the dash dimmer knob and put the XC-1 knob there. I found that once I decided on a setting for the dash lamps, I never change it...

The other thing I was looking into was tapping into the intermittent time potentiometer in the stock wiper switch. However, because the intermittent timer is integrated into the wiper switch on the Tundra (as with most other Toyotas) that would probably be a chore.

Originally posted by Mudog715
Funny you ask. When I saw the XC-1, my first instinct was to eliminate/relocate the dash dimmer knob and put the XC-1 knob there. I found that once I decided on a setting for the dash lamps, I never change it...

The other thing I was looking into was tapping into the intermittent time potentiometer in the stock wiper switch. However, because the intermittent timer is integrated into the wiper switch on the Tundra (as with most other Toyotas) that would probably be a chore.
Mudog, have you order the rain sensor yet? If so, which one did you get?

The dimmer knob would be cool. :tu: You have to post some pictures after you're done.

Regarding the integration to the factory switch, the person from Rain Tracker told me it was difficult for them because of the way Toyota is setup. It's possible with some of the domestic cars, because they have easier access. It would be really interesting if you can integrate it.
:)

Originally posted by davecsu
Mudog, have you order the rain sensor yet? If so, which one did you get?

The dimmer knob would be cool. :tu: You have to post some pictures after you're done.

Regarding the integration to the factory switch, the person from Rain Tracker told me it was difficult for them because of the way Toyota is setup. It's possible with some of the domestic cars, because they have easier access. It would be really interesting if you can integrate it.
:)

The RainTracker, while cool, is not high on my list of priorities for the Tundra right now. I'll probably get to it in 6 months or so. Full-automatic up/down/vent for the power windows and my PowerSlider and full auto climate control are more important to me.

Putting the control where the dimmer knob is should be very easy for you to do. The little panel that the dimmer attaches to (with the fog switch) just pops straight out after you remove the lower dash cover. The dimmer knob pulls off and the switch is held to the panel with a single nut around the shaft.

Wiring it into the stock wiper delay will be harder, but I don't believe impossible. That's why I would avoid drilling a new hole because when I get around to doing the RainTracker, that's going to be my goal -- to use the stock delay control. The reason why Toyota's are difficult is because Toyota builds the electronics for the wiper delay directly into the wiper switch. Therefore, connections between the delay control and delay electronics are not external to the switch -- and it's these connections that must be intercepted to use the delay control for some other function. On other makes, the delay electronics are either built into the "Body Computer" (Ford, Honda, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi) or built into the wiper motor itself (GM). This means the delay control signal from the switch to the electronics can be easily intercepted in the wiring harness between the switch and the BCM/wiper motor. That was simple, wasn't it? ;-)

Mudog, thanks for the info! :)

When you mentioned auto climate control, are you thinking of the ones from Sequioa? Would that be difficult to do? How about cost? That would be cool! :tu:

Originally posted by davecsu
Mudog, thanks for the info! :)

When you mentioned auto climate control, are you thinking of the ones from Sequioa? Would that be difficult to do? How about cost? That would be cool! :tu:

I originally looked into transplanting the system from the Sequoia, but found a direct transplant would be impractical for several reasons:

1. The Sequoia "Integration Panel" (center control panel) lacks provisions for some things needed on a Tundra: Passenger Airbag Keyswitch & Light, 4WD Low range button and different labeling for the Cargo Lamp button (the function on the Sequoia escapes me at the moment, I think it's "VSC off").

2. The panels on both the Tundra and Sequoia interface to the engine ECU and I can't be certain that the Sequoia panel will "talk" to a Tundra ECU properly. The function of the signals between the two systems are not clearly defined in the service manuals.

3. The panel on the Sequoia also interfaces to the instrument cluster with additional 2 lines not found on a Tundra, so there is an issue if I can fool it into functioning wihout those lines.

4. The Sequoia panel would also require all Sequoia parts for the rest of the system, which include: Temp Control Amp ($450), Blower Control ($147), Air Mix Servo ($97), Air Mode Servo, Sunload sensor, In-car sensor, Ambient sensor, and the control panel itself. New, these parts are in excess of $1,500 from a Toyota dealer (wholesale pricing, BTW, lower than the "discounted" price places like Carson charge us). That cost makes it impractical. Finding the parts at a junkyard are near impossible -- it's hard enough to find a wrecked Tundra, let alone a Sequoia! And, again there is the possibility that they may not function without a matching Sequoia gauge cluster and engine ECU!

So, the alternative I came up with was designing my own system from scratch, using a few pieces from the Sequoia system (Air Mix Servo & Blower Control) and reusing the stock Tundra Integration Panel. It would also use the outside temp sensor included with the comp/temp mirrors as the ambient sensor, add an in-car sensor & sunload sensor.

The Integration Panel would remain stock in appearance, with the three rotating dials, however the following functions would change:

1. The blower control (Off-Low-M1-M2-High) would become Off-Low-Auto1-Auto2-High). As implied, in the two "Auto" positions, the blower speed would be controlled automatically at one of 32 (!) discrete levels. The speed would ramp up and down, almost imperceptably, as needed to maintain the cabin temperature. The speed would also be increased 10% in the "Auto2" position, and increase up to 20% based on the signal from the sunload sensor. The Low position would yield a fixed speed approximately between the current Low & M1 speeds, and the High position would fix the speed at maximum.

2. The temp control (Cold---Hot) would be replaced with a potentiometer and become the set temp. dial. Markings would be Cold---65(9o'clock)--75(12o'clock)--85(3o'clock)--Hot. The temp dial position would be read by an ATC (auto temp control) computer of my own design and would set the temperature the system would maintain. At the dial extremes (full Cold or full Hot), the system would be "overridden" and drive the Air Mix Servo to either the full hot or full cold positions. Otherwise, the ATC computer would vary the Air Mix Servo to maintain the set temperature. I considered replacing this dial with 2 buttons and a digital readout, but decided against it because such an arrangement would require the user to look at the display to confirm changes -- a potention distraction while driving. Almost all the stock ATCs these days went back to a rotary knob for temp setting for this reason.

3. The "Recirc" button would operate as stock with 2 exceptions: 1. In the "fresh" position, the ATC computer would switch to "Recirc" automatically in situations when "Max A/C" is needed (various criteria would be considered, including outside temp, inside temp, and the temperature rate change). 2. In the "recirc" position, recirc would only be allowed for a maximum period of time, which would vary if the A/C was on vs. off, then it would automatically switch back to "fresh" This is the way most stock ATC's operate and they do this to prevent fogging of the inside windows in cooler, humid weather and to prevent the formation of "musty" smells in the A/C ductwork and evap. coil.

4. The A/C button would operate as stock. The ATC would vary it's operating strategy when on vs. off.

5. The Mode dial would remain manual. This is to keep the system simpler and costs down. I did some quick figuring and adding full-auto mode control to the system would add $200 to the total cost. For me, at least, I'm most interested eliminating the "fiddling" of the manual system so auto blower and temp control are my goals. Having to occasionally rotate the dial from panel to floor is no big deal. Also, some auto systems don't deal well with situations where the outside temp. is close to the desired (set) temp -- they may not pick the mode setting that the driver prefers, so the driver ends up overriding it anyway. One thing that would be automated is the "Defrost" (full clockwise position) -- in that position the ATC computer would override the "recirc" button to "fresh" and reduce the rate at which the blower speed reduces as the system approaches the set temperature (ie. keep the speed "higher, longer") to aid defrosting. It would NOT force the A/C on, as the stock Tundra system does, however if you performed the mod to disable the stock "defroster linked A/C" (as Toyota calls it) you will have to reverse the mod for the ATC to sense the "Def" mode correctly.

A couple of additional, optional functions (user enabled):

6. The A/C can cut out under WOT and the cut-out time limit could vary according to temp demand (hotter outside, less cut-out time).

7. When A/C was on and the vehicle stopped and turned off, the system would switch to "fresh" and run the blower at medium speed for a few minutes to purge condensation from the evap coil. This will help reduce the mold build-up that causes the musty smells. The time would vary automatically according the circumstances (ie. if the system was operating in Recirc prior to shut-off, then the "purge" time would be longer).

8. If the vehicle is equipped with a remote starter and the remote start was activated, the system would automatically switch on the A/C if the driver left it off but the outside temperature is 5 deg higher than the set temp.

9. Upon unlocking the vehicle with the keyless entry or alarm, and the interior temperature is more than 5 deg over the set temp, the system would enter the purge mode described in #7, except at High speed and only until a door was opened or 60 seconds passes, whichever comes first.

10. A control output would be provided to activate (user-added) heated outside mirrors based on ambient temperature and other conditions. The output would "cycle" as needed to maintain the mirrors defogged, but prevent overheating of the mirror elements. In other words, "automatic heated side mirrors."

11. A control output would be provided to activate (user-added) heated seats based on ambient temperature, as soon as either 1. the truck is unlocked or 2. remote start activated. In the case of activation with an unlock, they would shut off within 5 minutes if a door isn't opened and truck started.

12. Because the system has a sunload sensor, it would double as an ambient light sensor and outputs would be provided for full auto on/off control of the headlights.

My goal is to be able to put a kit together in the $500-600 range. Because of the cost of the individual parts, I doubt I'll be able to get it much lower. If I can't get it down to $600, then I doubt I'll make a kit because I'm guessing it would be prohibitively expensive for most people.

Originally posted by Mudog715
9. Upon unlocking the vehicle with the keyless entry or alarm, and the interior temperature is more than 5 deg over the set temp, the system would enter the purge mode described in #7, except at High speed and only until a door was opened or 60 seconds passes, whichever comes first.

I forgot to add the option #9 can also compliment other vehicle add-ons such as the RainTracker and Full Auto Window Control like this:

9. Upon unlocking, meeting the conditions previously described ... the system would enter purge mode. If equipped with auto windows, the windows would lower to the "vent" position or previously "memorized" position when the vehicle was last stopped (i.e. if they were fully down when stopped, they would return to fully down). If equipped with the RainTracker, and rain was detected, then the windows would remain closed or would close if rain was detected after the windows were already opened (this would function even if RainTracker were "shut off" for auto wiper control). Upon entering the vehicle and turning the key on, the windows would either remain in the opened position (if previously open) or return closed (if previously closed) after approximately 30 seconds (depending if the A/C was on and what the interior/outside/set temperatures are).

I received the rain sensor today. It will be my project for this weekend. I hope for some rain after I install it. So I can test it and post the result. :)

I finally installed the rain sensor today. When I was working on it, it was raining outside. Ironically, when I finished installation, the rain stopped. So I had to get out the hose to test it. It works like a charm. The wiper speed is automatically adjusted according to the amount of rain on the windshield. If there's no rain, it stops wiping. Best of all, it can be override for manual operation. I love it! :tu:

I bought the optional sensitivity control (XC-1), which is mounted on the steering column below the wiper switch. The sensor itself is mounted next to the rearview mirror. What's most time consuming was taking all the panels off to run the wires. But it's worth it! :)

If anyone is interested in this upgrade, I can consider of doing a write up. :)

davecsu
Would make an excellent addition to the "Garage" and candidate for "Mod-of-the-Month".

Originally posted by nhparrot
davecsu
Would make an excellent addition to the "Garage" and candidate for "Mod-of-the-Month". Excellent idea. :tu: Hope you took some pics.

Originally posted by nhparrot
davecsu
Would make an excellent addition to the "Garage" and candidate for "Mod-of-the-Month".

Will do!
How do I post/submit a mod?

HI, Hate to rehash an old thread, but could one of these be used to control a sunroof?? I have a sunroof in my '94 Jeep grand cherokee that has a rain sensor on it. Closes when it rains.. Also vents automatically when interior temp reaches 90 and closes automatically at 65 . Sure miss not having this inmy Tundra..

This seems to be a very old thread. Has anyone bought and installed the Raintracker auto wiper system in the meantime? I have one on order and would very much appreciate some help to integrate its operation into the factory wiper stalk.

Thanks,

Nikolas