Western-Star

Wheels: An e-mail question from Ed asks, "I purchased a used Lexus RX330 and I have had problems with several items that I can't resolve and I hate to spend the money to take it to a shop. One problem is that my rain sense wipers, while they work okay, they are not as sensitive as I would hope, meaning that a lot of rain water has to be on the windshield before the wiper starts. Can I adjust the sensor located on the inside of the windshield? The second problem is that the rear electric-operated door does not open by the push button on the dash. Any help would be greatly appreciated."

Halderman: I checked service information and your vehicle has a sensitivity adjustment for the rain sensor wipers on the right hand stalk. Check to see if it is in the least sensitive position and if so, adjust it until it is to your liking. Another possible cause for the rain sense wiper to be less sensitive is if a window tint was applied to the top part of the windshield. While this is rare, it could be a possible reason why the rain sense wipers are not sensitive.

Regarding the electric-opening rear door, be sure to check the button in the glove box. This button can be depressed to keep others from getting access to the rear area. The glove box can be locked so that the button cannot be accessed. If the security or valet button is in the correct position, then there could be a fault in the system requiring a professional to diagnose the circuits involved.

NOTE TO READERS:

It is now officially spring and time for an oil change. Following the seasons of the year, rather than miles driven, is an excellent method of determining when the oil needs to be changed. In warm weather months, we tend to drive more but warm weather is not as hard on engine oils, so using time of the year instead of mileage seems to work for most vehicle owners.

Wheels: Besides changing the engine oil and oil filter, are there other items that should be checked or services performed at this time of year?

Halderman: Now is an excellent time to have the tires checked and rotated, as well as having the cabin air filter replaced. Other items that should be checked include:

- Engine air filter

- Accessory drive belt

- Air-conditioning system for proper operation

- Windshield wiper blades replaced

- Also, now is an excellent time to thoroughly wash and wax the vehicle and get it ready for the spring and summer driving season.