Parking sensor problem

[TonyS]

Hi Guys,

I seem to have a problem with the parking sensors! When I select reverse I immediately get a constant warning sound as if I am right up close to something behind, even though there is nothing there. Reversing toward a wall does not alter this, it is as if the sensor(s) believe I'm two inches away from something! I've checked all the sensors for any dirt/debris and the reversing light is working as it should; any ideas please?

Tony

 

[steveoz32]

My first thought was what you've done - to check for debry. Seeing as it's switching and you have power, I would think it has to be a sensor issue, the easiest way to check though I am not sure without knowing how they are wired in. You may be able to get a volt meter on them in turn and find the offending sensor, quite how you get to them without taking the bumper off though I don't know sorry

Hopefully someone will come along that knows a bit more, but as it's a generic item fitted to many cars and I imagine they all work on the same principle I would just google for parking sensor issues and see what comes up.


Cheers,

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Get a test done with a PST/PIWIS tester. It will tell you which sensor is faulty, and save a lot of guesswork and grief.

 

[Keggers]

If there is a fault with the system or one of the sensors (rather than just some dirt over one making it think its up close to something), the constant buzz is at a lower pitch than the noise that you usually get when you are up very close to something. Does it sound different?

 

[TonyS]

I can't really tell if it is a differnt pitch Keggers, however I did some research on the internet (as suggested by Steve) and it turns out that you can actually hear the sensors if they are working!

With the ignition on and the transmission in reverse (therefore the constant warning sound) I put my ear to each sensor and believe it or not I could hear them clicking! Well, all except the corner nearside one, so I suspect it is the culprit.

Does anyone know how I go about getting it out of the bumper please? There is some suggestions on the net regarding trying to dry the sensor out in an airing cupboard as water ingress is often the cause of failure and they can be repaired - allegedly.

Cheers,
Tony