Parking sensor: common defects and their signs.

1. Mechanical damages, soiling.
   • Sound signal of the parking sensor is constantly working.
   • Parking Assist system doesn’t react to an obstacle.
   • Distance to an obstacle is measured incorrectly.
2. Short circuit in electric chain.
   • The sensor doesn’t vibrate if it is touched at the running engine.
   • Parking radar activates at the absence of obstacles.
3. Damaging of parking system electronic control unit.
   1. Indicator of the parking system failure activates.
   2. There is no signal from the parking sensor.
   3. Soiling is visible on the control unit board during visual inspection.

How to repair or replace parking sensor?

Average lifetime of the car parking sensor is about 5 years. However, every car owner should perform regular check of parking system detectors and the control unit for presence of moisture and dirt.

Sometimes, in case of false activation of the parking radar, it is sufficient to check and adjust sensitivity settings of the sensor. This can be performed at a service station or by yourself, using car technical documentation.

If moisture or dirt ingressed into the parking sensor, it can be dried up or cleaned, together with the housing, where it is installed.

If the cause of the component defect is the damaged wiring or hitting of abrasive particles, it should be replaced. Replacement can be performed singlehandedly, by carrying out the following actions:

1. Demount a bumper by unbending its upper and lower fasteners.
2. Disconnect terminals with wires, which are mounted under the bumper from the old sensor.
3. Remove the sensor and install a new one onto its place.

If the defect is caused by damaging of the electronic control unit or the defect can not be detected, it is recommended to apply to a service station for performance of diagnostics and repair.