Parking Sensor Operation

[degens]

I have had a look through existing posts on the subject of Parking Sensors and Towbars but I have a further question.

 

The local Ford Dealer has said my parking sensors are not working due to the Towbar - despite telling me on the last 2 occassions I took it in "they were working fine while they had the car".

 

When I take the car out of reverse and drive off forwards the tone continues until I switch it off on the dash board. Surely this means that it is the front sensors detecting something? Don't the rear ones only operate in reverse?

 

If this is the case then they are talking rubbish - if not I need to do some investigation.

 

Cheers

 

Phil.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Don't know if this applies to the first shape Gals or not, but on facelifted versions the parking sensors are activated when you engage reverse gear, or switch them on manually. Once on, both front and rear (if fitted) work until vehicle speed gets to about 12mph or you switch them off manually. Yes, the front sensors work even when you are reversing to aid parallel parking etc.

[degens]

Thanks - I think I will take the towbar off and see if it improves.

 

We had the towbar fitted from day 1 and it was fine for months. But I can't remember if the problems started when I added the Caravan Stabalier bracket.

 

The Bracket pushes the towbar out another 10mm an the bracket itself sticks out about 5mm further on either side.

 

Cheers

 

Phil.

[Guest JIMSTDI]

did the problem go when you removed the bracket phil!!!

[GalMan]

Degens,

 

I've had a Witter tow bar fitted to my '03 Galaxy since new, I've also fitted a stabiliser bracket and bumper protection plate, parking sensors all work fine.

The only difference between this towbar and others I've had is that the twin electics seem to be mounted below and to the side of the bar instead of at the same level.

The only thing that doesn't operate is the light in the dash display that is supposed to flash to indicate that the indicators on what you are towing are working, but since I have an audible notification as well I haven't been bothered to ask the dealer why, I assume it's something that must be switched on in the engine managment unit, does anyone know if this is the case ?

 

Cheers

 

Galman.

[Guest JIMSTDI]

i also have a witter towbar fitted my light also doesnt come on

but you get the audible sound like what your getting

 

:o

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Galman - yes the dealers can re-programme the system to take account of a towbar, and the rear sensors should then not operate when a trailer is connected (because if they do, they will sound all the time as they detect the trailer). Sounds (no pun intended) as if they have been programmed incorrectly. Worth asking at your local service counter if they can investigate.

[GalMan]

Thanks Ivor,

 

Didn't realise it disabled the rear parking sensors as well, I think I might ask about this as it's a pain always having to turn the sensors off manually every time reverse is selected when towing.

I just hate having to ask the main dealers to do anything out of the ordinary in case they cause any other problems, but hopefully this should be a simple operation.

The car is going in for a bodywork and paint check soon (free of charge which is a miracle) so I'll ask then.

Whilst talking about bodywork I was told by the service desk of my local Ford dealer that if this is not checked annually and the service book stamped accordingly the guarantee becomes invalid, has anyone heard of this ? (If this needs to be a new topic please let me know)

 

Cheers

 

Galman.