Parking Sensor Questions

[Guest grahamm]

I need some advice and assistance on my Gal's parking sensors (51 plate 2.3 Zetec). I am getting the fault tone when the sensors normally come on (reverse and button). The tone is being emmitted from the rear sounder and not the front. My question is, does this mean the fault is with the rear sensors only or could either front or back sensors being at fault?

 

I would like to try and fix it myself and the rear sensors are easy to get to. I was going to get a sensor and replace in turn and see if the problem stops. I assume the front sensors pop out of the bumper on the trim they are fitted on. So far I haven't been able to get the trim out. Any hints?

 

This is all assuming that it is just the sensors, could there be something else at fault? (relay, circuit module, etc, etc).

 

Thanks,

Graham

[GSMGuy]

What is the fault tone??

 

Mike

[chromedome]

Check you haven't got water under the front passenger seat. That's where the sensor electronics are.

 

If you have got water there do a search for leaking rear windscreen washer!

[Guest MATT]

i had this EXACT PROBLEM, rear sensors - solid on?

 

i found out that it was the tow bar sockets, just in the way of the sensors line of detection, removed the covers that covered the sockets, and they

[Guest grahamm]

No towbar but I will check the passenger foot well.

 

Thanks,

Graham

[Guest Buddman]

Mine were playing up to, garage said any one of the sensors fail will cause total failure, so replacing one in turn sounds like a good idear

[Guest grahamm]

You guys are super! Last night I checked the recess below the front passenger seat. Swimming in water and a clear sign of water in the control box. Oh well at least I am 99% sure of the problem now, I really didn't fancy trying to get the front bumper sensors out.

 

I have put the control box open in the airing cupboard overnight to dry it out, very little water actually appeared to make it inside. Though I don't hold much hope. Will keep posting how things are going...

[Andrew T]

A number of us have used the Airing Cupboard method successfully. I recall someone (VR6 Galaxy ?) saying recently that you can break the box open to dry it more thoroughly.

[Guest grahamm]

Yes I can recommend the taking apart and putting it in the airing cupboard method. Works perfectly again. I've mounted it on 1cm tall risers this time but I want to go back and put in a more water proof solution later. I'm still kind of confused how so much water got in in the first place. Nowhere else appears wet. However I believe wet foot wells is a Galaxy trait.

 

A big thanks again to all those who helped out :(

 

Graham

[chromedome]

Pleased you found the problem.

 

One of the biggest causes of water in this area is the rear washers. There is a joint in the pipework which can come apart, so everytime you use the rear washer you fill the car instead.

 

There are some threads on this forum which cover this problem, I believe there are pictures available as well. I think the join is behind the panel in the foot well but don't take my word for it.