Reverse Aid sensors acting up - Diesel Forum

grec-o-face · 07-29-2009, 09:43 AM

My reverse sensors seem to act up more and more. I can't figure out why. Sometimes they work just fine however. The sensors are clean and free of debris.

The sensors seem to think theres something in the way. Could I have a sensor beginning to fail? Is there a way to test each sensor?

VTFireftr · 07-29-2009, 12:48 PM

The best way to test the sensors is replace 1 at a time until the system no longer acts up. But I believ your dealer can do a diagnosis withe their computer, but make sure you check before you bring it in.

Where are you located in Mass?

Marc

grec-o-face · 07-29-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTFireftr

The best way to test the sensors is replace 1 at a time until the system no longer acts up. But I believ your dealer can do a diagnosis withe their computer, but make sure you check before you bring it in.

Where are you located in Mass?

Marc

I'll talk to a Ford-tech friend and see what he's got to say about testing the system via computer.
I'm in the South Shore, Randolph/Avon area.

VTFireftr · 07-29-2009, 04:29 PM

Let me know if you ned help replacing the sensors. I work in Boston and stay in Foxboro during the week.

You can find the replacement sensors on eBay a whole lot cheaper than at the dealer.

marc

Todes · 07-30-2009, 11:46 AM

Even though the sensors may look clean they can sometime be tripped by oil and dust. Clean them with what every cleaner you choos then take a wet rag and wipe them down and then use a lent free rag to dry them off. I know it seems wierd but this has worked for me all the time.

If that doesnt work have a buddy put his hand in front of each sensor one at a time about 6-8 inches away and it should change the tone....but the one that does not change the tone when hand is placed is most likely the one that is acting up

Its hard to describe that test properly....let me know if you got what I was trying to say.

grec-o-face · 08-12-2009, 04:23 PM

Well, I diag'd the sensors the other day with my Ford-Tech friend (ohhh, and I want one of those computers, you can get deep into the Ford Software...). And, OF COURSE, they all performed flawlessly!!!
There's a shocker; a disappearing, intermittent problem -- it's like chasing a ghost.
Going on Vacation tomorrow, so I'll continue this battle when I get back. I know it's an F'd up sensor, just gotta catch it in the act!!

VTFireftr · 08-13-2009, 11:32 AM

If it's not a constant problem, you probably have some condensation in one of the sensors.

Again, you just have to find the bad sensor.

Have a great vacation!

Marc

doczenith1 · 08-13-2009, 02:12 PM

Does anyone have a part number handy?

VTFireftr · 08-14-2009, 10:46 AM

No but definitley check eBay. I bought 5 there for ther price of 1.

Marc

**woodnthings8** · 08-14-2009, 01:57 PM

Autoenginuity software will also test the sensors. I have tried it on mine and works pretty slick, gives you readings in meters for each sensor. One thing to think about is if you have a trailer hitch the I/B sensors will sense it. I have a couple hitches for various trailers, one is slightly higer than the rest. If I have the hitch ball cover on (about 1" higher) I often get a tone. If I take the cover off it usually goes away.

kennymax · 11-19-2009, 02:40 AM

Is there a way to turn it off.The guy i bouuht the truck from said he turned it off.When in park you can turn the rev sensor on or off so the light turns on that says "off" but once you engage rev. the off light stays on and no noises.Its almost as he switched a wire around so it stays on off position....I want it back to on so it works...Thanks anyone how cqan help

**woodnthings8** · 11-19-2009, 08:11 AM

There is a small speaker that makes the beep noise, maybe he disconnected it? It is located under the R/H kick panel. Should be a little speaker mounted on the Parking Aid Module. Only has two wires going to it.

Also the parking aid system will be disabled if a fault is detected in one of the four sensors, the parking aid speaker or the parking aid module. This will be indicated by the parking aid disabled indicator being illuminated when the vehicle is put into reverse(R) gear.

grec-o-face · 11-19-2009, 08:51 AM

Mine's been okay recently - except for last Sat when it rained (correct me if I'm wrong, but rain shouldn't make it Tone, right?)

Let me first say that I back in against a wall every night when parking at home.
Two days ago, I was backing in and noticed no tone, AT ALL. I pulled REALLY close to the wall, and still nothing. The off-light was NOT lit. I pulled forward, and backed up again... it then worked just fine. ***?

I'm not looking forward to backing out of driveways (plowing) this winter and having to press the button every time.

Todes · 11-19-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grec-o-face

Mine's been okay recently - except for last Sat when it rained (correct me if I'm wrong, but rain shouldn't make it Tone, right?)

It will trip it, often drops gather on my sensors and cause them to go wacky. There nice when they work but are a PIA when they don't.

The best advice I can give is to use them as an aid, not as the method of backing up clearances.

**woodnthings8** · 11-19-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

I'm not looking forward to backing out of driveways (plowing) this winter and having to press the button every time.

You could easily add a switch to the wires that control the speaker. If you cut one and splice in a switch and mount it near the cancel switch. The system may think it is not working properly, but the tone would silent. Doesn't matter which wire you splice as you are opening the circuit to silence it.

Rough Diagram for what I am saying.