Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)
Useful tips for motorists

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

Parktronic is a necessary and important assistant for beginners and experienced motorists. The system helps to avoid collisions with obstacles when performing a parking manoeuvre. Very often, novice motorists do not notice posts, high curbs and other obstacles when reversing.

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

In order to protect drivers from ridiculous accidents, there are parking sensors or parking radars. These are electronic devices and periodically they fail for various reasons.

On the basis of this principle, simpler devices also work - an echo sounder for fishing, as well as parking sensors for motorists.

Inside the sensor, you can find a piezoceramic plate. It oscillates at ultrasonic frequencies, like a speaker in an audio system. Ultrasound is used only because it is much easier to use, unlike the same radio waves. No need for antennas, specifications and approvals.

This plate is a transceiver antenna. The control unit itself connects the plate to the ultrasound generator and to the receiver.

After generating an ultrasonic signal, when it began to move, the plate acts as a receiver. The block at this time already estimates the time of the signal movement and its return back.

What is parking sensors and how does it work

Electromagnetic parking sensors are arranged differently, but the principle is no different from the classic radar. Here, a special aluminum tape is used as a sensor. This tape must be installed on the back of the bumper.

The main difference between electromagnetic parking sensors is that they do not work only when the car is moving or when obstacles are moving. The device does not respond to the distance to the obstacle, but to a change in this distance.

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

The main malfunctions of parking sensors

Among the main malfunctions of devices are:

Marriage. This is a common thing, especially when you consider that the bulk of the proposals on the market are made in China. This problem can be solved only by returning the parking sensors to the seller or manufacturer;

Wiring faults, sensors or tape at the points of its installation to the bumper;

Control unit malfunctions - This is a fairly rare problem. The control units of high-quality parking sensors are equipped with their own diagnostic system and if there is a problem, the driver will definitely receive a message or some kind of signal;

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

Problems with sensors or tape due to dirt, dust, moisture. Ultrasonic sensors can fail even with a slight impact of the stone.

The tape requires constant cleaning, for which it must be dismantled. The ultrasonic sensor is not particularly afraid of dirt and moisture. But moisture tends to accumulate and then disables the element;

Блок управления parking sensors most often fail also due to dirt and water. Often, short circuits are diagnosed at autopsy;

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

Another error is conduction. The problem is quite rare. This can be allowed during the process of installing the system on a car.

Diagnostics and repair methods

The main function of the parking radar is to inform the driver about an obstacle behind or in front of the car.

If the device does not emit any signals or generates signals with errors, you need to understand the causes and eliminate them, but first it is worth conducting a comprehensive diagnosis.

Sensor check

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

If the radar worked before, but suddenly stopped, the first step is to check the condition of the ultrasonic sensors - they may be in dirt or dust. When cleaning sensors, attention is paid not only to the elements themselves, but also to the mounting point. It is important that the sensor mounting is secure.

If cleaning does not work, then you should make sure that the elements are working. Checking this is quite simple - the driver needs to turn on the ignition, and then touch each sensor with a finger. If the sensor is working, then it will vibrate and crack. If nothing cracks when touched with a finger, then the sensor changes to a new one. Sometimes sensors can be repaired.

If using a finger it was possible to determine which of the sensors on the bumper is not working, then before taking more serious action, it is worth drying the element well. Sometimes, after thorough drying, the sensors begin to work. If this does not happen, then you can check the element with a multimeter.

The sensor has electrical contacts - some models have two and some three contacts. Left on most elements - "mass". The tester is switched to resistance measurement mode. One probe is connected to the "mass", and the second - to the second contact.

If the device shows that the resistance is greater than zero and not equal to infinity, then the sensor is in working condition. In all other cases, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

You can also check the wiring with a multimeter. To do this, check all the wires with which the sensor is connected to the control unit. If an open or other malfunction of the electrical circuit is found, then a replacement wiring for a specific sensor is needed.

Control unit diagnostics

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

The unit is reliably protected from moisture and dirt and very rarely fails - it is installed in the passenger compartment, and all the wiring from the sensors is connected to it using wires or wirelessly.

In the event of a problem, you can remove the printed circuit board and visually diagnose it - if damaged capacitors or resistors are visible, then they can be easily replaced with available analogues.

Checking the metallized parking radar tape

As for metallized tapes, everything is much simpler. The tape has the simplest, if not primitive device - malfunctions can only occur due to physical damage.

The entire diagnostic process is reduced to a thorough visual inspection. It is necessary to pay attention to even minor defects - scratches, cracks.

If the integrity of the tape is not broken, then it is recommended to look for the causes of malfunctions anywhere, since the tape has nothing to do with it.

Why did the parking sensors stop working (reasons, diagnostics, repair)

How to avoid breakdowns of parking sensors in the future

To avoid problems with the parking radar, it is important to always monitor the status of the sensors. If there is dirt on the structural elements, they should be thoroughly cleaned immediately. The same goes for moisture.

In addition to proper installation, competent adjustment is also required. If the sensors are too sensitive, the device will even react to grass. If, on the contrary, it is too low, then the device may not notice a huge concrete bin or bench.

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