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Parking sensors

A

Any1else

Member
My parking sensors weren’t working and I replaced the module but still had the same issue. When I stick in reverse the gong chimes (no solid tone at start) reversing light comes on and the sensors “click” but they don’t create a rapid beep on the sounder when near an object. When I connect the code reader the two inner sensors show distance to an object but the two outer ones dont. It also says that “Parking Aid is not activated”. Anyone know what might be causing this to happen? Could it be the gong/sounder itself?
 
I don’t get the long beep when I engage reverse but I get the continual chime. The reverse light comes on so I presume the switch is ok but the code reader says that the parking aid is not active. Does anyone know if the gong under the dash activates the sensors as well as chiming? I wonder if the problem is with it itself and replacing it would solve the issue. If not, what “activates” the PDC?
 
The gong is just a multi-input sounder - it doesn't know why it's making the noises it does.

Which "chime" do you get? The PDC should generate "beeps" - I wonder if the single pin connector (the PDC feed IIRC) has been forced into the wrong hole (there's two on the back of the gong with different keying.)
 
Cheers smorris_12 - I wondered if the sounder was more than just a gong but if it isnt, there probably no point replacing it.

I used to get a solid tone when I engaged reverse and then it would "ding" every second or so. If the sensors detected an obstruction the dinging would get faster. Now I just get the ding every second or so. The system isnt turning on and becoming "active" when I engage reverse so the sensors arent working.

Wires are connected correctly with the little keys on the plugs in the right place. See image.

If the reversing light switch is ok (light comes on) and the fuses are ok, what tells the car to activate the PDC? I am assuming that is where my issue is.
 

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Interesting - I don't have the single white one so the black connector is the PDC, FWIW (had my head under the dash the other day.)

Unfortunately I can't remember what triggers the PDC and I can't access the wiring diagrams at the mo. It sounds as if it's trying to work but permanently seeing something a couple of feet away to not just give the single long beep.
 
If I take the white wire out of mine I dont get any sound at all.

I know that the sensors arent seeing anything because the code reader that I have shows me the distance to any object they "see" and its is more than 255cm. Thanks for the help though. I will just need to keep messing around with them and hope i get lucky. It all seems to hinge on what activates the system and I thought it would be the reversing switch.
 
You could always just unplug it all and use the mirrors. :poke:
Sorry, just thought I'd add the pre-millenial solution. :roll:
 
I've had several BMWs with factory fitted PDC and none of them chimed when I put them in reverse.

The only one that did was my previous Z4 that had been retro-fitted with PDC.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that if OE ones chimed when engaging reverse it was to signify a fault?
 
Mr Tidy said:
I've had several BMWs with factory fitted PDC and none of them chimed when I put them in reverse.

The only one that did was my previous Z4 that had been retro-fitted with PDC.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that if OE ones chimed when engaging reverse it was to signify a fault?
Click to expand...

It's a setting you can code. I had my both my old 3 series (E46, so probably the same control module as the e85/6) beep briefly when going into and out of reverse. I liked it as a piece of mind I didn't slipped into reverse at traffic lights by mistake. A long beep however is for a fault, iirc

As for the trigger - it's either reverse, or in theory, speed. However, I've never managed to code them to work at low speeds despite the settings being there (maybe it's only for front sensors, which the E46/e85 don't have?), only ever reverse.
 
I suspect you know this but you should be able to hear the sensors clicking if you put your ear close to them with the ignition on and in reverse. One of mine is very faint but just about audible with my good ear, the ear on the opposite side to where she sleeps coincidentally.
 
enuff_zed said:
You could always just unplug it all and use the mirrors. :poke:
Sorry, just thought I'd add the pre-millenial solution. :roll:
Click to expand...

Haha - yes, been doing that for a while but wanted to try and get it fixed. Always think if a car is fitted with something, I want it to work. :D
 
TriggerFish said:
As for the trigger - it's either reverse, or in theory, speed. However, I've never managed to code them to work at low speeds despite the settings being there (maybe it's only for front sensors, which the E46/e85 don't have?), only ever reverse.
Click to expand...

mmm, I thought it would activate as soon as reverse was selected. Makes sense that front ones would be speed activated.

Mr Tidy said:
I seem to remember reading somewhere that if OE ones chimed when engaging reverse it was to signify a fault?
Click to expand...

Interesting - I thought the solid chime was to say that the system was active.
 
Sorted. Turns out the issue was the reversing module that I had already replaced. I had got the same part number that was already installed but after trying everything to sort the problem I checked Real OEM and discovered that the module installed was the wrong part number for the car. Bought the correct part number and now the system works fine. Code reader shows the parking aid being active when reverse is engaged and all sensors register the correct distance to any object I place behind the car. Another niggle off the list :)
 
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