PDC Parking sensor problems.

[dhobbs]

Hi guys
I'm having problems with my rear parking sensors. On engaging reverse i get a long beep followed by various other beeps.
I have listened to each sensor in turn and they all crackle the same so i can assume they are all ok.

I also have put my code reader on (autel) and there are no stored codes.
I've had a hairdryer on them if they have any water in them, but no luck.

I had this before and after cleaning the car the issue went away, but now it's back!
So any ideas?
Is there anything to clean them with? WD40, compressed air or contact cleaner? I personally would avoid WD40 as it leaves an oily coating.

Any suggestions?

 

[jabber]

I would check the connections on the sensors had similar problems disconnected all plugs cleaned them up and sprayed them with wd40 and fault cleared

 

[dhobbs]

I would check the connections on the sensors had similar problems disconnected all plugs cleaned them up and sprayed them with wd40 and fault cleared

Thanks. I assume it a bumper off job?

 

[jabber]

I would check the connections on the sensors had similar problems disconnected all plugs cleaned them up and sprayed them with wd40 and fault cleared

Thanks. I assume it a bumper off job?

Yes but it's fairly easy to do

 

[dhobbs]

Update.
Just had the bumper off a gave all the connections a clean with contact cleaner.
All back together and still the same fault

On a plus side, i gave the crash bar a quick going over with hammerite and also give the exhaust tips a good polish.

So back to the PDC, what fuse is it? I may try and pull it to reset it.
Also where is the module located. May try reseating that too.

The battery is good and shows a green dot on the top so hopefully that's not causing it.

 

[dhobbs]

Just did a Google and it's fuse number 8, a 5A fuse.
That's all good so maybe it's a trip to the stealers

 

[dhobbs]

Bump, any suggestions?

 

[SonnyA85]

i have the same issue.

i have learned to just live with the fact they don't work.

i asked a local bodyshop garage to have a look at it and they said the front left of the car had some parts missing underneath which houses the temp sensor and the wiring for the parking sensors.

however all the sensors have power so i'm sure they were talking crap. i removed battery for 30 mins which reset my programmable seats but never fixed it.

if you find a fix let me know.

 

[Any1else]

I had the same thing here http://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95686

I replaced two of the non working sensors and cleared the codes but the system still didnt work despite all the sensors "pulsing" on reverse. I ended up removing the bumper and disconnecting all the sensors. Then I reconnected them, cleared the codes and checked I was getting a reading on the Intravee for the sensors. I discovered some wouldnt give a reading despite "pulsing". I figured they had to be ok so I swapped them around and put them into different sensor holes in the bumper. I finally found a combination that worked and have run with it. Now they all work - they all show a reading on the Intravee and beep when an object is detected. Only thing they dont do is beep when I engage reverse. Will have to look at that.

 

[bladeowner]

OP. I found disconnecting the connectors to the PDC module in the boot and cleaning the contacts with contact cleaner cured my problem.
The module is in the boot at the RHS near the boot light.
Remove the rear lamps cover, pull out the carpet plastic rivet underneath.
Fold down the carpet a bit near the boot light and unscrew the bottom 10mm plastic nut of the module bracket and the top unhooks from the metal band. There are 2 connectors to the module.
Hope this works for you.

 

[dhobbs]

Found the PDC unit in the boot, now to disconnect and clean it up.

Have got a mate who's going to attach it to his pc to see if any codes are there! My code reader shows nothing.

Just looking on realoem and my colour doesn't seem to show up for the parking sensors. Just want to double check part numbers before getting a replacement. (Montego blue by the way)

 

[Worcester_spoon]

i have the same issue.

i have learned to just live with the fact they don't work.

This ^

 

[dhobbs]

PDC unit out and connections all cleaned using contact cleaner (5 minute job).

Still no change

Next step I think is to buy another sensor and try each on in turn.

Thanks for all the advice so far.
Daz

 

[dhobbs]

Update.
Firstly and importantly my sensors work now. Yippee.

Secondly I've been an idiot. In testing my sensors I parked normally on my drive, which is close to a wall. So whilst I was testing it was of course beeping because it was either foo-barred or working correctly.
Of course taking the bumper off and reseating all the connections was away from the wall.
So how did I fix my problem, well it was either spraying a diluted car shampoo onto the sensors and agitating with a toothbrush, or by reseating the PDC unit in the car.
Either way, it works (for now).
Daz

 

[SonnyA85]

you got any pics of where this unit is and hot to get into it? what tools do I need?

i'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this stuff so i will need a complete idiots guide. all my sensors tick so i will just clean up the connections, re-attach and then test.

 

[dhobbs]

you got any pics of where this unit is and hot to get into it? what tools do I need?

i'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this stuff so i will need a complete idiots guide. all my sensors tick so i will just clean up the connections, re-attach and then test.

Not got any pics but it's very easy to get to the PDC unit.
In the boot on the right hand side, pull back the carpet (remove rear light cover and there's a single clip for the carpet).
The PDC is held in place with a strap which only has a single bolt and slotted on the other end.
The connectors have a white cam lock which you press a tab to release and rotate through 90 degrees.
I used contact cleaner as it doesn't leave any residue.

As for the bumper sensors, it's initially daunting to take it off but look at the how to guide. Only tips are the plastic clip in the lower wheel arch is difficult to get to with the wheel on, and the cable loom was attached by cable ties to the bumper. I had to snip the off whilst holding the bumper on my feet!

Let us know how you get on.