Audi A4 parking sensors

[aaronwhiffin]

Hi guys

I have an A4 3.2 Quattro FSI S-line (2006) - just bought it.

The parking sensors don't work. I get a beep when I first select reverse. I'm done some homework and have listened to the sensors and one (driver's corner) doesn't click, so probably it's dead.

3 questions please

1. Can I hard wire it out temporarily (as 3 sensors are better than 0)? if so where/how?
2. If I get replacement, can I fit without removing bumper? (it's the corner)
3. As my car is red, will it still work if I spray the colour myself with primer/paint?

Thank you

[Adrian E]

aaronwhiffin said:

Hi guys

I have an A4 3.2 Quattro FSI S-line (2006) - just bought it.

The parking sensors don't work. I get a beep when I first select reverse. I'm done some homework and have listened to the sensors and one (driver's corner) doesn't click, so probably it's dead.

3 questions please

1. Can I hard wire it out temporarily (as 3 sensors are better than 0)? if so where/how?
2. If I get replacement, can I fit without removing bumper? (it's the corner)
3. As my car is red, will it still work if I spray the colour myself with primer/paint?

Thank you

Do you have rears only or front as well? If you have both usually if there's an error the sensor light for controlling the fronts will flash in sympathy rather than being on solidly when the sensors are active.

You can't fool the system to make it active, unfortunately.

Not sure if you'll be able to replace without bumper removal - stick your head underneath and if you can't see it there's your answer! I suspect you will need to at least partially remove the bumper.

Your best bet is to order a full set of 4 off German ebay - ask your local dealer what part number(s) your sensors are (sometimes the inner and outer ones are different) and this seller will colour match to your paint code. They've done some for my S8 and they're very well done. The sensors work out considerably cheaper than OEM, even with painting!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261875758727?_trksid=p20...

If the link expires search for seller 'dropedo-shop' - note that those are the sensors for my S8 so you need to confirm the correct part numbers for your specific vehicle

[aaronwhiffin]

I just have rears mate, no front.

That link works cheers, but isn't that just for one? It'll cost a fair whack for all 4...

Why can't I replace one and get it sprayed?

Confused

Thanks

[Adrian E]

aaronwhiffin said:

I just have rears mate, no front.

That link works cheers, but isn't that just for one? It'll cost a fair whack for all 4...

Why can't I replace one and get it sprayed?

Confused

Thanks

OK, well rears only makes life easier for sure.

You haven't priced them up individually from Audi yet, have you?! They're over £100 each unpainted.....

My logic is that if one has gone the others will follow, so if you're faffing about you might as well do the lot and forget about it.

They're non-genuine replacements and you might find if you've got a mix of non-genuine and genuine, plus they're of varying ages, the system may not work all that well at successfully detecting an obstacle as the signal deteriorates with age.

[aaronwhiffin]

Oh I see.

I was thinking of buying a second hand OEM one from eBay for £20 and seeing what happens, and spraying it myself (before I put on car). Hopefully that'll be just as worn as my ones

Trying to keep costs low for now, just had an engine blow in my BMW M3, and need to sell for spares/parts (at a loss), just bought the Audi, so rather get it working and worry about replacing all of them when things have settled down and I've recouped some of the money from the BMW.

Thoughts?

Can I spray myself? (I'm unsure how they work)

[Adrian E]

An additional layer of paint isn't going to help it work, that's for sure. I'd not bother with used if you can't get one the same paint code. If you're on that tight a budget you can live without parking sensors

[aaronwhiffin]

That's true mate

I was thinking of scraping off the paint lightly and doing a thin coat over the top.

Either that or try a single one from your guy, and if that fails buy the other 3...

Thanks

[Dr G]

Generally you can replace just one (assuming sensor failure rather than wiring).

With ignition on and sensors on (engine not running) put your ear up to each sensor, one at a time. The one that is not clicking is broken.

new sensor from TPS and have a 'chips away' type man paint it for you if you don't want to do it yourself. Probably only 30-40 quid.

Depending on access bank on a hour of labour for an independent garage to replace.

As already mentioned; a repainted, used sensor is probably a waste of money.

[aaronwhiffin]

Roger that thanks mate

I'll give it a go myself and see what happens

[aaronwhiffin]

Bought a £12.50 sensor from eBay.
Got some paint matched to mine at Halfords (£14.99)
Did it myself.

Only applied two coats (and one lacquer) as didn't want to interfere with sensor so the colour is very slightly darker then the main paint, but you'd only notice it if pointed out to you.

The sensor isn't quite as sensitive as the others (less distance), but all works fine.

Thanks

[Andy JB]

I have the same year of A4 and found when one went another followed shortly afterwards, they then all packed up, then 3 months ago all started working again and have done since!!!!

The single replacement works (ebay to try) but i would advise professional spray to ensure paint doesn't hinder effectiveness. Its one of those things you can live without but you could spend a fortune trying to fix them as it could also be the control unit/relay/individual sensors etc