S Type - Access to rear parking sensors
S Type - Access to rear parking sensors
Author
Discussion

John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Saturday 20th June 2009
quotequote all

This is probably a dumb question.

I have identified (from other post on this site) that I have 1 x faulty rear parking sensor.

How do I gain access to check connections.

I am assuming that I remove the black plastic trim that continues from where the colour of the bumper stops, to the underside of the car, fixed with 4 x plastic screw type fixings under the car.

I started to do this last night, but if this is the route, I need to get some more plastic fixings before I start as 2 of them won't come out without damaging them.

The reason I ask, is that the sensors are still a distance up the bumper, I am just hoping that when this bit is removed, that I don't have to then remove the whole bumper.


John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Monday 22nd June 2009
quotequote all
Can anyone help??

snuffle

1,587 posts

205 months

Wednesday 24th June 2009
quotequote all
If I remember corectly the S-Type has a foam block between the bumper and the beam and at least the inner 2 sensors sit inside cut outs in the foam,
therefore it looks like your going to be removing the bumper ,
unless you are willing to risk a cunning bodge by cutting channels into the foam till you can get enough room to get your hand up to the sensors.

John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Thursday 25th June 2009
quotequote all
Snuffle

Thanks for your responce, I was beginning to think I was been ignored, or maybe no one knew the answer?

Not the answer I wanted as it is the middle nearside sensor that is not working.

It has come back to life a couple of times which makes me think that possibly it is a loose / croded connection problem @ either the sensor or the control box rather than the sensor it's self.

As it looks like quite a job to check the connections to the sensor, ie bumper removal, have you any idea where the rear parking sensor control box is so I can check that end 1st?

snuffle

1,587 posts

205 months

Thursday 25th June 2009
quotequote all
cant remember where the ECU is , but ill have a look at one in the morning and get back to you.

John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Thursday 25th June 2009
quotequote all

Thanks

twister

1,556 posts

259 months

Friday 26th June 2009
quotequote all
Isn't the rear sensor control box in with the spare wheel and battery?

snuffle

1,587 posts

205 months

Saturday 27th June 2009
quotequote all
twister said:
Isn't the rear sensor control box in with the spare wheel and battery?
it is on Xtypes and XK8s Stypes I cant remember frown and the 2 we had in the garage were both fitted with hideous aftermarket jobs, sorry OP Im not being alot of help am I . will keep trying tho

melhook1

9 posts

201 months

Sunday 28th June 2009
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Have you fixed it or do you still need some advice?

John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Tuesday 30th June 2009
quotequote all

Still need some help.

Have located the 'black box', no loose wires, no damaged wires.

Using a link from this site I have identified that 1 sensor (nearside centre) is not working (no 'crackling' noise coming from it whilst in reverse).

I am assuming that the sensor is faulty or possibly a loose wire or dirty connection which I would like to check out before buying a new sensor.

My main problem is how to gain access / remove the bumper.

I have tried undoing the 4 x plastic screws on the rear underside, but the underside black plastic trim seems to be well fixed to the bumper, so I assume the whole bumper need to come off?

If anyone can confirm if I need to completly remove the bumper, and if so, how?

The fixings were always so obvious in the days of metal & chrome!

melhook1

9 posts

201 months

Tuesday 30th June 2009
quotequote all
Hi John, you are corect about the sensor ticking. Now if I remember correctly, access can be obtained via removal of the rear lamp assembly. Now, the way we used to do it. We would use a hot air gun, to heat up the palstic tags on the light unit, then just straighten them up so you can remove the lamp assembly. dont over do it as they are quiet fragile, but i never broke one !
once removed you should be able to get your hand down there and get the sensor out, easiest thing to do it swap it with the other n/s one and see what happens, that tells you if its a poor connection, or a faulty sensor. I believe I have some brand new ones in my tool box, which would be prepared to sell to you if your interested. E mail or message me, if you meed any further help. Also check fo water corrosion on the control unit pins, that was very common.
Mel

John D9395

Original Poster:

381 posts

231 months

Tuesday 30th June 2009
quotequote all
Mel

A job for the weekend.

The wheel well is dry as a bone, and the connections seem sound.

What sort of money are the sensors, if they aren't a fortune it might be worth buying one to have on hand rather than go through all the removal / reassembly etc.

Thanks

John

melhook1

9 posts

201 months

Wednesday 1st July 2009
quotequote all
I could post you one all included for £25, I am guessing you are in the UK? I am based near watford, junction of the M1 and M25, if your local? Only problem is the sensors are different, middle and ends ones differ, and i'm not 100 % sure which is which.

melhook1

9 posts

201 months

Thursday 2nd July 2009
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John, i just checked your profile, i didnt realise you had a face lift s type. my instructions are for an early model. sorry.