How to check the operation of the parking sensors and what to do if it happens?

Ukrainian drivers are increasingly using modern parking systems, as parktronics seriously help the driver when making reversing maneuvers during parking. And if the device that something happens, then it is quite an unpleasant situation that requires a quick solution.

One of the most common causes of failure of parking systems-a sensor fault or a wiring problem to which it is connected. In this article we will discuss the reasons for failure, and how to test the functionality of the parking sensor.

Features parking sensor

The parking systems are usually special ultrasonic transducers. They act as transmitters and receivers of the ultrasonic signal. Each sensor is able to operate only on the radiation or reception. It is required for this system to includes a set of sensors that operate in series-parallel pulsed mode. That is half of the sensor acts as a transmitter, and the second-the receivers. Then the sensors will switch roles, and this role reversal occurs regularly.

The easiest parking sensor consists of a small receiver-radiative element, fabricated of a piezoelectric material.

Feature piezocrystals under the influence of mechanical stress they can generate electrical energy and vice versa, they are changed in size by the action of an electric voltage. That is, it turns out that the element at the same time is capable both of emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. In fact, they convert the wave supplied to him in the high-frequency current, ultrasonic vibrations of the air.

The designs of parking sensors from different manufacturers may differ somewhat when they necessarily have 1 or 2 piezo-crystalline element. They may take the form of a plate or diaphragm, the diaphragm sometimes used pot-aluminum, which are fairly rigidly connected to the piezoelectric crystal. They usually act as a resonator.

All piezo-crystalline elements necessarily placed in a durable housing, reliably protected from water and various atmospheric phenomena. For emitter connected 2 electrical wires, which ensure the connection to the electronic control unit.

Also, in modern models of sensors often use electromagnetic transducers. Such devices usually require an additional amplifying circuit and the data processing unit, which then translates the signal to a convenient digital form.

According to the type of installation of parking sensors can be divided into two major groups:

Mortise -you need to install them in the car bumper to drill the holes, which is then placed directly to the sensor itself, it is secured with the help of special retaining clips or special hardware.

False -this is a simpler version, the sensors are glued to the bumper, but there may need to drill holes for the small wiring and connections.

What can cause damage to the sensor?

Among the most common reasons that lead to the failure of sensors, it is possible to allocate such:

• factory marriage;
• ingestion of moisture, which can lead to corrosion and failure of door structure;
• a problem with the vehicle's electrical system;
• the failure of the built-in electronic module;
• dirty work surface;
• mechanical damage resulting from impact during a collision.

As you can see, quite a lot of reasons, and they can be very diverse. Therefore, it is important to quickly identify the problem and fix it. For this we need to know the signs that may indicate a faulty sensor.

Among the signs, you can select some of the most significant:

• No vibration while touching the sensor operate;
• the inability to get a parking assist sensor readings on a given channel;
• Self-diagnosis system PDC gives a warning;
• the problem was discovered after the diagnosis parktronikov staff.

Check operation of parking sensors?

Of course, every driver should know the methods that you can use to check the status and operation of parking sensors.

The most simple and available methods

Mutual replacement -this is probably the most effective and simple method of checking the performance of the sensor. Then just need to swap (reconnect) sensor, which precisely working, so that may have some problems in their work. If after replacing conventionally defective the sensor is working, this indicates that the problem is not in it. Most likely the reason for the wiring, and it is necessary to look for a wire break.

Sound Control -another quite simple version check. It is only necessary to include parking sensors and sensor pass in the control zone. If it is OK, then you will hear a click. It is very important to choose a quiet place to the other sounds do not interfere, because the click will be fairly quiet and it is important to listen to.

Tactile Control -in this case also need to include parking sensors and touch the working surface of the sensor by hand. Should feel a slight vibration that is to say that the working sensor, if it is not, then most likely, it is out of order.

Using the tester

Since the basis of the work of parking sensors is the piezoelectric effect, a piezoelectric element, and each has its own resistance, to check their work, you can use a multimeter.

The device must be included in the resistance measurement mode to 2000K. Then, it is necessary to connect the meter contacts to the terminals of the dual-sensor, which is previously disconnected from the PDC. If the sensor is defective, then the multimeter should show no 1, it corresponds to infinity, and is not close to 0.

Note that a three-sensor main electronic filling and connection diagram are markedly different. And transmit/receive unit is connected in parallel. Moreover, for each individual channel receiver transmits its signal. Therefore, they use a special built-in circuit with a signal amplifier. This all leads to the fact that fully test the functionality of these devices is extremely difficult with a multimeter. More often than not limited to the definition of the indicator voltage between the terminals of the power. Repairing them is very difficult and generally not very unprofitable, so it is best to replace a sensor.

How to replace faulty parking sensor

Step No 1. Dismantling.

To remove the sensor, the first step is to get access to it. Most likely, this may be necessary to remove the bumper. If the sensor is simply glued to the bumper, you will need to use special tools for surface treatment. Once the sensor is dismantled, it must be disconnected from the socket.

Step No 2. Selecting replacement.

The most common sensors that are used in parking radar, have different analogues. The exception is, perhaps, the regular model. They can be changed only within the compatible set by the manufacturer.

If you want to make sure that the analog exactly suited to replace, make sure you have to study the documentation, instructions and wiring diagram.

Remember that the connection of incompatible sensors can not only damage the sensor, but also the whole parking assist. Therefore, it is necessary to select very carefully counterparts. If you do not want to risk it, buy to replace a complete analogue of the original manufacturer.

Step No 3. Installation and connection.

With the installation of native sensors usually never have any problems. Even if it is a different color, you can always repaint, so it was in the tone of a car body. At the same time, remember that working on paint sensor area should not be, it does not cover the experts recommend. This may provoke disturbances and certain problems in the future with its performance. In the time of installation it is recommended to use a special seal.

If you are going to connect the step-sensor, be sure to need to check whether the connection sockets. And be sure to watch out for, so that the polarity of the connections correspond to the scheme.

Parktronic a good assistant on the road for each of the modern driver. Therefore, you should definitely think about their purchase. Our online store offers a variety of models with different functionality and a different number of sensors at a bargain price. You can always buy parktronic in Kiev, Kharkov and Odessa online store 130.com.ua delivery Ukraine.

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