Detailed instructions for installing parking sensors with your own hands

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Modern drivers have an excellent opportunity to use various electronic assistants that make driving easier. To park the car safely for yourself and for others, there are parking sensors. Installing such a device is a simple process, and with the help of detailed instructions, everyone can handle this matter with their own hands in the garage.

Operation principle

The parking assistance system works based on the principle of ultrasonic wave and echolocation effect. The sound wave, which is emitted and received by special sensors installed in front and behind the car, is analyzed by the control unit of the device.

Based on how long it took the wave to bounce off the obstacle, the distance from it to the car is calculated. The area in which the device can operate most efficiently depends on the manufacturer and the specifications of a particular device.parking sensors. For most devices on the market today, this zone is from 0.2 m to 2 meters.

Design

The system is a set of sensors of the control unit of the device for displaying information about the distance to the obstacle. The system also has an audible signal. Some models include a rear view camera and other useful options.

The main thing in the design of parking sensors is the control unit. It is he who analyzes all the information entering it and then generates electronic impulses to supply visual and audio signals. Their intensity will increase as the car approaches another car or an obstacle on the way. Depending on the model, information may be displayed on the LED panel or LCD display.

Ultramodern models are equipped with a projection system, thanks to which all information is conveniently projected onto the windshield. The sound notification is in most cases a pleasant female voice.

Types of devices

Parktronic installation scheme depends on the type of sensors. At the moment there are several types of these elements:

• acoustic;
• electromagnetic.

Each of them has its own characteristics.

Acoustic parking sensors

These systems are the most popular on the market. There are many devices that use ultrasound to work. They may differ from each other in the number of sensors, the method of presenting information, the presence of additional options.

The best option is four sensors for front mounting, as well as two for mounting on the rear bumper. To eliminate such an effect as “dead zones”, it is recommended to place sensors on the entire surface of the bumpers when installing parking sensors of this type. The distance between the elements should be 40-50 centimeters.

The more sensors in the kit, the more accurate the parking sensors. However, this type of system is characterized by large errors in the process. A common disadvantage of the group of these devices is that they are not able to detect obstacles that are not above road level. Parktronic may give false signals on slopes, as their surface will fall into the range of its sensors.

Electromagnetic devices

This type of car parking system does not have separate sensors. A special tape is used here as sensors. It must be fixed from the inside of the bumper. This mounting technology is much easier as there is no need to drill holes to install the sensors.

As for the principle of operation of these systems, they work as follows. An electromagnetic field is created around the bumper of the car. Any items that fall into it change its characteristics. At the slightest change in parameters such as field density, strength or induction zone, the control unit immediately gives a signal to warn the driver.

Since the principles of magnetism work in these solutions, such tape parking sensors are more accurate. They are able to trackobjects and obstacles on the way that ultrasonic analogues cannot cope with. But often due to bad weather conditions or external interference, the effectiveness of the electromagnetic field is reduced.

DIY installation

Installing regular parking sensors is not the task with which you should go to the service station. With minimal effort, you can do everything yourself. Let's see how to do it.

In most cases, traditional devices based on acoustic sensors are purchased as a parking radar. The whole installation process comes down to the fact that it is necessary to drill holes in the bumper, then install the sensors, and then paint the bumper in its factory color. Drilling should not be a problem, although the process may take a long time. Complete with sensors and parking sensors, there is a special cutter.

It is important that you mark up correctly so that you do not receive signals from the sky or from the road surface during operation. There is an instruction in the kit, but it is not adapted for different cars.

Markup

For a standard parking radar from China (namely, such auto electronics are bought most often), the height of the capture zone varies from 48 to 54 centimeters. At critical distances (up to 30 cm), this height is 44 centimeters, and at large distances - 51. This zone is a cone: its top is on the sensor, and the sides expand from the car. Based on this data, you should calculate where the sensors should be installed.

To make the device workright, first you need to measure the length of the bumper. First, consider the installation of the rear parking sensors. The length of the bumper must be divided by 8 - this distance is measured from the left and right edges of the element. Then you need to calculate the location of two more sensors, for this the length of the bumper is divided by 4. The result obtained is the distance that must be retreated from the extreme sensors to the center of the bumper on both sides. These will be the installation points for the rear parking sensors.

The height from the ground is between 50 and 70 centimeters depending on the type of car. This is the best number. Places for sensors can be marked with a pencil or marker. You usually need to make two holes in the front. They are calculated in the same way.

How to drill holes?

There are no special problems here. Holes must be made at low speed and low feed. If this advice is not followed, there is a risk that the bumper material will melt and result in uneven holes.

When installing parking sensors with their own hands, many will use a cutter or drill that comes with the kit to drill holes. But there is an important point here. The drill or cutter has a diameter equal to that of the probe. But when installing, compressing the silicone retainers can be a daunting task. Therefore, in the place where they are inserted, the hole expands literally by 0.5 millimeters.

Wiring

Cords are assembled into one bundle for compactness. Then it must be intercepted with ties. Sometimes there is a box in the kit - there andcable needs to be placed. Next, the wires are carefully pulled along the body under the decorative trim. Ties are used to secure them.

The control unit is mounted in the area of the front panel of the car. It attaches easily with Velcro. They are on both sides, even on inexpensive models. Then they mount the display unit and the warning system. It is better to follow the manufacturer's instructions for this. The sound signal is placed closer to the driver. Displays are mounted near the speedometer or near the left pillar.

Connection

You can connect the system to the rear lights - they will start in pairs. Connectors must be connected carefully. It is very convenient to use special rivet connectors when installing parking sensors. They make contact by piercing the cable.

Kia and parking sensors

On various models of this manufacturer, this useful device is not included in the standard equipment. Therefore, installing parking sensors on a Kia is an opportunity to keep the rear lights and front optics.

For installation you will need a screwdriver, screwdrivers, tape, soldering iron, strips. First of all, mark the places of installation. To do this, glue a strip of masking tape along the cut on the rear bumper and mark the points where the sensors will be installed. You can use the instructions that come with a specific device model.

Next, holes are made using a screwdriver and a complete cutter. Be very careful not to damage the bumper. Installing the frontparking sensors are carried out according to the same algorithm.

Next, remove all the plastic trunk. It just reaches up and away. As a result, a hole will appear through which you need to stretch the wires of the sensors, having previously collected them in a bundle. When this is done, the plug is returned to its place.

Then set the device display. It can be hung under the roof or mounted on the dashboard. The wires are laid through the ceiling and brought to the glass. To remove the lining on the side pillars, you need to dismantle the door seal and pull the upper edge towards the center. Next, you just need to pry off the latch.

Then disassemble the left side of the trunk. Install the control unit and connect all the elements. Power is best supplied through a cable that runs at the top of the trunk and goes to the roof on the left side. You need a white-orange wire - this is a "plus", black - a "minus". All connections are carefully insulated.

Installation is completed, it remains only to assemble the interior, after which you can check the operation of the device.

“Ford”

Unlike Kia cars, the installation of parking sensors on a Ford is simplified by the fact that there are factory holes. They are made on the rear bumper trim to accommodate the sonars. But despite this, the holes are very rarely used. This can be easily explained: the pad comes unpainted from the factory, which means that the sensors will stand out a lot. The factory holes are above the level recommended by the parking sensors manufacturers.

They are provided for the installation of standard parking sensors, which are available, however, only in expensive trim levels. And if there are none, then the installation is carried out according to standard technology, but without markup.

Reno

Installation is carried out according to the instructions. From the opening of the number, the first sensor must be installed at a distance of 3 centimeters, and the second - at 37. The main thing here is accuracy. For different models, it is recommended to retreat 20-30 centimeters from the edge of the car. Next, drill holes in the bumper and remove the taillight. The sensors are placed in the holes according to the letters: R - right, L - left. Then all the wires are assembled, tied into a bundle and pushed under the bumper amplifier. With the help of a wire, the harness is pushed further between the bumper and the lamp.

As for the connection, the positive contact on the control unit is connected to the green wire, and the negative contact to ground. It remains only to stretch the wires through the cabin, and then proceed similarly to the instructions described above. As you can see, installing parking sensors on a Renault is a simple process that everyone can handle.