Why does not parktronics work?

With the help of parktronics novice drivers will not harm anyone at the time of parking or in other situations. This is a very useful option in the city. But sometimes it happens that at the most critical moment parktronics do not work. A novice driver may fall into a panic state if he has not developed the parking skills.

Design and functionality of parking radar

So, these systems work on the basis of signals at ultrasonic frequencies. When the signal from the parking sensor comes across various obstacles, it is immediately picked up by the receiving element. The main function of this system is the timely detection of various obstacles for traffic in front and behind the car, as well as alerting the driver about these obstacles. Most experienced drivers are sure that there is no benefit from this option - it is considered no more than a feminine trinket. But on the road can happen a variety of situations. For example, this device is irreplaceable, if suddenly the tail lights stopped working in the dark. In addition, the parking radar does not allow the driver to be distracted from driving and excessively risk. Structurally, different types of parktronics can differ from each other. Now there are three types of these systems.

The first type of parking system has the most complex device. It is a control unit, sensors, and also connecting wires. The second kind of devices is also equipped with sensors. But there are no wires anymore, these are wireless solutions. The third variant of design differs in that instead of sensors a special tape is used.

Typical malfunctions of parking radars

If parktronics does not work, then the failure and the cause of it do not depend on the model of the car. It may not even be a car - such devices are often equipped with warehouse electric cars and carts. Let's consider some typical reasons, because of which these systems can fail.

Manufacturing defect

So, the first and the main cause of malfunctions is a factory marriage. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. Most of the devices on the market today are manufactured in China. Defective equipment can work for many years, or it may not work for one day. If the reason is really related to the production marriage, the manufacturer will replace it under warranty.

Connecting wires

This is also a common reason why parktronics do not work. The wires that connect the sensors to the control unit may fail. If the element is tape, it is worth checking how securely the tape is attached to the surface of the bumper. If the attachment of its or sensor is unreliable, then the sensor will hang in the air. In this case, his data will be inaccurate. Among the reasons for the failure of the wires, it is possible to isolate the melting of the insulating winding. Also, problems in the wiring occur if the wires are weakened and fall on the hot muffler. Along with this, breaks of the cords are also possible.

Control block

This is a big rarity, but sometimes parktronics does not work because of malfunctions associated with the control unit. Often, most of these nodes are equipped with their own diagnostic system. In the event of a malfunction, the driver will immediately know about it.

The module can fail due to penetration of moisture into it. If water gets to the circuit board, a short circuit will occur. Diagnose this problem by following the traces of water, salt or other substances on the microcircuits. Eliminate the closure is simple enough - you need to replace the contacts or clean them.

Membrane

In this case, the sound source in the control unit goes out of order. The radar can operate in normal mode, however it is not able to issue a warning sound with a broken membrane.

Damage due to contamination of sensors

These are particularly unpleasant faults. Water and dirt can easily get on the sensors of the parking sensors or on the metal tape, which is located on the back of the bumper. One small stone is enough to disable the element. If the rear parking sensor does not work, then this could well mean that the sensors are out of order. With infrequent mud effects, sensors are safe. But if these elements are regularly clogged with dirt, they can fail.

Reno

We examined typical faults, and if the system does not work, then only for one of these reasons. If the parking sensor does not work on Renault, this could be due to the failure of the sensors. So, if not even one of them works, the regular parking radar will not work either. On early models the system is made more simply - the parking sensor will work if at least one sensor is working. If it was possible to identify the failed sensors, and the regular ones can not be found on the market, you can use similar models from Land Rover. It is also recommended to clean the oxides of contacts, this should help to solve the problem. It is quite difficult to pull regular sensors out of the seats.

Opel Astra

If the parking sensor "Opel Astra" does not work, then this may be due to wiring and contacts, as well as to the sensors of the device. Specialists recommend in this case to check the fuses in the trunk and inspect if the sensors chirp. If original sensors are installed, then their number must coincide with the standard one. Also, it is not improper to check the wiring. Often these actions help to restore the correct operation of the device.

Mercedes and Audi

Due to the complexity of the arrangement of these cars, parking systems are also arranged quite difficult. If parking sensors do not work on the Mercedes, the reasons can be in the sensors. Diagnosing the system is quite simple. To do this, turn on the ignition, and the lever of the automatic transmission is set to neutral. This activates the parking system both at the front and rear of the car. As is known, faults are associated with sensors or with wiring. In these cars, sensors fail more often. When the ignition is on, you need to get out of the car and check each of the sensors in turn. The Mercedes owners recommend checking each sensor in turn with a wet finger. It is enough to touch the sensor lightly - you can feel a weak heartbeat and clicks. If the beats are felt, then the sensor is OK. It is important that such diagnostics should be carried out when the corresponding lamps are lit in the passenger compartment.

Why does not parktronics work? If it was possible to find a non-functioning sensor, then the problem is either in the wiring or in the sensor itself. If the latter does not work, then it must be replaced. On sale there are both original and non-original parts. It is important to purchase the sensor together with the housing.

If parktronics does not work on "Audi", then the method of diagnosis is similar here. You can also try to read the computer errors - the parking sensor unit is read by the on-board computer. Some sensors may produce incorrect information if they are not horizontal. If the system constantly squeals, this also indicates a malfunction of any sensor.

"Chevrolet Cruze"

Often happens that does not work parktronic on Chevrolet Cruise. In this case, experts recommend checking fuses in the mounting block - No. 1, 4, 5. It is necessary to check if there is any voltage on them. To do this, use a multimeter or a voltmeter. Next, check the display connector, and then diagnose the system with a scanner. Also, the problem can be related to the display. Then the sensors are tested.

Frequent faults and their elimination

So, let's look at several situations when parktronics do not work. The reasons can be in the sensors or in the wiring. If the driver turns on the rear gear and the parking device does not show any signs of life, the control unit is most likely installed incorrectly or there is a problem with the wiring. Restoring the integrity of the wiring helps to correct the situation. If the device incorrectly determines the distance to the obstacle, it may have contaminated the sensors - cleaning will solve the problem. If the device works, but there is no obstacle, then, most likely, the device is set to too high sensitivity or one of the sensors is dirty. If the device does not detect interference, then the sensitivity is excessively low. Sensors may be dirty. To solve the problem, increase the sensitivity of the device, reconfigure the system, clean or re-install the sensors. If parktronic stopped working, then it's best to start diagnosing and restoring the device. This will help to avoid difficult situations on the road.