Reverse parking sensor problem (leon FR150)

[catman]

Hi, I am new to online forums but have found this site extremely useful in the past to sort some niggling problems with my Seat Leon 1.9TDI 150FR (55 reg.) Mk1 I think? which I have owned for 1 year tomorrow? I have always owned VW's in the past, best being a MK3 8v GTI (much slower than the FR150!).
Just recently my Leon has developed a problem when I select reverse, the parking sensors do not bleep but just sound continuously as soon as I put it in gear! Anyone had a similar problem? & a fix?

 

[M20FES]

is it an aftermarket reverse kit, as they wasnt an option on a mk1 if it is a mk1 you have ?

 

[catman]

Thanks for repling so quickly!
It looks like the the photo in yor reply (but not so cool, just standard) so MK1 it is?
A far as I know the 1 previous owner bought it from Robinsons (Lowestoft) & it was supplied with sensors from new (I cant confirm that).
Is there any way to tell?

 

[M20FES]

how many sensors in the bumper 4 ?

have you given them a good clean ?. Maybe a faulty sensor, sounds like soon as you put it in reverse the sensor thinks theres something in front of it

 

[catman]

Sorry If I am slow answereing your reply but have been looking at the details on your car & havn't stopped dribbling with envy (looks astounding).
There are 4 sensors in the bumper.
I did clean them well as it happened once before & a wash cured it (not this time).
You are correct, it is behaving as if I am up against a wall.
If it is a sensor/s can this be checked easily & does replacing require removing the bumper?
(I'm being a bit lazy & not peered under the back yet).
Not to say I dont mind getting my hands dirty as I just gave it a full service & fitted new glow plugs as engine management code came on & code read showed faulty glow plug.

 

[M20FES]

Sorry If I am slow answereing your reply but have been looking at the details on your car & havn't stopped dribbling with envy (looks astounding).
There are 4 sensors in the bumper.
I did clean them well as it happened once before & a wash cured it (not this time).
You are correct, it is behaving as if I am up against a wall.
If it is a sensor/s can this be checked easily & does replacing require removing the bumper?
(I'm being a bit lazy & not peered under the back yet).
Not to say I dont mind getting my hands dirty as I just gave it a full service & fitted new glow plugs as engine management code came on & code read showed faulty glow plug.

lol Thanks

Taking the bumper off might make it easier to trace the wiring for each sensor. Maybe disconnect one at a time to test the others and see if it still does it.

thats what i would do anyway.

Taking the rear bumper off isnt too difficult, You need to undo all the screws that follow around the rear arch lining off the back wheels, some under the bumper and too big ones just above the sparewheel in the boot

 

[catman]

Much appreciated advice.
I will take a look soon as the constant beep is driving me crazy.
I wish I had the rear mounted camera as yours!
Thanks again.

 

[M20FES]

Much appreciated advice.
I will take a look soon as the constant beep is driving me crazy.
I wish I had the rear mounted camera as yours!
Thanks again.

no problems, let me know how you get on.

 

[catman]

Just a quick update:-
Took it out for a short trip this morning (In warm sunshine - first for days!).
Got home & they started to partly work, playing a bit of a tune at first but began to get it together each time I tried them & thank god stopped that continuous tone!
I had a close look & realised you can pull each one out of the bumper but not far enough to find where they are connected. I am wondering looking at the construction if they are prone to getting damp inside?
To test my theory I have smeared a light coating of vaseline (dont ask why I posess such an item!) around the joints on the sensor body inside the bumper & on the outside just in the small joint between the centre of the sensor & the outer ring (just a small gap here, but worth a try!).
If you hear no more complaints, take it I have cured it.
If not I will be wishing that greasy stuff wasnt there when I drag the bumper off & it has attracted loads of dust & grit! One thing I did notice when cleaning round the bit that sits inside the bumper is that they are marked with a tiny arrow & the word 'up'. I re-installed them with this part at the top as I am sure they were all over the place when I pulled them out. (Not sure if this is correct or even if it makes any difference but I will see?).

 

[M20FES]

Just a quick update:-
Took it out for a short trip this morning (In warm sunshine - first for days!).
Got home & they started to partly work, playing a bit of a tune at first but began to get it together each time I tried them & thank god stopped that continuous tone!
I had a close look & realised you can pull each one out of the bumper but not far enough to find where they are connected. I am wondering looking at the construction if they are prone to getting damp inside?
To test my theory I have smeared a light coating of vaseline (dont ask why I posess such an item!) around the joints on the sensor body inside the bumper & on the outside just in the small joint between the centre of the sensor & the outer ring (just a small gap here, but worth a try!).
If you hear no more complaints, take it I have cured it.
If not I will be wishing that greasy stuff wasnt there when I drag the bumper off & it has attracted loads of dust & grit! One thing I did notice when cleaning round the bit that sits inside the bumper is that they are marked with a tiny arrow & the word 'up'. I re-installed them with this part at the top as I am sure they were all over the place when I pulled them out. (Not sure if this is correct or even if it makes any difference but I will see?).

yes thats right mate install them with the arrow up. i think the sensors have a wider search range looking above as oppose to below, if they were put in upside they may be picking on the ground and triggering the sound. If there not a tight fit in the hole, myabe speed bumps etc have moved them around

 

[catman]

I am learning! Thanks again for some genuine advice.
Perhaps it was as simple as a sensor pointing down?
They aren't a very tight fit!
I will keep an eye on them & see what happens.
I must confess she sure is a cracking car to own!