Rear parking sensors and available types.

[Kenneve]

I am considering adding rear parking sensors to my 2011 EX CVT.

The Honda website seems to think they are made of solid gold, quoting around £500 to supply and fit them.
So, I have done some research and have come across a set, that works on an electromagnetic principle, rather than the usual untrasonic system. (check out:-  www.parkingdynamics.co.uk)

This system is claimed to more up to date and work, down to a range of circa 100mm.
The sensor is a length of magnetic 'tape' which is simply stuck to the inside of the rear bumper. Obviously this avoids the drilling of holes, in the bumper (something I like) and makes the system totally invisible. The total cost for a DIY setup is also considerably cheaper, less than £100.

Does anyone have experience with this alternative sensor principle and can it be recommended?

[Ozzie]

I used these guys www.fittedparkingsensors.co.uk they have a variety of options available, along with colour coding and diy fitting, or they can fit it for you. I had them colour coded and fitted on my driveway, the fitting process took around an hour, and they look and work great, no complaints here.

Ozzie 

[guest3295]

I was also thinking on such a system (inside the bumper)...

[chrisc]

I bought what seems to be a similar unit in Singapore for US$39 last year.  It has a flexible metal strip much like the magnet on a fridge door seal.  You cut it to length and glue it inside the bumper.  The controller is a small box which you can hide in the spare wheel well.  The power comes from the reversing light and there is a piezo buzzer which I mounted higher up in the boot.

It does work, but gives different results when it is raining, so you sometimes think you are closer than you really are.  It tends to squeak when you are really close (50mm).  But it is very useful since the rear vision from a Jazz is not wonderful and I have nearly hit low poles on occasion and once reversed into a plastic traffic cone that had moved in the wind.

There is absolutely no indication that it has been fitted.  The worst part was refitting the bumper, but if you have someone to assist, its much easier

[Kenneve]

Hi Chrisc

Many thanks for your reply. Your description does seem to agree with the specification as detailed on the Parking Dynamics website. They do mention possible errors in rain conditions, but at least the error is on the safe side.
I was rather hoping that the system could be installed, without removing the bumper.  Having said that, I note that to have it installed is still much less than the Honda costs.
I think I will wait a while longer to see if anyone has any adverse comments to make, on this alternative system, before deciding which way to jump.

Best regards.

[chrisc]

Removing the bumper isn't too onerous.  You unplug the lights and undo the bolts.  Getting it lined up when replacing it a bit fiddly, but if you rest one side on an upturned bucket and get a friend to hold it, then it goes quickly

I recall reading a workshop manual for a Jaguar.  The job it was said should take 3 hours.  One sentence read, "Remove gearbox and propshaft".  Yes, 2 hours later you are still trying to undo one bolt you can only feel, let alone see.  With about 1 inch of space to work in.

[guest334]

I fitted the ones some Honda Dealer use when asked for an alternative to Honda part - see details
X-vision rear parking sensors retail £190 I paid £60 via Ebay


Been on 20k miles just great for warning of low level obstructions when reversing

[Oldie]

Please can any body that has fitted their own sensors tell me whether they needed to remove the rear bumper to drill the required holes and also how was the spacing across the width worked out?

Also, did you splice both the live and earth feed wires into the reversing light wiring inside the little cubby hole which covers the lights in the side of the boot?

Thanks, I am thinking of having a go myself but am a bit uncertain!

[guest2662]

i just had fitted the ones from halfords,(meta system)£100 fitted, 3rd car ive had them fitted to, no drilling no removing bumpers, i find them great,thry take the no plate off then fit a frame with the sensors attached, then the no plate fits into the frame, just look up halfords site then parking sensors, and look at the reviews, as said £100 fitted at home, thats all you pay inc fitting.

[Oldie]

Thanks for that boatman1234, I had seen these and they look quite unobtrusive, they also get over the colour coding problem.

I wonder though whether they give good even coverage across the width of the car as there are only two sensors placed each side of the numberplate? Are the edges adequately covered as I seem expert at hitting "hidden" bollards etc?

[Ozzie]

The ones I had fitted were drilled with the bumper still fitted. There are marks on the inside of the bumper which the installer pushes a pinhole through then measures, and remeasures from the outside before drilling.

Ozzie

[Oldie]

Thanks, that sounds hopeful, I am not keen to take the bumper off it is such an accurate fit at present and disturbing it is best avoided I believe.

I can't see any pre-drill markings on the inside of my bumper - perhaps a jet-wash might reveal them.

Do you recall just where your installer picked up the reversing light power feed by any chance?

[Kenneve]

Thanks for all the replies.
I have ordered a generic set from my Honda dealer, to be fitted by them next week.
I'm afraid I chickened out, re the thought of removing the bumper myself!
Whilst not the cheapest route, they are still roughly half the price of the OEM version and of course the any warranty issues are unaffected, since the installation is being done by my original Honda supplier.
I will report back when I've had an opportunity to test the setup.
Regards to all.

[Ozzie]

Inside the rear light cluster, drivers side. The alarm speaker is inside the rear speaker housing fixed with double sided tape.

[Oldie]

Thanks for the info Ozzie - have found the connector in the area you described, I have also found the two inner markings inside the bumper but darned if I can find the two outer marks they don't seem to be there!
I will have to use measurement if I can pluck up the courage to go ahead. Having realized that the bumper does not need removing, I really have no excuse!

The Steel Mate four sensors and bleeper looks the business just a bit expensive but by all accounts is well made and used by many professional installers. Bearing in mind I will be drilling expensive holes in an expensive vehicle, it will probably pay off.