parking sensors!!!

[badders1954]

Hi guys
being new to ford galaxys i wondered if anyone can answer my problem i have a 2003 mk2 2.3 galaxy with front and rear parking sensors which dont work when i press switch or select reverse the light in the switch comes on and remians steady it does not flash just stays on til i switch it of there are NO beeps or sounds at all from inside car if i listen to the sensors (glass type) all eight emit a clicking sound
i have swapped the control unit for a known good one no luck diagnostic does not show any faults
could it be a faulty sensor even thought all 8 click?


badders

[johnnyroper]

Do you have vcds that's registered so you can check measuring blocks? If you do then you can see what distance is being registered from each sensor and if it changes when an object is in the way.
My old 3 series failed in this way,no fault codes or audible indications but when checked on diag software the sensor feedback remained static like no obstructions.

It sounds like the sensors aren't sending a signal to me.

[badders1954]

Yes do have full copy just rechecked and your right distance does not change at all on any of the sensors front or back  its almost as if all eight sensors are not sending a return signal to controller is there a common fault or feed that im missing somewhere/

[johnnyroper]

The front share common earth and supply if memory serves correctly much same as rears do.
You can continuity check back to control unit from sensors to check wiring out.
Can also check out the voltages from control box,if you do a search an old thread of mine should pop up with parking sensor circuit drawing on that might help.
How long have you owned the car have you ever known the PDC working ok?

[marinabrid]

i had a short circuit on the supply to the control unit , caused all sorts of grief, every time i put in reverse it blew fuse that also controled starter on auto box so was stranded, took weeks to find the fault.
madness to include on a starting circuit with auto box.

try unplugging and putting new live feed it.   just a thought.

[badders1954]

  problem solved turned out that the connectors on the control module were corroded!! i guess at some stage it had the dreaded water problem looks like someone changed module but didn't clean the plugs have fitted new plugs and all is well

many thanks guys

[johnnyroper]

Nice one glad it's all sorted,have a check of the washer hose connection behind nearside kick panel to make sure it has been fixed properly as that's the common source of water ingress in PDC module.

[fordnewbie]

Hello guys,

Sorry, but I hope you don't mind that I've jumped onto this thread, but my issue is also related to parking sensors, hence I didn't see any point in starting a new thread.

Okay here it goes....

I have a Ford Galaxy 1.9TDI (55 plate).  The vehicle's front+rear parking sensors both worked fine, but now suddenly, there is a third loud beep, which lasts for around 5-7 seconds, but don't know what's causing it.  FYI, both front+rear sensors still seem to be working okay.

What could it be?

[Chrispb]

Are you sure the extra beep is coming from the park assist sounders?
The instrument cluster can also beep for various warnings, if there's no associated warning lamp lit then a scan with VCDS will be your best bet.

[sirdavid995]

sorry to jump in on this topic ,but my sensors have a fault too .....  the switch flashes when I press it and a beep , but no pulsing beeps when I park the car . it worked fine up until 6 months back ( when all my other electrical gremlins raised themselves ! ) I have checked plugs to sensors ( as my mate had a 04 plate tdi ghia ,and had problems with the plugs coming off the sensors ) he told me to check that first , which I have and they are ok .... I read earlier about the control unit for the parking sensors , could someone show me how to access that please ?

[johnnyroper]

It's easy to access slide passenger front seat forward and its hidden on floor underneath.

Without a vcds scan you are working blind though as any number of things can cause a fault condition. Get codes read and go from there.

[sirdavid995]

will do buddy , thanks for letting me know where the control unit is

[johnnyroper]

Have a check for signs of water damage in the control unit,they have been known to get flooded by a leaking pipe for rear washers. There is a joint behind the kick panel pops apart emptying washer bottle contents in to the car.
Also sensors fail and wiring to rear sensors can corrode by spare wheel where it comes out of car and plugs in to harness down to sensors

[fordnewbie]

Are you sure the extra beep is coming from the park assist sounders?
The instrument cluster can also beep for various warnings, if there's no associated warning lamp lit then a scan with VCDS will be your best bet.

Hi Chris.  Thank you for your reply.  There's definitely no warning in the instrument cluster and the problem is intermittent. 

However after carefully checking, what I've noticed is that when the parking sensor button is switched on, when it's working fine (i.e. no loud extra beep), the light on the switch is stable.  However when this beep happens, the parking switch is flashing too, so I can only assume the parking switch flashing is actually warning me of something? 

[Mirez]

Ahhh then the extra beep is the system fault beep. Be aware that once that beep has sounded then the sensors are shut off so won't be working.

Commonly this is caused by one or more sensors failing which can be identified with VCDS.

[fordnewbie]

Thanks Mirez.  You must be right, but here is the confusion....even with this long beep, the front & back sensors are still beeping and letting me know that I'm getting closer to a vehicle.

The only thing I can think of is that it's one sensor, rather than all of them...could this be a possibility?

Also please forgive my ignorance, but what is this VCDS?  Where can I get it from and how much would it cost?  What are it's benefits?

[johnnyroper]

It is odd that you get the fault sound but still have PDC working. Usually when it enters fault state it turns off so you wouldn't get the bleep from sensors. If one sensor fails it should give warning then turn off so wouldn't work with one duff one. Only way to get an idea of fault is with vcds.

Vcds is a software program you put on laptop to read the control units on vw Audi built/sourced cars. You can get a lite version for about a tenner on the fleabay but it is limited to what you can check/do to have it registered to unlock all the features it costs about Ã,£100 from Ross tech once you have the lite version installed.

[fordnewbie]

It is odd that you get the fault sound but still have PDC working. Usually when it enters fault state it turns off so you wouldn't get the bleep from sensors. If one sensor fails it should give warning then turn off so wouldn't work with one duff one. Only way to get an idea of fault is with vcds.

Vcds is a software program you put on laptop to read the control units on vw Audi built/sourced cars. You can get a lite version for about a tenner on the fleabay but it is limited to what you can check/do to have it registered to unlock all the features it costs about Ã,£100 from Ross tech once you have the lite version installed.

Thanks johnny.  The only thing I've got in an Elm327 v1.4 (bluetooth) which I bought off ebay a long time ago.

Don't I require a hardware cable to connect the vcds software to?  If so, what cable can I go for that won't cost tons of money?  Also can I get any software on android?

[johnnyroper]

Yes you do need the cable to connect. The lead will come with the software disk.
I would post a link from the fleabay but my phone does not want to play ball this am.

As far as I am aware there is no vw software for android,even if there was I doubt it will be as comprehensive as rcds is.

[Chrispb]

An example of an interface lead
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-GROUP-USB-COM-PORT-OBD2-II-KKL-ECU-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-LEAD-WORK-VCDS-LITE-409/112047390741?_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20151005190540%26meid%3D5e78080b98ee456c923e3cb5fe280b67%26pid%3D100505%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

[fordnewbie]

Yes you do need the cable to connect. The lead will come with the software disk.
I would post a link from the fleabay but my phone does not want to play ball this am.

As far as I am aware there is no vw software for android,even if there was I doubt it will be as comprehensive as rcds is.

An example of an interface lead
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-GROUP-USB-COM-PORT-OBD2-II-KKL-ECU-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-LEAD-WORK-VCDS-LITE-409/112047390741?_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20151005190540%26meid%3D5e78080b98ee456c923e3cb5fe280b67%26pid%3D100505%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

That's excellent guys,   I'm going to be honest and say that in my time since owning vehicles, it's the first time I've heard of VAG or VCDS, so please accept my apologies if I'm trying to build up some knowledge about this equipment and software.

1. Are there different types of usb cables or versions?  Are some better than others?  Are there any problems between using cheap versions and the more expensive ones?
2. What can this cable, along with VCDS software do for me? I mean would it only read/fix stuff that is on the main dash or can it also find errors relating to engines too?
3. I've noticed there are genuine versions and also copies of the VCDS software, even on legit forums, are we allowed to use any?
4. How do I know I'm getting the right version of usb cable or software?

Thanks again

[johnnyroper]

They all do the same so long as it's a KKL interface with the vcds software,don't pay more than about a tenner for one. Check reviews to make sure other people have purchased and are satisfied with it.

The vcds lite (free version) will read all systems on vw/Audi/skoda cars including the mark 1 and 2 Galaxy,only exception is if it's got ford engine fitted as it will not communicate with that. If you have 1.9tdi you are fine.
There are some limitations with the free version you can't do much checking of measuring blocks or tests though.

[fordnewbie]

They all do the same so long as it's a KKL interface with the vcds software,don't pay more than about a tenner for one. Check reviews to make sure other people have purchased and are satisfied with it.

The vcds lite (free version) will read all systems on vw/Audi/skoda cars including the mark 1 and 2 Galaxy,only exception is if it's got ford engine fitted as it will not communicate with that. If you have 1.9tdi you are fine.
There are some limitations with the free version you can't do much checking of measuring blocks or tests though.

Thanks Johnny.  The only reason I was asking these questions is because there seem to be lots of different versions on ebay, such as MPPS 13.02 OR 409.1.  Yes I have a 1.9TDI.

[johnnyroper]

Go for 409.1 that's what I have and can confirm it works fine.

[fordnewbie]

This one matches your description, however it states it's not compatible with newer windows versions (I've got win10) and there's no mention of Ford mk2 compatibility, although I've got a feeling this should still work:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390665706953

[johnnyroper]

Not sure about Windows 10 but mine works just fine on win 8.

As for no mention of ford mark 2 so long as it's vcds it will work as it's just a re badged sharan.

[johnnyroper]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-Cable-For-VCDS-lite-409-Drivers-Install-Guide-XP-VISTA-7-8-10-32-64-BIT-/152165387759?nav=SEARCH

This one says win 10 compatible.

[fordnewbie]

Forgive me johnny, but even in your advert it doesn't state that it's compatible with Sharan or does this not matter?

[johnnyroper]

No it doesn't matter it will work with all vag cars.

[fordnewbie]

That's great, thanks.  I'll order it right now. 

Since the time of my last post, the vehicle has a new problem.  I keep getting "STOP.... Brake Fault", so I hope this can find it

[johnnyroper]

Check fluid level first it's a nightmare to get at as under bulkhead extension.  See ref library for a guide.
Also have a look at brake pads as they might be low not sure if the low pad sensor gives a stop warning or just a pad low light?

[fordnewbie]

Actually, I must add that approx 2 weeks ago, this same warning light came on.  I checked the brake fluid level, which was just on border-line, so I removed the air-filter pipe and  topped it up.  After that the warning light went off and we had no more problems.  The light is back, so I get the feeling the issue is something to do with the brake fluid again.

The pads are really thick, so I think it's unlikely to be these.  I'm just wondering if I've already topped up the brake fluid, why the light is on again

[johnnyroper]

Check the level again to make sure you are looking at same problem if you are you need to check around for fluid leaks.

[johnnyroper]

Should have said in previous post even if pads are thick you can still get pad warning as connectors/wiring corrode giving false pad warning. But as said above unsure if that gives a stop warning or just pad light?

[fordnewbie]

Thanks for the excellent tips Johnny.  You were right to ask me to check around for the fluid leaks.  I checked first thing this morning and noticed a tiny round circle formed near the inside of rear passenger tire.  I took it to the garage and it turned out that the rear-left brake caliper was leaking.  I've got it replaced and re-topped up the brake fluid and the lights have now gone out again 

As for the VAG lead, I've order this one...just hope it's the right one:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181943862397?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

PS: I've sent you a PM