I've read lots of inconclusive threads about reversing sensors playing up in wet weather. I have one of the four sensors that seems to be giving false readings, appears to get stuck on in the wet. When left overnight in the rain the problem is there as I reverse for the first time off the drive.  Tried wiping sensor dry with my sleeve, doesn't fix it. Next day, if no rain, all working again.

 

The best thread I've found was in the Roomster section and mentions the spraying the sensors connectors with Holts Damp Start.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/178211-parking-sensors/?hl=%2Bsensors+%2Bholts+%2Bdamp#entry2175189

 

I've had a quick look underneath the bumper, it seems there is 'stuff' in the way on the scout preventing you getting to the back of the parking sensors easily. (maybe under-body plate or petrol tank or something else.  :think: ).

 

1/.Do we think this spraying the connections is going to fix the sensor problem?

2/.Is it possible to get to the back of the sensors easily? Can I do it without removing the bumper/whatever's in the way underneath?

3/.Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

4/.Has anyone successfully fixed their parking sensors so they work reliably in the rain?

Edited 26 August, 201312 yr by paddypaws

AFAIK, it is an inherent problem.

My last 2 cars, a Freelander 2 & VW Passat and my current Octavia, all did/do the same with either spurious activations or just a sensor permanently active.

Always when raining or been raining. Just lived with it.

Not aware if any of the above would make them anymore reliable?

Thanks, Its obviously quite a common problem, although my wife has a Mazda MX-5 and hers has not had a problem in the rain at all for the 6 years shes had it.

I have the same thing with my Fabia. Not really a concern, just annoying sometimes.

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One of your sensors has a leak so moisture is getting in and causing a false reading.

Plenty of threads on how to fix

On my current Octy it has the display on screen and my sensors which give problems are very rarely the same one?

Never knew on the VW or Land Rover (no display).

So are you saying "gadgetman" this is not normal and should not be accepted as the norm?

If so, I will keep an eye on which sensors play up and get then sorted.

No its not normal.

Certainly ours doesn't do this even in the torrential rain this weekend

Oh well stand corrected, did not realise how poor the quality of the sealing of these units were, as it had happened now on 3 different vehicle marks.

Thanks.

Never suffered from this in 2 cars and 7.5 years over 160k miles in all kinds of conditions including 3.5 years and 70k miles in my current Octy so definitely not normal.

Nope, never had this on front or back in 5 years of ownership.

Thanks for the replies, I guess as its a 5 month old car, I'll just book it in under warranty. Bit of  a pain though if it could be fixed with a bit of silicone or something!

I've never had any problems with the sensors on any of my car. BUT I never jet wash them directly - just around them.

What do others do? It would be interesting to know if its jet washing that "kills" them.

I snow foam and lightly jet wash my car and have had no issues with the sensors in two years in rain or shine.

One of your sensors has a leak so moisture is getting in and causing a false reading.

Plenty of threads on how to fix

gagetman I have found threads on replacement of sensors is that what you mean or is there a fix to keep the water out?

 

ps. I've not used a jet wash on it only needs a wet night standing in the rain..

Mine can trigger if a run of water passes over one - for example if I have them on when I leave my down sloping drive, and some water runs off the bonnet it can trigger one.

Mine can trigger if a run of water passes over one - for example if I have them on when I leave my down sloping drive, and some water runs off the bonnet it can trigger one.

This is different one sensor is stuck on all day if its raining.

Does sound like moisture is getting in then.

I jet wash mine and have no problems

gagetman I have found threads on replacement of sensors is that what you mean or is there a fix to keep the water out?

 

ps. I've not used a jet wash on it only needs a wet night standing in the rain..

The sensors sit into a housing which is what you see in the bumper.  That isnt the sensor itself.

 

Typically water gets in between the 2, and coupled with the water running over it/bodywork it thinks it's a solid object.  Certainly get it checked.

I have this problem on my 2010 estate vrs. Front right always on bleeping in rain or if it has rained over night etc as others have said and when dry stops.

 

Is there an easy fix I have searched the forums and can't seem to find any advice. Maybe I missed it. It is so annoying and kind of defeats having them if they don't work.

 

If there is a solution could someone post the link please . Apart from replacing the sensor

I've been getting this recently

 

I think what is happening is that water accumulates within the rubber seal and creates a bubble over the sensor

 

I got out and rubbed the sensor and the water cleared from the rubber and it was ok

on my 3rd vrs and all of them did it.

Having said that, this one is by far the worse as it has front and rear sensors.

My temp fix is to ensure they are dry and give each one a quick spray of silicon spray.

This works for a good while.

Thanks vectra. You spray the outside or under the bonnet? I just took the headlamp out and can get my hand onto the back of the sensor in the front bumper. Is that where you sprayed it?

it is not water getting into the wiring that is causing this (if this was the case then the whole system would go down)

 

it is how the water can't clear the holders and gives a false reading

I jet wash mine and have no problems

you have the older system on the scout