I had an interesting chat with VP911 last night about his tires, and we discussed the possibility of installing the Acura backup sensor accessory in the front bumper. Installation seems straightforward, as long as I can figure out how to connect the harness to the connector that is probably in the rear of the car ( I don't have the install instructions-anyone have them that would like to send them to me?). I initially thought that this would be a straighforward mod, but I realized that I would probably need a way to disable the beeper in rush hour traffic-having the beeper go off while sitting on the 405 would be very annoying, to say the least. Anyway, I thought that I would post my idea and see what others thought of it as well as to see if the esteemed membership had any other ideas or comments relative to the install. TIA.

 

As far as the buzzer - I thought that the backup sensor is designed to buzz onlyw hen your car is in reverse. It probably gets power when you put the car in reverse - which, now that I think about it, would potentially cause a problem to do this because you arnt going to need the sensor if you are going forward. You would need a switch or something to turn it on and off for when you are trying to parallel park. didn't think about that one earlier.

 

Lexus GS300/430 have front sensors. I wonder what triggers the front sensors to go on and off. Perhaps the speed of the car and something else to differentiate between traffic jams and parking attempts.

 

Thats a good question...

 

I have reverse sensors on another car and you need to be about 18 from something before they start to beep. I suspect if you are closer than that in rush hour traffic that they should be beeping at you.

 

Ok did some checking on the Toyota/Lexus front sensors:
they are connected to the vehicle speed along with alot of other things.

looking at the wiring diagram it goes throught the a/c control unit, clearance sonar ecu, junction connectors the buzzer and so on.

It seems to be very intergrated into the rest of the vehicle.

 

The backup sensor installation instructions are available at a website that sells factory parts. I searched for "acura rl backup sensor" and got the instructions that were posted online from one of the sellers.

 

Found 'em-thanks.

 

I had the front and back sensors on my X5.. They were activated if the car was put in reverse and would automatically shut off when speed reached above 15mph. There was also a button to turn them on/off manually at any time.

 

Thanks for the info. Were the front sensors deactivated when out of reverse, ie, did they need to be manually turned on? The 05 RLs have an open switch location on the lower steering wheel, which would be a potential location for a manual park sensor on/off switch.

 

All sensors were automatically activated as soon as car was put in reverse. And ALL sensors were deactivated when car was travelling above 15mph.

The on/off switch was useful when

1) Just parked the car (using Reverse) and wife went to get something out of the back - it would make the annoying beeping sound.. so I would shut if off with the button
2) Parking head first.. I'd turn them on right as pulling in.

 

on my LS430 if you got too close to something in front or behind you, they would beed. period. speed didnt matter, reverse didnt matter. they dont start beeping till you get like 24" close to something, so even in rush hour, there's no need to get that close to someone. even if the car was in park (I think) and someone walked RIGHT in front of or behind you, it would beep.

so anyone try this yet?

 

The front sensor I installed on my TL is powered on my brake. The rear is power by going in reverse. I got the aftermarket parking sensor. they sell them as 8 sensor, parking sensor

 

Don't know if this helps, but the European spec cars come with sensors front and back so would have thought the wiring capability would be in place? It is incredibly useful, for parking and warning when a pedestrian gets too close.

 

can you call a local honda/acura dealer and get a quote for the front sensor kit for an 05 RL/legend? see if you can get a part number for premium white pearl, and ask what the kit includes.

i tried email a bunch of australian dealers but they said they dont have it. i look for some UK dealers to contact as well.

 

dug up my old thread.... here you go, if u decide to do aftermarket parking sensor.....

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/parking-sensors-634403/

 

interesting.

 

The Japanese spec Legend had front cameras attached to the navi system. No one here has tried to source the parts from Japan, though. Honestly, that would be better than the front sensors. Now THAT would be