If I wanted to add backup sensors. Do I have to get a new bumper?

 

Hopefully someone who KNOWS will answer this post, but I really doubt it. There are many after market kits that defintely don't require it. I had one installed on my MDX that is actually completely hidden behind the bumper (though it uses microwaves not sound waves). The standard Acura system installes several sensors through the bumper. There is no reason they can't just punch or drill a hole in the plastic. to install the sensor.

I'm curious. With anyone who has the Acrua system in this or any other car, is it sensative enough to park with. I've found the Microwave system is very sensative to things behind me and is great to avoid accidents, but useless for parking. You get to full alert well before you'd have to stop trying to fit in a tight space.

 

I wouldnt mind it if they had to change the bumper, because I have this dent on it that I still havent fixed yet. But theres no point into fixing it if im planning on getting back up sensors and it requires a new bumper.

 

You don't need a new bumper, they install it at the dealer.

I use it for parking. The two rear sensors are on a lower frequency and slow beep at 6 feet, the side two are a higher frequency and slow beep at 2 feet. The closer you get the faster they beep, then a few inches from hitting they are continuous. Both the side and rear are independent so you can tell what is going on at the back and the side without really looking. Works well for me. Its a sonar system based on the time the sound takes to come back to each sensor. I am not familiar with microwave systems.

 

oh... when I saw this picture, I thought They'ld have to install a new bumper

 

Can you turn the Backup Sensor on and off? Or, it always activated when the car is in reverse?

aka. Can the volume for these things be adjusted or turned off?

 

Could someone post pics of the back up sensor lights in the interior?

 

What lights? I don't see anything in the interior for them unless I am missing something. I have pics in my gallery for the exterior.

You can't adjust them, when you go into reverse they self test for 1 second then you don't hear them until you are getting close to something.

 

I have the backup sensors and they arent offensive at all. They beep once as you go into reverse and you dont hear from them again unless you are damn near trouble. Dont know if you can turn them off but suspect there is a fuse to them somewhere.

 

no lights.... It thought there were some type of green to red led lights that you can see in your rear view mirror... ahhh

oh well I guess sound is enough. But does the sound get annoying?

 

Not at all. It is just loud enough and only comes on when really needed. Numerous times I thought it wasn't working, but I wasn't as close as I thought I was. Thats the reason I bought it, so I don't have to guess where I am.

 

What is the $$$ for the backup sensors?

 

In Canada, the sensors option is in the $800 - $1000 range. Not sure if it's worth it to me. Would it almost be cheaper(and better!) to get an aftermarket rearview camera installed to show up on the nav screen? Is this possible? If so, I would do it for sure.

 

800-1000 $ installed?

 

It is possible, but the unit I am thinking of isover $600 US w/o installation, so much more canadian. $600 US is like was, 5000 canadian? j/k

 

yes. installed.

 

I believe he is stating Canadian dollars

 

hey man! our dollar's been catching up recently!


$600 = ONLY $783!


Anyways, I'd rather pay a G for the camera setup than some lame beeps. Who makes the unit you're looking at? Does it show up on the Nav screen? That'd be pretty pimp.:bowdown:

 

correct

 

Gordon Gekko is rich, might as well go w/ the nicer setup

This is the unit I was thinking of, mounts in your trunk
http://www.avelectronic.com/products.htm

You also need a camera (available in that page too, many types I believe)

Also gives the oppurtuinty for other additions like DVD, PS2 or other devices

PLUS: All shows up on stock navi w/ no splicing of any wires!

*rear view camera turns on automatically when the car is put in reverse, I would see if you could set up the MDX camera by the license plate, would be a nice set up.

 

Having driven cars with both audio and video based back-up assistance features, I think that the audio-based systems are far more useful in the real world.

Yes, it's cool to be able to see what's behind you on the display, but any backup system worth its salt should be usable WITHOUT having to look at anything. A backup assistance feature is a driving aid, it does not absolve you of your responsibility as a driver to be aware of your surroundings.

With a screen-based system you're looking ahead, at your display, while you're driving backward. That, in my book, is a big time no-no, particularly given that I've yet to see a camera-based system that gives a full 180 degree field of view.

 

I agree and also with a backup camera you don't see the sides whereas with the sensors you hear everything. I would actually like the sensors, a camera above the back licence and sensors in the front.

 

Expensive for just sound though, Aftermarket audio assist is far cheaper

 

Jss1,

Sounds very useful equipment. Two high frequency side sensors plus two low middle ones. The combination beeps would make you aware of how close you're. Will their beeps tell you the difference of right/left? (I mean, if there is a pole on the right and you're approaching to it, will your high frequency beeps give you any distinguishable sound and make you understand something on the right since there is no lights/signal on your dashboard?)

Although I didn't pick up this one, I believe it's really helpful in many occasions. Thanks for you photos, too.

BTW, your pics have that "Select Diagnosis Items" screen on Navi. I have tried it. Kind of interesting...

Thanks.

 

Got the reply, Jss1, Thanks

 

I like the concept of the sensors but don't like those damn little holes in the bumper. Just doesn't look right to me.

 

Sensor = little hole

Fire hydrant = big hole