Parking sensor repair advice please

[Mike2222]

I slipped when putting in some hiking shoes and managed to kick the rear bumper, perfectly on the centre right parking sensor, knocking it back into the bumper cover. No other damage noted, and fairly certain sensor still works but is just trapped inside the plastic bumper cover as now that sensor reads as red immediately on reversing, and then all sensors disable themselves after a second or two 😡😡 - warning message advises "clean parking sensors". 

 

Any advice as to whether this is likely a simple DIY repair, or worth taking to a garage (main dealer or independent?)? I've seen a few YouTube videos which imply relatively straightforward (tho a bit fiddly removing the bumper cover) on vehicles in general, but not on the current Rav4 specifically. Also, before I remove the bumper cover, am I likely to need buy a replacement sensor unit anyway (eg for the plastic retaining clip/ring), or is it just a matter of repositioning the existing sensor? 

 

TIA 

[Bper]

Hi Mike,You might be able to fix the sensor yourself if you’re comfortable with DIY work.When a sensor gets pushed in like this, it’s often just a matter of reseating it rather than needing a new part. If you can reach behind the bumper cover, maybe through the wheel well, try gently pushing the sensor back into place. It’s possible the clip or bracket holding it has loosened or just slipped out of its slot.

If you decide to remove the bumper, it’s a bit fiddly but with some patience. You will need to take out screws and clips along the bottom, inside the wheel wells, and possibly under the tailgate edge. The cover should come off, but be careful with any plastic clips.

If the sensor’s housing or retaining clip turns out to be broken, you may need a replacement. Many online parts suppliers offer prices cheaper than a main dealer.

If you are worried about damaging the bumper or sensor wiring, I would take it to an independent garage they should be able to pop it back and it would probably be cheaper than a main dealer.👍

[Nick72]

2 hours ago, Mike2222 said:

I slipped when putting in some hiking shoes and managed to kick the rear bumper, perfectly on the centre right parking sensor, knocking it back into the bumper cover. No other damage noted, and fairly certain sensor still works but is just trapped inside the plastic bumper cover as now that sensor reads as red immediately on reversing, and then all sensors disable themselves after a second or two 😡😡 - warning message advises "clean parking sensors". 

 

Any advice as to whether this is likely a simple DIY repair, or worth taking to a garage (main dealer or independent?)? I've seen a few YouTube videos which imply relatively straightforward (tho a bit fiddly removing the bumper cover) on vehicles in general, but not on the current Rav4 specifically. Also, before I remove the bumper cover, am I likely to need buy a replacement sensor unit anyway (eg for the plastic retaining clip/ring), or is it just a matter of repositioning the existing sensor? 

 

TIA 

Yikes! 

You got a photo?

I'm wondering if a small pokey tool with a little suction cup (or 3M sticky pad) on the end could just pull the sensor out and flush again? And glue it around the rim... Just enough to stop it sliding back.

Think I'd need to see it to appreciate it though.

[Mike2222]

I keep meaning to get a photo but wife using car for work last few days and I keep forgetting in evenings. It looks very much like a perfectly punched out circle in the plastic of the lower bumper cover. 

 

I have to get it in for it's third service on Friday, so might ask dealership what extra labour charge would be to go fishing for it. If exorbitant (which is my baseline assumption), I'll ask them to leave it be, and sort it out either myself or with an independent in next few weeks. Don't know whether faulty parking sensors are enough to cause an MOT fail, but that's not due until next March anyhow. 

[Nick72]

12 hours ago, Mike2222 said:

I keep meaning to get a photo but wife using car for work last few days and I keep forgetting in evenings. It looks very much like a perfectly punched out circle in the plastic of the lower bumper cover. 

 

I have to get it in for it's third service on Friday, so might ask dealership what extra labour charge would be to go fishing for it. If exorbitant (which is my baseline assumption), I'll ask them to leave it be, and sort it out either myself or with an independent in next few weeks. Don't know whether faulty parking sensors are enough to cause an MOT fail, but that's not due until next March anyhow. 

Good luck. 

[_dct_]

I took my rear bumper off when I had to replace a sensor I destroyed. IMHO, it is impossible to pull the sensor out while rear bumper is still attached. That said removing the bumper and reinstalling took me (very little experience) only 45mins so it is not too difficult - a few clips and bolts to removed and then pulling gently but firmly from both corners. Might need a helper to hold the bumper while you reseat the sensor.

[Nick72]

8 hours ago, _dct_ said:

I took my rear bumper off when I had to replace a sensor I destroyed. IMHO, it is impossible to pull the sensor out while rear bumper is still attached. That said removing the bumper and reinstalling took me (very little experience) only 45mins so it is not too difficult - a few clips and bolts to removed and then pulling gently but firmly from both corners. Might need a helper to hold the bumper while you reseat the sensor.

Good job!

[Mike2222]

On 11/14/2024 at 10:19 AM, _dct_ said:

I took my rear bumper off when I had to replace a sensor I destroyed. IMHO, it is impossible to pull the sensor out while rear bumper is still attached. That said removing the bumper and reinstalling took me (very little experience) only 45mins so it is not too difficult - a few clips and bolts to removed and then pulling gently but firmly from both corners. Might need a helper to hold the bumper while you reseat the sensor.

Do you mind sharing where you sourced the replacement sensor? Thx

[Mike2222]

Had the car in for it's 3rd service this week. Toyota garage quoted £200 for the repair, implying that this would be for labour to remove the bumper rather than a new sensor required, although also implied the plastic bracket might be needed...? Not sure if the average punter could buy just the plastic retaining bracket, without also stumping up for a new sensor

[philip42h]

10 minutes ago, Mike2222 said:

Had the car in for it's 3rd service this week. Toyota garage quoted £200 for the repair, implying that this would be for labour to remove the bumper rather than a new sensor required, although also implied the plastic bracket might be needed...? Not sure if the average punter could buy just the plastic retaining bracket, without also stumping up for a new sensor

That sounds about right. My 2020 4.5 was attacked by a kamikaze pheasant when it was only a few weeks old, which dislodged the offside headlight washer. Another case where the bumper needs to be popped off to reassemble the thing though no new parts were required. Swore loudly and let the professionals do the job for me - life's too short as it is ... 😉

[Nick72]

1 hour ago, philip42h said:

That sounds about right. My 2020 4.5 was attacked by a kamikaze pheasant when it was only a few weeks old, which dislodged the offside headlight washer. Another case where the bumper needs to be popped off to reassemble the thing though no new parts were required. Swore loudly and let the professionals do the job for me - life's too short as it is ... 😉

So a small pheasant. 3 weeks old?

[Heidfirst]

2 hours ago, Mike2222 said:

Do you mind sharing where you sourced the replacement sensor? Thx

if your car happens to be white I have a brand new in box rear sensor for an Avensis T27 (quite probably a shared part with other Toyota models)

[Mike2222]

11 hours ago, Heidfirst said:

if your car happens to be white I have a brand new in box rear sensor for an Avensis T27 (quite probably a shared part with other Toyota models)

Thanks, but mine is Obsidian Blue