[AlanHo]

My 2013 i30 Tourer is equipped with the factory fitted (so called) front parking sensors.

On the dash by my front knee is a push switch to turn them off.

I very rarely have the need to switch them off - so the switch is left on and shows a blue light when the sensors are operational.

However - I am increasingly confused whether the system is supposed to default to OFF or ON because sometimes when I put the car into the garage - or approach an obstacle - the system works fine. At other times I become aware the sensors are not working as I approach an obstacle and I have to operate the switch to put them ON.

This morning I decided to try and solve the mystery by making sure the system was on after I started the car, then stopped the engine and then restarted the car - and the indicator was ON. I did this several times. sometimes reversing the car between engine stop/start and driving the car for a few hundred yards at 30mph before stopping and starting the engine. Every time I did this, the indicator was on when I restarted the engine.

I then went shopping with my wife - when we reached the supermarket and pulled into a bay facing a wall the indicator was off as we approached the wall and I had to press the switch to put it on. There is no doubt that the indicator was ON when I previously stopped the engine.

When we reached home the same thing happened. When I went to put the car away in the garage - again the indicator was off and I manually put it ON a few inches from the end wall.

So I reversed out of the garage - with the indicator definitely ON, stopped the car and turned the engine off. I then drove back into the garage and the system performed as intended, the indicator was on and the warning sounded as I got close to the end wall.


The damned thing is driving me nuts because it is so inconsistent and I cannot pin down the circumstances which cause the system to be switched off without me pressing the OFF button.


Anyone else with front sensors noticed this - I swear it didn't happen with my previous 2013 car.

[eye30]

Is it speed sensitive?

Or

Only operate when in a certain gear, like 1st or 2nd, .

I only have the rear ones and the rear only operate when in reverse.

[Surferdude]

My 2013 i30 Tourer is equipped with the factory fitted (so called) front parking sensors.

On the dash by my front knee is a push switch to turn them off.

You have a back knee? 
But seriously, are you bumping the switch with your knee at some stage?

[AlanHo]

My 2013 i30 Tourer is equipped with the factory fitted (so called) front parking sensors.

On the dash by my front knee is a push switch to turn them off.

You have a back knee? 
I have no idea why I typed that garbage....

But seriously, are you bumping the switch with your knee at some stage?
No - it is well above knee level

[Surferdude]

My 2013 i30 Tourer is equipped with the factory fitted (so called) front parking sensors.

On the dash by my front knee is a push switch to turn them off.

You have a back knee? 
I have no idea why I typed that garbage....

But seriously, are you bumping the switch with your knee at some stage?
No - it is well above knee level  Maybe it's your top knee which is at fault. 

[AlanHo]

Is it speed sensitive?
The handbook says that the front sensors are operational when the vehicle is moving forwards at less than 10 km/hour.


Or
Only operate when in a certain gear, like 1st or 2nd,
No mention of gear used in the manual - but you are certain to be in a low gear at below 10 km/hr.

I only have the rear ones and the rear only operate when in reverse.

[Dazzler]

"Why not ask the dealers for advice?" He asks sarcastically 

It isn't throwing any fault codes...

[eye30]

"Why not ask the dealers for advice?" He asks sarcastically 

He would but they will only look on here for an answer

[Dazzler]

Many a true word spoken in jest

[mike481050]

In the latest i40 sensors automatically switch off over (i think) 20kmh but will automatically switch back on (front and rear) when car placed in reverse gear. Otherwise you need to operate the switch to turn them back on.

Probably the same in the 130.

[Dazzler]

Might just be easier to back into parking spaces and garages 

[AlanHo]

I cannot reverse into my garage it's too short - I have storage shelving on the back wall and am able to tuck the bonnet under it.

[Dazzler]

I cannot reverse into my garage it's too short - I have storage shelving on the back wall and am able to tuck the bonnet under it.

You should have got a sedan then! ...

Life is so complicated... 

[bumpkin]

As Mike says it will be the same as the i40.

Both front and back sensors are activated when vehicle put into reverse.

Front sensors are off by default at start up unless your first move is into reverse.  If so then front sensors stay active until forward motion above 10-15mph when the sensors switch off.

If you manually activate the front ones at start up then they are not affected by speed and will remain on until the the car is switched off.  If not manually activated and pulling into a space forwards then manual activation is required.

[AlanHo]

As Mike says it will be the same as the i40.

Both front and back sensors are activated when vehicle put into reverse.

Front sensors are off by default at start up unless your first move is into reverse.  If so then front sensors stay active until forward motion above 10-15mph when the sensors switch off.

If you manually activate the front ones at start up then they are not affected by speed and will remain on until the the car is switched off.  If not manually activated and pulling into a space forwards then manual activation is required.

Thanks Brian - I will give that a try next time I use the car (If it ever stops raining in torrents)

[Dazzler]

Thanks Brian - I will give that a try next time I use the car (If it ever stops raining in torrents)

You should download them Alan and use them in Summer to water your garden 

[bumpkin]

Reading your post again Alan, next time you get into the car make sure you have the sensors switched off, if you manually override them then they remember that for the next time you start the car up.  They should then activate (blue LED lit) when you engage reverse and stay on after reversing until you reach speed for a distance, I think the system assumes that you may be reversing again if you have started off with a reverse manoeuvre, I leave mine in that state and only manually activate if pulling into a space forwards, I find the front ones too sensitive to leave on all the time, the damned things bleep when you pull up behind other vehicles at traffic lights etc!!