Vehicle back-up/proximity sensors in the winter

[ak77]

My sensors on the truck have been driving me nuts. I don't remember this problem be so bad last winter.
Basically, the sensors get covered in ice and snow due to condensation? I can wipe them all before leaving the house, and not even 10 minutes later i get warnings that they have been shut off.
Quick search online showed few tricks how to quickly and easily de-ice them, but is it even possible to stop them from icing over? Yes, I realise that in heavy snow, or after thaw when crap is flying everywhere it's impossible. But right now - barely any traffic on the roads, not tailgating anyone, clear skies...
Anyone has any tricks/hints?

[YYC338]

Well you could use your mirrors and shoulder check. It's worked for decades and doesn't involve a reliance on technology.

When technology lets you down, and it will sooner or later, go back to more reliable methods.

Had a vehicle once with back up sensors. never liked them, never counted on them to bail me out. Seen many people back into stuff in parking lots because their sensors are obstructed by snow, etc. and they just blindly back on up.

[ak77]

Well you could use your mirrors and shoulder check. It's worked for decades and doesn't involve a reliance on technology.

When technology lets you down, and it will sooner or later, go back to more reliable methods.

Had a vehicle once with back up sensors. never liked them, never counted on them to bail me out. Seen many people back into stuff in parking lots because their sensors are obstructed by snow, etc. and they just blindly back on up.

Thank you for absolutely irrelevant reply.
My question was not "how do i drive when parking sensors fail".
It is "how to stop them from getting iced over".
I have no problem parking like "in good old times". It's warnings that annoy me. And people who act superior to others for no freaking reason.

[Bigwoodsman]

Do you overnight your vehicle in a heated garage? If so the heated garage to the weather we are experiencing could cause the icing up of your sensors.

BW

[Ken07AOVette]

There are slick little amazon kits that sell these little windshield washer bottles and integral spray motors with a couple nozzles and hoses, I bought one for my snowplow tractor. Maybe you could drill holes just above the sensors, and install the sprayers.
My F150 had a sprayer on the front camera, which was very helpful.
Just a thought.


https://www.amazon.ca/DYKL-12VUniversal-Windshield-Washer-Reservoir/dp/B08HRM3LR6/ref=sr_1_9?crid=31I2EXRYBPQEK&keywords=windshield+washer+kit&qid=1640721648&sprefix=windshield+washer+kit%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-9

[ak77]

Do you overnight your vehicle in a heated garage? If so the heated garage to the weather we are experiencing could cause the icing up of your sensors.

BW

Parking outside.

[ak77]

There are slick little amazon kits that sell these little windshield washer bottles and integral spray motors with a couple nozzles and hoses, I bought one for my snowplow tractor. Maybe you could drill holes just above the sensors, and install the sprayers.
My F150 had a sprayer on the front camera, which was very helpful.
Just a thought.


https://www.amazon.ca/DYKL-12VUniversal-Windshield-Washer-Reservoir/dp/B08HRM3LR6/ref=sr_1_9?crid=31I2EXRYBPQEK&keywords=windshield+washer+kit&qid=1640721648&sprefix=windshield+washer+kit%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-9

Thanks, that's the thought. However I'm afraid it's not really applicable. Have 8 sensors between the front and rear bumpers, so will need 4 of those kits, and it becomes to cluttered. Also, I'm kinda hesitant drilling holes in a '20 truck.
Thanks for the idea though, that kit may have different application, i'll keep it in mind.

[vinny]

Well you could use your mirrors and shoulder check. It's worked for decades and doesn't involve a reliance on technology.

When technology lets you down, and it will sooner or later, go back to more reliable methods.

Had a vehicle once with back up sensors. never liked them, never counted on them to bail me out. Seen many people back into stuff in parking lots because their sensors are obstructed by snow, etc. and they just blindly back on up.

So helpful. 🙄

[Ken07AOVette]

Thanks, that's the thought. However I'm afraid it's not really applicable. Have 8 sensors between the front and rear bumpers, so will need 4 of those kits, and it becomes to cluttered. Also, I'm kinda hesitant drilling holes in a '20 truck.
Thanks for the idea though, that kit may have different application, i'll keep it in mind.

you could just buy nozzles and tees, wouldnt need all the kits. I get it though.

[ak77]

Had a vehicle once with back up sensors. never liked them, never counted on them to bail me out. Seen many people back into stuff in parking lots because their sensors are obstructed by snow, etc. and they just blindly back on up.

That reminded me of a joke:
"Two guys get on the train, share a compartment. After the train departed and it was on the way, both of them had settled in. One of them then asks the other:
- Apologies for bothering you good sir. I have a bottle of premium scotch in my briefcase, the road is long... Would you care for a glass to share with me?

The other guy replies:
- Thanks, but I repectfully decline. I had tried scotch before once, didn't really like it.

- No problems. I hope you don't mind if I pour myself a glass. How about this nice cuban cigar? Hand rolled, straight from the factory, delivered to me just yesterday. Top shelf of the top shelves.

- Thanks, but I have to say "no" to the cigar as well. I had tried smoking before. Definetely not my cup of tea.

So the first guy picks up the glass of scotch, lights up the cigar, leans back in his chair, and tries to keep the conversation going...
- So, why are you on this train? Business or pleasure?
- Oh, I am on my way to see my son at his university for his birthday.
The first guy takes a sip of his scotch, puffs his cigar, and asks:
- I assume he's the only child?

:sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout::sHa_shakeshout:

[270person]

Parking outside.


I park in a heated garage and have not had issues with mine outside of the fish eye camera lens getting dirty and snow covered. Even when things get fogged or dirty I've had no failures.

I do nothing special outside of keeping the truck warm and clean as much as possible. Dodge in my case.

[Arty]

There are slick little amazon kits that sell these little windshield washer bottles and integral spray motors with a couple nozzles and hoses, I bought one for my snowplow tractor. Maybe you could drill holes just above the sensors, and install the sprayers.
My F150 had a sprayer on the front camera, which was very helpful.
Just a thought.


https://www.amazon.ca/DYKL-12VUniversal-Windshield-Washer-Reservoir/dp/B08HRM3LR6/ref=sr_1_9?crid=31I2EXRYBPQEK&keywords=windshield+washer+kit&qid=1640721648&sprefix=windshield+washer+kit%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-9

That would be a very good solution to a more pressing problem than sensors. A while back I had a car that came with factory headlight sprayers to wash off dirt and salt spray from the lights. Worked great. When I got the truck I thought about how I could install something like that, but just resolved to pulling off the road every half hour to use the windshield squeegee on them.

Problem is, there's some narrower highways with a lot of transport truck traffic where pulling off to the side when you need to for any reason is tricky and dangerous. Some sections of Hwy 16 to Jasper come to mind.

So a better solution would be to mount a good 12v pump near the present windshield reservoir, and connect it to a hose with a strainer on the end led through the cap of the reservoir. Mount a couple of water jets in front of each headlight, and connect a distribution hose from the pump to the jets. Set up a solenoid switching circuit run through to the cab and powered from a terminal strip that connects all your high-amp stuff to the battery positive. https://www.amazon.ca/Lippert-689052-Flow-Max-Water/dp/B0746GY2SD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3F9LT9YG09GZ4&keywords=12v+pump&qid=1640723625&s=automotive&sprefix=12v+pump%2Cautomotive%2C164&sr=1-4
I may just have talked myself into another project :(

Anyway, for sensors maybe not so good. The headlights are always warm to hot. So any remaining water dissipates quickly. Not sure how freezing cold sensors would react after getting doused with liquid. Backup mirrors just might be the better option.

[Ken07AOVette]

That would be a very good solution to a more pressing problem than sensors. A while back I had a car that came with factory headlight sprayers to wash off dirt and salt spray from the lights. Worked great. When I got the truck I thought about how I could install something like that, but just resolved to pulling off the road every half hour to use the windshield squeegee on them.

Problem is, there's some narrower highways with a lot of transport truck traffic where pulling off to the side when you need to for any reason is tricky and dangerous. Some sections of Hwy 16 to Jasper come to mind.

So a better solution would be to mount a good 12v pump near the present windshield reservoir, and connect it to a hose with a strainer on the end led through the cap of the reservoir. Mount a couple of water jets in front of each headlight, and connect a distribution hose from the pump to the jets. Set up a solenoid switching circuit run through to the cab and powered from a terminal strip that connects all your high-amp stuff to the battery positive. https://www.amazon.ca/Lippert-689052-Flow-Max-Water/dp/B0746GY2SD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3F9LT9YG09GZ4&keywords=12v+pump&qid=1640723625&s=automotive&sprefix=12v+pump%2Cautomotive%2C164&sr=1-4
I may just have talked myself into another project :(

Anyway, for sensors maybe not so good. The headlights are always warm to hot. So any remaining water dissipates quickly. Not sure how freezing cold sensors would react after getting doused with liquid. Backup mirrors just might be the better option.

freezing cold windshields get doused with liquid every time you hit the sprayers. My camera never minded it, but I guess you never know. There are even heat exchangers made to send hot washer fluid.

[SteyrSSG]

After I brush the snow off, I use windshield washer fluid in a handheld spray bottle. It seems to work for short trips around town. Unfortunately I have not found a successful solution if I am travelling for an extended period on heavy snow covered roads.

[Ebrand]

Fortunately on my truck that is an option for me.

I am an old school driver ( the buzzers and camera generally annoy me ) but the sensors and buzzers get to be a real easy way to check around.

Hope you find a solution. YouTube might offer a suggestion.

Good luck

[ak77]

Ebrand system tells me to wipe the sensors and shuts them off. Until i shut the truck off, then they turn on again next time i start up the engine. I can, and i do, shut them off manually and they stay off. But it's not a solution, it's not what I'm asking for. How would you feel if you went to the doctor and your leg hurts, and the doctor says "well, stop walking then".

[ak77]

After I brush the snow off, I use windshield washer fluid in a handheld spray bottle. It seems to work for short trips around town. Unfortunately I have not found a successful solution if I am travelling for an extended period on heavy snow covered roads.

Thank you. I've seen this suggestion, unfortunately they result is also the same...

Looks like there's no long term solution. :(

[Vingiu]

What about a thin film of lubricant over the sensors? Clean em up good, quick spritz of silicone, lock or hinge lubricant, even WD40 might help keep ice from packing on. It’ll wear off quickly on slushy days, but it’ll stick well in frigid cold.

No sensors on my pickup but I do make use of these things to keep the fuel filler door and tailgate hinges from icing up in the winter

[Arty]

Ebrand system tells me to wipe the sensors and shuts them off. Until i shut the truck off, then they turn on again next time i start up the engine. I can, and i do, shut them off manually and they stay off. But it's not a solution, it's not what I'm asking for. [...]

Then it looks like you'll have to sit down for a week of evenings and engineer something yourself. Then build and refine it a couple of times.

The upside is you could then patent it and contract a local manufacturing shop to make a bunch and then sell them on Amazon and to the local truck dealers. If the problem is as pervasive as you think it is, there should be a ready market for it. A 40% markup on 50,000 units is a nice pile of cash. Just keep the quality level up or you'll lose out to offshore price cutting.

[ak77]

Then it looks like you'll have to sit down for a week of evenings and engineer something yourself. Then build and refine it a couple of times.

The upside is you could then patent it and contract a local manufacturing shop to make a bunch and then sell them on Amazon and to the local truck dealers. If the problem is as pervasive as you think it is, there should be a ready market for it. A 40% markup on 50,000 units is a nice pile of cash. Just keep the quality level up or you'll lose out to offshore price cutting.

Thanks, your contribution is noted and shelved right beside the one from YYC388.

[Ebrand]

Ebrand system tells me to wipe the sensors and shuts them off. Until i shut the truck off, then they turn on again next time i start up the engine. I can, and i do, shut them off manually and they stay off. But it's not a solution, it's not what I'm asking for. How would you feel if you went to the doctor and your leg hurts, and the doctor says "well, stop walking then".

My apologies.

I thought you were being annoyed with the sensors activating when they ice up or get snowed over...

I have no suggestions that will help you with your problem.

Best wishes on funding a solution.

[dodger]

Maybe all the sensors are on a fuse? Not sure how new the vehicle is but in your settings on your touch screen a shut off? I am lucky as I have had a shut off switch on my last 2 trucks.

Dodger.

[204ruger]

My sensors on the truck have been driving me nuts. I don't remember this problem be so bad last winter.
Basically, the sensors get covered in ice and snow due to condensation? I can wipe them all before leaving the house, and not even 10 minutes later i get warnings that they have been shut off.
Quick search online showed few tricks how to quickly and easily de-ice them, but is it even possible to stop them from icing over? Yes, I realise that in heavy snow, or after thaw when crap is flying everywhere it's impossible. But right now - barely any traffic on the roads, not tailgating anyone, clear skies...
Anyone has any tricks/hints?

Wonder if some of that spray windshield de-icer would work if you sprayed on before you leave if enough of it would hang on that it would help de-ice while you drive. Kinda like that rain x stuff that stays on windshield for a few days after application.

[Grizzly Adams1]

Thank you for absolutely irrelevant reply.
My question was not "how do i drive when parking sensors fail".
It is "how to stop them from getting iced over".
I have no problem parking like "in good old times". It's warnings that annoy me. And people who act superior to others for no freaking reason.

You the guy they caught in BC, he already had his ticket for the day ? :lol: I sense an attitude.

Grizz

[ak77]

Maybe all the sensors are on a fuse? Not sure how new the vehicle is but in your settings on your touch screen a shut off? I am lucky as I have had a shut off switch on my last 2 trucks.

Dodger.
the truck is 2020. have separate switches for front and back. back usually craps out sooner and more often, i blame design flaws - each pair of sensors are on each side of the exhaust pipe. more moisture, warm air...


Methinks need something that is water repellent, can be applied as a thin film as not to affect the functionality of the sensors.
I only semi-solution i have seen so far, both here and on the WWW is to keep a small spray bottle of windshield fluid handy and spray them before leaving the house. I might just try that and see how it goes.
Have seen another suggestion that was just "wax" but nothing specific. maybe i'll try wd40 or Katzass or similar... After making sure it will not mess up them sensors permanently.

[spurly]

If it’s that new maybe the sensors can be replaced under warranty.should be more than just you having this issue. Maybe there is a fix for it

[silvertip]

clean up connections, spray your sensors and connections with alcohol ,or air
brake antifreeze , follow the wiring

wipe down , and dry ( heat gun or hair drier )

try using WD 40 water resistant silicone spray on the connections

cover with heat shrink

drive unit

also maybe its only one, try isolation if possible

[ak77]

You the guy they caught in BC, he already had his ticket for the day ? :lol: I sense an attitude.

Grizz

It looks like this thread just calls for inner comedian in me. I've already told a joke. Here's another one.
The situation described is common in russian community, not only here in Edmonton, but also anywhere else in Canada, and everywhere in the world, from Germany to Israel to Australia to SAR - anywhere where russians are. Here's the loose translation, hopefully without losing the meaning.
"American (Canadian, German, etc internet forums):
Question:
-Where can i buy apples?
Answers:
-Well, there's always Costco, Safeway, Superstore
-Don't forget Save-on, and IGA
-There are farmers' markets on ...days in ... parts of the city
-Here's the phone number and the address of the farm not so far from city, a little longer drive, but worth it.

Russian forum in Canada/Germany/etc
Question:
-Where can i buy apples?
Answers:
-Why do you need apples, why don't you buy oranges, they are better for you!
-You lazy ass mothertrucker, do you want everything served to you on the silver platter??? Why don't you get off your аss, and go look for apples like I did 35 years ago when i got here.
-C'mon guys, why can't anyone help this person??? Is it so hard to tell him where to buy apples?
-Apples are good for you, but it's covid, everything is locked down, just stay home for the time being.
-etc
"

In this joke the native countries are described as down to business and straight to the point. What I noticed here it's definetely not the same.

I hope your comment about the attitude was "tongue in the cheeck" kind. Because by God it is really hard to keep the cool when, having asked "how to prevent _ from happening" you get replies like "only pussiеs use that" and "why don't you just shut it off if it annoys you". I really wanted to point out that reading comprehension was part of the school program for the long time and it looks like some people here need to borrow the school books from their grandchildren and review it again, while others sound like stereotypical blonds from politically incorrect jokes of past "I just turn the radio up so I don't hear the rattling". But I didn't.
What I noticed recently is i am becoming a bit toxic in my interactions on the internet, AO forum including, and one of my resolutions is to actually take 5 before typing the reply, and waiting another 5 before submitting it. But sometimes it hard... soooo hard to try to keep my mouth shut. Especially when obviously irrelevant comment gets called out, and suddenly I have the attitude problem.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!!

[Ken07AOVette]

I'm certain ice snow and dirt build up is not specifically covered by warranty.

My truck on a snow day can get 4" deep on the tailgate and rear bumper, not a lot will help that.

[ak77]

clean up connections, spray your sensors and connections with alcohol ,or air
brake antifreeze , follow the wiring

wipe down , and dry ( heat gun or hair drier )

try using WD 40 water resistant silicone spray on the connections

cover with heat shrink

drive unit

also maybe its only one, try isolation if possible

Sensors work perfectly when clean. The problem is the environment. Moisture in the air freezes on colder surfaces of the bumper/sensors and after a while the build up makes them think there's obstruction. The truck is smart enough to realize if there's obstruction all around you for more then 5 minutes especially when you're driving then the sensors must be dirty/covered in something. So it tell me to clean them up and shuts off until i do. There's no electrical problem.

[ak77]

I'm certain ice snow and dirt build up is not specifically covered by warranty.

My truck on a snow day can get 4" deep on the tailgate and rear bumper, not a lot will help that.

Thanks Ken. Looks like it takes a guy who experienced it first hand to understand what I'm talking about. I drove from Ft. McM a couple of weeks ago, when I got to Edmonton the back of my truck was uniform flat surface about 1.5" deep.
The rest of the city slickers are just like Google - just a couple of million of pages of suggestions

[Stinky Buffalo]

Have you tried this product?

https://www.rainx.com/product/rain-x-plastic-water-repellent-trigger/

Disclaimer: I haven’t tried it myself, don’t have any sensors on my current vehicles.

[ak77]

Stinky Buffalo Thanks, i'll give it a shot.

[Dean2]

Have sensors on three vehicles. The ones on my 2006 are the least suceptible to this issue but it also doesn't get driven in winter and summer road gunk doesn't seem as bad. On the 2020 and 2021 have tried Rainx, WD40, Silicone, lithium grease, dialectic grease and car wax. Nothing stops them from gumming up and you have to be really careful cleaning them off, if you scratch the sensor face enough they will start acting up. Mine only false alert below a set speed but I find the warning screen annoying so I have taken to just shutting them off when that happens. Will be very interested to see if anyone comes up with a fix.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Very true, Dean2. Those things are very sensitive.

Have a friend in the bodywork business and we were talking about how expensive it is to repair modern cars. He brought up those sensors, and said that one has to be especially careful painting around them. He said that even a few microns difference is enough to cause issues.

[urban rednek]

Sounds to me like you guys are trying to put lipstick on a pig.
The proper solution to iced up sensors is heat. The manufacturers could install sensors with a heater circuit that could be relay controlled by the existing ambient sensing thermostat. Or, maybe heated mounting bushings (donuts) would be easier than heated sensors?
The combined parasitic electrical load (ie. fuel consumption) would likely be offset in newer vehicles by the energy savings of the new LED light sources versus the conventional resistive load lighting.
Bonus- once we go full EV, there will be plenty of electrical power available to run everything!:rolleye2:

[Big Grey Wolf]

I like the idea of pump and spray nozzle. I had one on my 63 Pontiac only had a bottle of Scotch/Rye with small nozzle under the dash. Never had a problem having RCMP take my liquior away at Lakeview dances.

[Savage Bacon]

You can paint over the bumper sensors.

As far as keeping them clean and working properly in this weather, let me know what you come up with so I can do it to my whole car.

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk

[ak77]

As far as keeping them clean and working properly in this weather, let me know what you come up with so I can do it to my whole car.

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk

Wow, this really put things into the perspective. You, sir, are an eye opener.

[Dean2]

Wow, this really put things into the perspective. You, sir, are an eye opener.


You know AK77, that kind of attitude isn't going to win you many friends. This is a forum, some guys will post stuff that is meant to be humorous or entertaining, others will post stuff completely off topic. They do NOT detract from a thread, they actually help keep it higher on the page. Try to enjoy the fun part, as well as the getting the answer part, which so far, doesn't seem to be forthcoming and after all the things I have tried, I am not holding my breath that anyone has a fool proof idea.

It is nearly a New Year. put on a smiley and have some fun.:bad_boys_20:

[ak77]

You know AK77, that kind of attitude isn't going to win you many friends. This is a forum, some guys will post stuff that is meant to be humorous or entertaining, others will post stuff completely off topic. They do NOT detract from a thread, they actually help keep it higher on the page. Try to enjoy the fun part, as well as the getting the answer part, which so far, doesn't seem to be forthcoming and after all the things I have tried, I am not holding my breath that anyone has a fool proof idea.

It is nearly a New Year. put on a smiley and have some fun.:bad_boys_20:

My remark was as sincere as they get. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or smart-аssy. What he said was actual eye opener. If such substance existed coating the vehicle with it would render washing absolete. Since car-wash business are flourishing (according to another thread) obviously my quest for non-beeping driving is pointless.

Happy NY to you too. Written with the smile on my face.

[Dean2]

My remark was as sincere as they get. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or smart-аssy. What he said was actual eye opener. If such substance existed coating the vehicle with it would render washing absolete. Since car-wash business are flourishing (according to another thread) obviously my quest for non-beeping driving is pointless.

Happy NY to you too. Written with the smile on my face.

Fair enough. I completely misread what you were saying based on a number of your earlier comments in this thread. Closest thing I have seen to shedding gunk is ceramic coatings on paint and even that stuff doesn't work near as well as the advertisements says it does.

Was out today, truck perfectly clean and stored in heated garage. After a couple of hours out side, between frozen front sensors and a tiny amount of frost was getting intermittent error codes saying park sense not available on front. Pulled into garage and they were still perfectly clean. Thet were working again when I pulled into the garage.

Seems like a lot of modern features and accessories don't work good in real cold weather. The auto fold mirrors on the Jeep don't work right at -35. When they redeploy in real cold they keep going all the way forward. Dont work right till they warm back up. Turned them off too.

[does it ALL outdoors]

What about a thin film of lubricant over the sensors? Clean em up good, quick spritz of silicone, lock or hinge lubricant, even WD40 might help keep ice from packing on. It’ll wear off quickly on slushy days, but it’ll stick well in frigid cold.

No sensors on my pickup but I do make use of these things to keep the fuel filler door and tailgate hinges from icing up in the winter

That's what I was thinking, a little shot of WD-40 or even cooking spray.

Put that cooking spray on your door rubbers and they will never freeze up in the winter, even if you wash your vehicle in this cold.

[Savage Bacon]

Wow, this really put things into the perspective. You, sir, are an eye opener.I can clean my backup camera and wipe off my back bumper, then drive to the store and back. Backing into my driveway my car keeps beeping telling me people are coming from either side.

The issue I was referring to also is my back window defrost melts snow and ice and it bridges over the bottom of the back window and trunk lid. It gets probably an inch thick of solid ice. Then I can't open the darn trunk. I don't park in a heated garage so this is a winter long issue.

I don't know if all cars do this or not. I've always driven a truck. I just bought the car to commute. And I actually love driving the car. I'm still a truck guy tho! Lol.

All first world problems that I forget about when I get into the house.

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk

[SamSteele]

Try Rain X on them. It helps repel rain water and works on most lenses. Might help prevent the build up. It works on my radar controlled cruise lens.

SS