HOW To: Install reverse parking sensors without drilling or removing bumper

[zoomister]

Ultrasonic sensors are economical, about $30 for a control unit with 4 sensors, but installation typically requires removal of the rear bumper and drilling holes. Even when color matched, these sensors are visible and spoil the smooth lines of the vehicle.

I developed an installation procedure for the 2013 Mazda3 sedan which does not require drilling holes anywhere in the car. I attach two sensors in the rear licence plate location which typically has an overhang making the sensors less visible.......

[ I had difficulty uploading and scaling images to this forum so the full explanation is linked here:- http://www.bobmc.net/doku2/doku.php?id=mazda3_reverse_parking_sensor

[cwp_sedan]

Host your pics on photobucket or something similar and link to them.

[maxewell12]

if this actually works good i might try it!

[zoomister]

Host your pics on photobucket or something similar and link to them.
Thanks, I tested that idea, a few of my pics were ok, but a few of them were magnified to fill 2 screens. Perhaps there is some picture format which fits here. Any suggestions?

[zoomister]

if this actually works good i might try it!
You can test on your kitchen table with power from a battery or +12vdc from a computer supply. There is a commitment of about $34 to get started.

Order Total: CDN$ 33.94
1 "HDE® Reverse Parking Sensor System"
CDN$ 28.95
In Stock
Sold by: HDE CA

[zoomister]

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_hde_zpsb1bf3189.jpg
A Reverse Parking System with ultrasonic sensors is only about $30 or less, but installation typically requires removal of the rear bumper for drilling holes. Even when color matched, these sensors are visible and spoil the smooth lines of the vehicle. I developed an installation procedure for the 2013 Mazda3 sedan which does not require drilling holes anywhere in the car.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_whole_trunk_zps0f09f278.jpg
I attach two sensors on the license plate recess where they do not protrude. I find this less distracting than buttons on the bumper which you may see on some factory installs.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_display_beep_zpsc2f751d2.jpg
The display beeper is attached to the console where it indicates selection of reverse gear. A month after installation, it is still working as expected.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_right_corner_zpsbc421f27.jpg
I hacked a couple of brackets by drilling two holes in a plastic box with the tool from the sensor kit. Then cut around the holes with a hack saw. Finally, I attached the brackets with double-sided adhesive tabs that are supplied with picture hangers of the Command brand, found at Home Depot. These tabs are strong but can be easily peeled away when a better idea occurs. Any suggestions?


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_shield_open_zpsd6941b91.jpg
Here are a couple of the sensors. I stripped some insulation so you can see there is just a wire and a shield. Routing the sensors cables might be difficult depending upon your car configuration. If so, cut the cable in half and join the ends later.The 2013 sedan has convenient holes in the metal structure behind the license plate. I poked the sensor cables through with a coat hanger. Next, I traced the licence lamp wires to a rubber grommet entring the trunk. I cut a notch in this grommet to allow passage of the sensor cables. Drilling was avoided.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_lid_bundle_zps0eecc0e5.jpg
The reverse lamp wires are found in bundle of 8 grey wires from the trunk to the lid or hatch. Feed a sensor power extension wire through the bundle for connection to the reverse lamp. Or connect to the lamp first and feed down through the bundle.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_fuse_zps43c66380.jpg
I am not an engineer so I include an inline fuse of 3amp or less. I don't want a fire to start from a short circuit in the added wiring.Finally, I installed the control unit in the spare wheel well and routed cables under the carpet.

[cwp_sedan]

Thanks, I tested that idea, a few of my pics were ok, but a few of them were magnified to fill 2 screens. Perhaps there is some picture format which fits here. Any suggestions?

Photobucket has a built-in resize function. Just select the size you want and resize it.

[zoomister]

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_hde_zpsb1bf3189.jpg
A Reverse Parking System with ultrasonic sensors is only about $30 or less, but installation typically requires removal of the rear bumper for drilling holes. Even when color matched, these sensors are visible and spoil the smooth lines of the vehicle. I developed an installation procedure for the 2013 Mazda3 sedan which does not require drilling holes anywhere in the car.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_whole_trunk_zps0f09f278.jpg
I attach two sensors on the license plate recess where they do not protrude. I find this less distracting than buttons on the bumper which you may see on some factory installs.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_display_beep_zpsc2f751d2.jpg
The display beeper is attached to the console where it indicates selection of reverse gear. A month after installation, it is still working as expected.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/0656b041-e158-44d6-84a9-41080bb8549d_zps30421d8a.jpg
I hacked a couple of brackets by drilling two holes in a plastic box with the tool from the sensor kit. Then cut around the holes with a hack saw. Finally, I attached the brackets with double-sided adhesive tabs that are supplied with picture hangers of the Command brand, found at Home Depot. These tabs are strong but can be easily peeled away when a better idea occurs. Any suggestions?


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/35028d14-1f94-4c0f-99c9-42e451a62c9b_zpsef461679.jpg
Here are a couple of the sensors. I stripped some insulation so you can see there is just a wire and a shield. Routing the sensors cables might be difficult depending upon your car configuration. If so, cut the cable in half and join the ends later.The 2013 sedan has convenient holes in the metal structure behind the license plate. I poked the sensor cables through with a coat hanger. Next, I traced the licence lamp wires to a rubber grommet entring the trunk. I cut a notch in this grommet to allow passage of the sensor cables. Drilling was avoided.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_lid_bundle_zps0eecc0e5.jpg
The reverse lamp wires are found in bundle of 8 grey wires from the trunk to the lid or hatch. Feed a sensor power extension wire through the bundle for connection to the reverse lamp. Or connect to the lamp first and feed down through the bundle.


http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac70/zoomister/s_fuse_zps43c66380.jpg
I am not an engineer so I include an inline fuse of 3amp or less. I don't want a fire to start from a short circuit in the added wiring.Finally, I installed the control unit in the spare wheel well and routed cables under the carpet.

[LexaTm3]

This is awesome, definitely something to look into. Thanks!

[mannyhagan]

i wonder if this will last!

[zoomister]

i wonder if this will last!

It is still as good as day one on my car. But it is only a prototype or proof of concept. It will last until someone designs a solution that is more elegant and robust, but still relatively easy and economical.