Have many had problems with the parking sensor. Frankly I haven't had much use for it yet. But a friend with an 07 said his stopped working. out of curiousity I backed my 08 up to the garage door and no sound. I only have 2600 on it and have done any too rough driving.
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08 Sandstorm
All Terrain Package, AT, Rock Rail, OEM Skid
BajaRack
In order for it to work you have to make sure it is on. I keep mine on all the time so I don't have to do it each time I back up. it is just a guide I trust my eyes more so.
1. Does your FJ actually have the backup sonar option? If you have the on/off switch, you have it. (This is kinda like making sure you have your computer plugged in before concluding that it isn't working)
2. As mentioned in the previous post, be sure it it turned on. You will hear a beep when you shift into reverse that indicates that the sonar is turned on and operating. Also, the on/off switch will light up in the on position.
3. I prefer to leave it on all the time. The only reasons I can think of when you would need to turn it off is when towing something or if the sensors become covered with mud, ice or such causing a false positive continuous warning. I've had that happen with ice.
4. And obviously, the system could be malfunctioning for some reason and if so the factory warranty will cover it.
5. I like the sonar, especially when parallel parking in a tight spot. I still have trouble trusting it completely and try not to rely on it exclusively. It's a tool and not a substitute for good driving habits. I move very slowly when banking on it. That way, if it fails for some reason and I bump something, any damage would hopefully be relatively minor. I also occasionally do what you did to test it by backing up close to something. I like to use something soft like a hedge for the test just in case it isn't working.
Post back and let us know when you figure out what's going on.
__________________ '07 Sunfusion
AT 4x4, (CQ) Convenience Pkg, (GY) Airbags, (UR) Upgrade #2, (C8) Rock Rails & Skid Plate, (DH) Towing Hitch, (WL) 17" Alloys, (Z2) 5 pc All Weather Mats/Rear Door Storage/First Aid Kit/Passenger Arm Rest, (3T) Roof Rack
MODS: TRD CAI, Spare Tire Cover, Precision Fit Ballistic Nylon Seat Covers, Warn Receiver Shackle, Sylvania Silver Star Ultra Headlights, LED Dome Light conversions, Puck Light Mod, Under Hood LED Lighting, Aux Backup Lights
This is one feature that my FJ had that I thought I wouldn't use. However, I've actually found it to be very helpful. Thank goodness you can turn it off though because I pull trailers with my FJ and wouldn't want to hear the beeping everytime I backed up!
I haven't had any problems, but definitely don't trust the technology completely. I trust my own eyes first, but once the system starts to beep, it is very helpful in gauging how close you are to an object. I find that I'm able to back up closer to objects now because without it, I would always give myself a wide safety margin.
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An FJ rolls on
hills muted by mountains pass
a true adventure
6 spd MT Voodoo Blue
Rear diff and e-locker scuba mod
CB w/ custom CB antenna mount on uppper rear door hinge
A-Trac switch installed
Custom tube bumper in the works...
For those that "haven't had much use for it"... don't you ever have to back up in close proximity to something? With the poor vision below the rear window and between the two side mirrors, it has beeped a couple of times when I was backing up and didn't see anything behind me. I'd say, WTF and sure enough, each time there was some sort of a bollard, or object outside of my field of view. I was glad I had it.
DEWFPO
__________________ 2007 FJ, 5AT, Sun Fusion Yellow, CQ, UP, GY, RB, 2Q, EL, VS.
"Wanted - young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred"
Original newspaper add placed by William Hepburn Russell, founder of the The Pony Express
2007 FJ, 5AT, Sun Fusion Yellow, CQ, UP, GY, RB, 2Q, EL, VS.
"Enjoying the Journey"
Linear Mode
