Many new vehicles are manufactured with a metal crash protection bar placed directly behind the bumper. This is to make the car structure stronger and protect the passengers in the vehicle.

When installing a PD1 parking sensor the crash protection bar may affect the correct operation and reduce the detection range. If the adhesive antenna when fitted to the bumper is within 2cms of the crash protection bar once the bumper is refitted, you have 4 options to prevent any loss of the detection range.

Gaining Optimum PD1 Sensor Detection Range Options:

1. Install the antenna slightly higher or lower than the crash protection bar but not lower than the recommended minimum of 40 cms from the ground, with 50 cms being optimum height.

2. The recommended solution is to Install 2 antennas in parallel with a gap of 5-12 cms apart, with the lowest at a minimum height of 40 cms from ground. Twist the 2 antennas together at the terminal end and run in parallel, installing them on the most protruding parts of the bumper.

Find a spare antenna on ParkingDynamics.co.uk

3. Cover the crash bar or antenna with Black Duct, Duck or Gaffa tape to prevent any interference; this is available from any DIY store. But isn’t as effective as running 2 antennas.

4. Insulate metal crash protection bar from vehicle body.

Vehicles Fitted with a Tow bar or vehicles that have a spare wheel fixed to rear door.

As above we recommend Option 2 for vehicles that have a tow bar fitted or spare wheel fixed to rear door (i.e. 4x4, MPV, SUV)


Pre-Install Test 1:

Front and Rear Sensor Using 1 Antenna: Standard and Typical Install

To ensure optimum detection range and correct set up of the antenna and sensor, before installing the antenna permanently on the inner side of the bumper, using temporary pieces of tape, position the antenna (without removing the adhesive tape backing) to the outside of the bumper, simply to test the operation and detection range before deciding on the actual permanent mount height and width on the inner side.

Pre-Install Test 2:

Rear Sensor Using 2 Antennas: For vehicles with tow bar fitted or spare wheel fixed to rear door (See Technical sheet: Boosting PD1 Sensor Detection Range for details)

To ensure optimum detection range and correct set up of the 2 antennas and sensor, before installing the antenna permanently on the inner side of the bumper, using temporary pieces of tape, position the 2 antenna (without removing the adhesive tape backing) to the outside of the bumper, simply to test the operation and detection range before deciding on the actual permanent mount height and width on the inner side. This will ensure that the 2 antennas are mounted at the appropriate heights.

Find out more about the Parking Dynamics PD1 Parking Reverse Sensor

Parking Dynamics PD1 Front and Rear Antenna Installation Criteria:

• Antenna must cover the whole width of front and rear of vehicles bumper, with the antennas  ends 10-20 cm around bumper  corners, if possible.
• Must be installed a minimum of 15-20 cm away from the wheels.
• Must be installed a minimum of 3 cm away from any metal parts such as the metal crash protection bar typically found behind rear bumpers. (See Technical sheet: Boosting PD1 Sensor Detection Range for details)
• Must be installed a minimum of 40cm from the ground with 50cm being optimum height.
• If installing 2 antennas ensure the lower antenna is at least 40cms from the ground.
• Carefully clean the inner side surface of the bumper using alcohol or other solvent (but NOT anti-adhesive detergent), where the antenna will be positioned prior to attaching the adhesive antenna.
• Must be installed on the most protruding parts of the bumper.
• Must be secured along its complete length. Use a small piece of Duct, Duck or Gaffa Tape at either end or cover its complete length for optimum adhesion.

Installing 2 Antennas:
 
1. Remove the terminal on the antenna (fig. 1)

2. Install the 2 Antennas in parallel (fig. 2)

3. Twist the 2 Antenna ends together and insert them into the supplied connector (fig. 3)

Find out more about the Parking Dynamics PD1 Parking Reverse Sensor