This article first appeared in the I-CAR Advantage Online, which is published and distributed free of charge. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for-profit international training organization that researches and develops quality technical education programs related to collision repair. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free publication, visit http://www.i-car.com.
The only assistance that a vehicle previously offered a driver trying to back into a parking space were the rear and side view mirrors. Today, several vehicle models are equipped with a type of parking assist system that not only helps when parking, but when backing up for any reason. Some parking assist systems also help drivers when moving forward. Parking assist systems are often standard on station wagons and SUVs and are usually optional on sedans.
There are basically two types of systems: one is an array of sensors on the bumper that trigger an audible “beep” when you get too close to an object and the other is an actual video camera that sends pictures to the navigation screen in the center console.
There is a third type, but it's not yet available outside of Japan. Toyota Japan offers an option on the Prius gasoline/electric hybrid called Intelligent Parking Assist that directs the car to park itself. The driver identifies the exact spot using a navigation screen, touches a "set" button, and the car backs into the spot without any human assistance.
Since the location of the more common bumper sensor arrays puts them in harm's way in many collision scenarios, it is helpful to know how to troubleshoot and replace these sensors. This article will discuss parking assist systems, and any repairs that can be done to them.
Bumper Sensors