TL Backup Sensors Owner’s Manual © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3 Important Information ........................................................................................... 4 How the Backup Sensors Work ............................................................................ 5 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 7 Operation ........................
Introduction Thank you for purchasing this Acura accessory. Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before using the backup sensors, and keep this manual in the glove box for future reference. This product is designed to be used exclusively on a Acura TL. Acura is not responsible if the unit is used for any other intended purpose. This Owner’s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the the vehicle. It should remain with the vehicle at all times and stay with the vehicle when sold.
Important Information Before using the backup sensors, make sure you read and understand the operation and limitations of the system as discussed below and elsewhere in this manual. • The backup sensors are designed to provide and audible sound when they detect large stationary objects while the vehicle is moving in reverse at low speed. However, the system may not detect all possible objects depending on their size, shape, or location.
How the Backup Sensors Work Backup Sensors The sensors are ready for operation when the shift lever is moved to the reverse position. Operation of the sensors is dependent upon the ultrasonic waves they emit. They calculate the distance between the sensor and a rear obstacle by measuring the time until the ultrasonic waves reach the sensor after being reflected by the obstacle. The sensors are designed to give you an audible signal when the rear bumper of your vehicle is approaching an obstacle.
How the Backup Sensors Work Corner Sensors: The sensors detect the closest rear obstacle. 3710060M The sensors may not detect the rear bumper of tall vehicles. 3710070M In this example, the corner sensor detects the side wall. Center Sensors: 3710050M 6 © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Limitations The sensors detect only the closest obstacle. The sensors may detect other obstacles as the vehicle moves. The sensors may not work if the obstacle is an odd shape or made of material that does not reflect ultrasonic waves. Examples: POLE CARDBOARD CARTON SMALL or SLENDER TREE TIRE of BICYCLE 3710080M RECTANGULAR LUMBER The sensors may not work if the ambient air temperature is below -4°F (-20°C) or above 122°F (50°C). CURBSTONE 3710090M © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Limitations The sensors may not sound for the following obstacles or under the following conditions: • • Objects that absorb ultrasonic waves, such as soft snow, cotton and sponges Piece of wire, rope, and net fence 3710120M 3710100M • Objects low in height such as curbstone, etc. The audible signal may sound warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle: • Droplets of water frozen on the sensor 3710110M 3710130M 8 © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Limitations The audible signal may sound warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle: • • When the vehicle is equipped with a highpower radio and antenna Sensors clogged with snow, dirt or mud 3710160M 3710140M • When detecting loud noises such as a vehicle horn, a motorcycle’s engine, or air brakes The sensors may sound continuously under the following conditions: • When driving on rough surfaces or gravel roads or in grass, or when stopped on a hill 3710170M • When driving in rain
Operation Before using the backup sensors, become familiar with the types of sounds in relation to the distances between the sensors and the obstacle by actually backing your vehicle into a garage or parking space. Also confirm the obstacle detecting range of each backup sensor. 1. Check that the parking brake is applied. 2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Do not start the engine yet. 4.
Operation 5. Check that the intermittent warning beeps become quicker as you bring the palm of your hand closer to the sensor. For the corner sensors: About 1.5 feet For the center sensors: About 4 feet 6. Check that the intermittent warning beeps are changed to a continuous beep as you bring the palm of your hand closer to the sensor. The sensor may stop sounding or sound intermittent beeps if you bring the palm of your hand closer too quickly.
Daily Inspection 12 1. Start the engine. 2. Apply the parking brake, and depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever to the reverse position. Check that the audible signal sounds for about one second. • The sensors are normal if the audible signal sounds for about one second. • If the audible signal keeps sounding, this is an indication that the sensors are frozen or clogged with mud, dirt, etc. • The sensors will also keep sounding when there is an abnormality in the circuit.
Care of the Backup Sensors Wipe the sensors clean with a clean cloth, or flush with low-pressure water when the sensors are clogged with mud and dirt. Do not direct high-pressure water against the sensors. LOW-PRESSURE WATER HIGHPRESSURE WATER (Do not use.) 3710190M 3710200M © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Troubleshooting Perform the following checks if the audible signal does not sound when the vehicle is approaching an obstacle. Symptom Take your vehicle to your Acura dealer if you encounter either of these problems: • The audible signal sounds continuously when the shift lever is in the reverse position, and the sensors are not frozen or clogged with snow or mud. • The audible signal does not sound when the shift lever is in the reverse position.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting With Beeps Corner Sensors Series of two intermittent beeps: right sensor is faulty. Series of three intermittent beeps: left sensor is faulty. Series of four intermittent beeps: right and left sensors are faulty. Center Sensors Series of three beeps: either or both sensors are faulty. Be careful not to confuse the sound of the sensors with those of other components or systems. © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
08V67-SEP-2000-81 © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights Reserved. © 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights PrintedReserved.
