spikedbat

I'm sure this is a common problem on the f-150 and most fords with the reverse sensors.
Mine aren't working as designed and sometimes beep but mostly are shut off as soon as I shift into reverse.

I did a little research on google and found that the system shuts itself off as a safety measure when ANY one of the sensors is malfunctioning. I assume this is so that you dont assume all your sensors are working and then it misses that object and you reverse into it. So as a safety it just shuts down the whole system.

Anyhow, I need a way to figure out which sensor is blown or broken.
Any ideas on how to find this out? I'm assuming scanning the engine? Will a typical snap-on scanner be able to diagnose the exact sensor?

Thanks in advance guys!

backwoodsboy

Okay, this could be a little dangerous but this is how I ffigured out which sensor was out on mine. Park on a level surface. Chalk your wheels. Set the parking break. Turn the key to the first position so the steering colum is unlocked. Press the break and shift into reverse (note this is all done without starting the truck). Get out and walk around to the back and put your ear up to each sensor, if it is working you will be able to hear it, it will make a buzzing noise. Locate the one(s) which is not making any noise. There's the one that's out! Replace it and you will be set!

spikedbat

How many of yours were out? Did you replace and did it work properly after that? If so where'd you get the part, retailing for about $120+ around here.

backwoodsboy

I ended up having 2 out. I found an F150 that was in a front end collision at a junkyard and was able to get one of them for $55, and I had to get the other from the stealership for ~$120

spikedbat

Hey it actually works!
I have one out..

Thanks

backwoodsboy

No problem! I would check your local salvage yard first, unless you want to go directly to your local auto parts store or dealership.

spikedbat

tons of f-150s in the yard but not many with the reverse sensor

backwoodsboy

Alright. I tried looking online but the average price seems to be roughly $120 as well

spikedbat

yup me too..
At least I only have one sensor out.. Those things must be sensitive cuz it just failed for no reason. But man did I love the reverse sensors...

What it hard to change out for you?

backwoodsboy

It's really easy, all you have to do is get under the back end and pull it out. It just has 2 tabs, one on each side. Pull those apart and the sensor slides right out. Just disconnect it right from the wiring harness then just install the new one in reverse order.