A few years ago I had installed a lower bumper I had skinned in real forged carbon fiber. I have a lot of real CF on the interior/exterior of the truck so I would like to be able to use it.

Soon as I installed the part I received a warning that the pre-collision warning system was unavailable. I had no idea the real CF was interfering with the radar behind the bumper which I understand correctly on my 2017 Lariat is a shared sensor for both collision warning and adaptive cc.

It took a trip to the dealer for them to diagnose that was the issue.

I have two options if I want to use the skinned forged CF bumper.

1. Relocate the sensor behind the grille.
2. Carefully cut out a rectangle directly behind the bumper trim and replace with a plastic cover.

Option 1. seems to be the most complicated but best option, have heard members mention recalibration would be required, some have said it's not necessary. I'm just not comfortable trying to move it on my own and really screw things up. Unless there is a member local to NJ who knows how to do this and would like to help a brother out

Option 2. isn't ideal and would look the worst of the two options and not even sure it would solve the issue. But its the option I feel more confident taking on myself. Not sure if the actual radar path is the issue, or if the CF surrounding the rectangle cut out would still interfere with the sensor and I would ruin the part.

My idea is to carefully cut out a rectangle and add a plastic cover that I could hydrodip in a forged carbon pattern and gloss clear so it blends in more and appear less noticeable.

Appreciate anyones insight and including photos of the plastic cap I would use.




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I’d just relocate it instead of screwing up the looks of the bumper that you want to keep.
2019 & up have the collision sensor on the back of the windshield rear view mirror mount so we have to keep that area clean and frost free otherwise we get the camera blocked message.

 

Does anyone know if there is a thread or write up of the steps how to relocate the sensor in the bumper up to the grille area? I’ve seen various posts about guys moving it, but wasn’t sure if there was a how-to anywhere.

 

I'm of no help with your problem, but that bumper is sweet. I'm not even into the whole forged carbon fiber look that much, but damn. I'd just like to replace the fake carbon fiber look crap on my door panels, I just dont have the ambition to tear apart the panels and take that part out to skin it.

 

I think that option #1 is best...in my humble opinion I think that if you try to do any sort of modification to that sweet bumper, it will look terrible. Are you sure that sensor has anything to do with the adaptive cruise? If not, I'd not even worry about it.

 

I appreciate it. It’s a lot of work for sure. Anything custom seems to take forever. Finding the right vendors is always a PITA. So many hacks out there. Maybe I’m just too picky.

But there’s nothing like the real thing. The hydrodipped faux CFs don’t have the same appearance especially in bright sun or under lights even at night.

I could def make it look pretty good. Once I have the plastic cover smoothed out black gloss and cleared and glued in place it wouldn’t be too noticeable. Agree, it’s not the better looking option. The question is, would it solve the issue.

The real CF bumper was definitely the issue. Soon as I installed it the issue arose, once removed it never came back again. I’ve heard even certain types of metallic paint can interfere with the system. My understanding is, the sensor in the bumper is both a collision warning and used for ACC.

If there was a way to permanently disable the collision warning system I’d be ok with it. But turning it off in settings did not seem to work. I kept getting the warning each time I drove the truck for a few miles even with it disabled/off. It’s quite annoying.

 

The OE fog lamp housing came out pretty cool too, after a second attempt. On the first set I sent the vendor they beat the snot out of the tabs and plastic so much that they were actually uninstallable.

 

After looking through threads and reading various install instructions I’m confident I can figure out how to relocate the sensor and save the forged bumper trim. Just hope it won’t need to be calibrated. I will try to keep the position/angles as close to how it was in the bumper. I have never used the ACC and I barely drive the truck, so the only thing I am concerned about would be making sure collision warning isn’t affected. Just need to find the cheapest relocation kit/ bracket now.

Now I just need to figure out which bracket will work and if the placement will work with the platinum grille I was going to use.

I have a few different grilles I can also use if it’s an issue.

Thanks to those who replied, you helped me make the right choice.