How To Replace Front Parking Aid Sensors
Parking aid sensors help protect your car from dings and scratches in parking maneuvers. But over time, they can get damaged themselves. Whether this is from years of grit and stones pelting the sensors, or perhaps a bumper bashing, they will need replacing as soon as possible.
The Car Care Nut has dozens of informative videos on how to maintain your Toyota or Lexus. In this post, he covers the dangers of replacing your OEM sensors with cheap aftermarket ones.
OEM vs Aftermarket Parking Sensors
- OEM sensors (like those found here) are guaranteed to fit and work exactly like the original
- Aftermarket parts are generic and may or may not work in your Toyota
Everybody wants a good deal. That is why some people look to aftermarket parts thinking that they will get a better price for the same part.
The truth is that you always pay for what you get. And when the owner of this 2014 Lexus RX350 bought a set of aftermarket parking sensors on Amazon, he got even less than he bargained for.
This Lexus has done many highway miles, and the four sensors installed in the front bumper were getting chipped and discolored. Even though they still worked, the owner wanted to get a replacement set as painting them is not always a good idea.
"To paint these is not something I recommend, because the paint needs to be super thin otherwise, they won’t work."
- Car Care Nut
The owner’s first step was to get a price from the dealer. When he found out the cost, he decided to source a non-original set, and that’s where the problems started.
The Amazon ‘Special’
Image Credit: The CarCareNut
Having found a complete set for around $30 on Amazon, the owner got a local dealer to fit them.
"The sensors never worked! Flat out never worked. Be careful; there are fake parts everywhere."
- Car Care Nut
It turns out that the reason these sensors were so cheap is because they were completely useless. The cheap aftermarket component ended up costing more because of the additional labor costs to install and then remove them. As well as the wasted cash on the parts themselves. Cheap is often just cheap.
Replacing Your Front Parking Aid Sensors The Right Way
Image Credit: The CarCareNut
Eventually, the owner decided to have the sensors replaced the right way. This meant taking it to the Car Care Nut to have it assessed. It turned out that only the two original front sensors needed replacing, as the side units were still in great condition.
As the Car Care Nut explains, it is a relatively simple DIY job, but it helps to have two people remove and replace the front bumper. He also points out that it’s a good idea to order a set of replacement bezels just in case the original ones break or crack during the replacement. Watch his video to see just how easy it is to do in your own garage.
Parking Sensor Replacement Tips
Image Credit: The CarCareNut
- Only ever order OEM parking sensor parts
- Have an assistant on hand to help with the bumper removal
- Order a set of replacement bezels just in case (they are a separate serviceable part)
- The panels and covers can be removed with a basic screwdriver, ratchet, or pry tool
- It helps to have access to a lift to remove the underbody panels
- Use masking tape around the bodywork to prevent scratching the bodywork
- Some newer Toyota and Lexus models may need the new sensors to be recalibrated
"Folks, when it comes to sensors and electronics, try to stick to the original."
- Car Care Nut
All four front sensors are connected in series, so if one fails, they all stop working, so check the wiring for fraying. Once the bumper is off, the sensors just clip into the holes, and the plugs are attached to the top.
As you can see above, the aftermarket sensor on the left doesn't look or fit like the original part. OEM sensors always fit perfectly and are painted the same color as the bodywork. The aftermarket components left an unsightly dark ring around the bezels, and they didn’t do anything other than activate a warning message on the dashboard.
OEM Parts From Olathe Toyota Are Guaranteed To Fit And Work Perfectly
The Car Care Nut always recommends OEM replacement parts. While aftermarket parts may seem cheaper, they rarely work right, and in this case, they didn’t work at all. That means wasting money on labor and parts without anything to show for it.
Don’t let this happen to you. Always choose genuine OEM Toyota and TRD Performance parts from Olathe Toyota Parts Center. OEM front parking sensors:
- Come with a 12-month manufacturer warranty
- Are guaranteed to fit perfectly – no unsightly gaps
- Will work exactly like your original component
- Are painted the same color as your bumper
We have a full range of parts, from parking sensors to service items and even major mechanical components.
As part of a Toyota dealership centrally located in Kansas City, we carry a huge supply of parts. We back every part we sell with a 12-month Toyota unlimited mileage warranty. We ship quickly to both the East and West coasts. Use our free online VIN lookup to be sure you're ordering the right suspension components—and order today.