Another failed sensor but I have a question

[Nanook]

Last year I had a rear (of two) sensor fail..chased my tail for some time until I finally determined the issue..which turned out to be a failed extension cable...between sensor cable and cpu input cable...needless to say since this was routed fromt the rear of my ML to the front it was no simple task to trouble shoot and replace this cable due to having to remove the tailgate covers and inner roof liner trims...not to mention the cable was the older style din pin type and I think I got the last available from my supplier..
Now i have another rear failure..the other rear sensor so I'm wondering...I know it's not recieving..this is can test..but is there a way other than IR camera to test if it is indeed transmitting...maybe it's not receiving but is still sending,,,if this is the case I may just op to leave it as is...as the other sensor is only about 18" I may just risk it...for the time being anyways..
I do have a good sensor as I ordered a new one for the last repair..of which I mentioned was the cable..tearing apart the rear inner hatch covers is a biatch that I'd prefer to avoid if possible..tia

[dinkydi]

i feel ya pain, very hard to run cables and get easy access, i had trouble 2 probs, at the same time ,one gps not working turned out to be cpu, that was np, but also at the same time had a rear senser that didnt work tested in parking mode not working, tested same sensor with the alp tester and it works, also re set default for # of sensers only shows three connected yet all four work when using tester, aint got a gun for proper testing, but been hit front and rear np got me flustrated, the whole system is now out of the car waiting for new one to come, so apart from ohm's meter is there any other checks or do i install all new gear to go with the recent new cpu the system is bout 4 years old the heads are P2 , are the new connecters better that the old din and better water proof

[Nanook]

Ripped it apart...bad rear sensor..luckily I had one..replaced it and all good..also lucky I had spare plastic push pin panel anchors as they always break..I could pull that panel now in 10 minutes...but next time I need to I'll have forgotten how again..oh well...at least I'm protected again.

Ya dinkydi I feel your pain..when our systems/components become obsolete it almost means a complete rebuild when parts no longer are available nor fit..that's progress I guess

[BestRadarDetectors]

Old Din style cables and sensors are still available. We stock them all the time for customers that might still need them. If your distributor does not have them they can still order them.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

[Nanook]

Okay good to know thanks

[dinkydi]

tested my rear cables all good with the ohms meter, hey Tom can sensors be tested o there own

[dinkydi]

got the answer from Tim :D

[melbVt]

I've had 3 fail over time,

[stealthpilot]

I've never had a failure on these sensors yet. Have only had ALP on 2 cars though.

For those who have had failures, does it always warn you of the failure, or is it worth doing a manual check with a gun and IR camera once in a while?

[Nanook]

It alerted the one time it was first noticed not present by the CPU then never again. I had to test to find it was toast
You could miss the fail warning and never know a sensor was gone..at least for me this time
When the cable failed last year it constantly alerted randomly but that may have been due to it working sporadically...not sure but regardless it may be a good idea to test every now and then

[Nanook]

I think this failure was caused by water from a recent car wash I did...I recall concentrating the spray from the want in that area...soon I will rear the sensor apart and have a look inside

[Nanook]

Okay to here is the results..it's clear the weather sealing failed..

This is a 4 year in service rear mounted sensor..that from the appearance depicts moisture infiltrating through the lower face/case seam. I do not know if the current units are fabricated the same or if this particular sensor has failed do to a manufacturing defect or design issue...I suppose time will tell if the others follow suit..I'm wondering if this might be considered as a potential warranty claim ?

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s10/v105/p2268258164-5.jpg

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s12/v174/p2268258304-5.jpg

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s4/v10/p2268258262-5.jpg

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s10/v109/p2268258222-5.jpg

[BestRadarDetectors]

Was the mounting bracket used? Biggest cause of failure is snapping the bracket onto the lens which breaks the internal seal.

5646

[Nanook]

No bracket..double sided tape along top plane

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-2/p1095139383-4.jpg

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-2/p912739603-4.jpg

http://gpchase.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v163/p633753929-4.jpg

[BestRadarDetectors]

No bracket..double sided tape along top plane


Does your car wash use a power washer?

[dinkydi]

It alerted the one time it was first noticed not present by the CPU then never again. I had to test to find it was toast
You could miss the fail warning and never know a sensor was gone..at least for me this time
When the cable failed last year it constantly alerted randomly but that may have been due to it working sporadically...not sure but regardless it may be a good idea to test every now and then

thats very interesting as i had a similar issue not showing on the sensor check, but the same sensor worked testing with a laser a tester but no show in parking mode

[BestRadarDetectors]

Product is long out of warranty but who is your distributor? We offer our customers that have expired warranties a reduced price replacement at $149.95 shipped with core return.

[Nanook]

Sure..I take it though touchless washes and have a Karcher that I use with foam canon at home..but also avoid direct intense spray at the sensors..I understand they are somewhat vulnerable but they also must withstand "reasonable" moisture exposure

[Nanook]

Product is long out of warranty but who is your distributor? We offer our customers that have expired warranties a reduced price replacement at $149.95 shipped with core return.

KPMH...already sent a note...no reply yet

[dinkydi]

Was the mounting bracket used? Biggest cause of failure is snapping the bracket onto the lens which breaks the internal seal.

5646
does this diagram come with the new units , looks a very important set of instructions

[BestRadarDetectors]

does this diagram come with the new units , looks a very important set of instructions

Yes, But unfortunately people dont seem to read instructions. Original sensors only had an internal seal but for the past few years AntiLaser also added an additional external seal as well as a backup.

[dinkydi]

fours years is a reasonable length of time for any manufactured product,and considering the environment they operate in as well and we don't see that many failures , may be an extended warranty be offered , like on tv etc

[Nanook]

Yes I would agree a four year life expectancy may prove acceptable but what we also do not know is how long the unit has been leaking...it appears moisture has been present for a fairly long time....did it leak in the first year and since then and only finally fail ?..If this is an incidental occurrence (then that certainly is good as I have 15 of these on the road) and ALP may consider it a unique event and offer financial consideration. As I say I am waiting to hear back from my distributor and think a modest replacement cost a more than acceptable proposal.

[BestRadarDetectors]

It alerted the one time it was first noticed not present by the CPU then never again. I had to test to find it was toast
You could miss the fail warning and never know a sensor was gone..at least for me this time
When the cable failed last year it constantly alerted randomly but that may have been due to it working sporadically...not sure but regardless it may be a good idea to test every now and then
The error will repeat at every restart unless you accidentally run a factory reset and memorize the bad configuration.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

[zinca]

Have had a lengthy series of beeps and red flashes (around 20?) on startup over the last few weeks, since around the time I updated the firmware last. Finally got stats file and it reported F1 sensor problem. I confirmed that the F1 sensor was not working in parking mode while the other 3 work fine. Then I was surprised to find that the F1 sensor was warm to the touch, while the others were cool. Experienced this? Does not seem like connection loose otherwise it would probably not be hot! More likely basic sensor failure and probably needs replacement but it is not clear to me how I go about getting replacement so any advice would be appreciated. Equipment is about a year and a half old. Thanks!

[BestRadarDetectors]

Have had a lengthy series of beeps and red flashes (around 20?) on startup over the last few weeks, since around the time I updated the firmware last. Finally got stats file and it reported F1 sensor problem. I confirmed that the F1 sensor was not working in parking mode while the other 3 work fine. Then I was surprised to find that the F1 sensor was warm to the touch, while the others were cool. Experienced this? Does not seem like connection loose otherwise it would probably not be hot! More likely basic sensor failure and probably needs replacement but it is not clear to me how I go about getting replacement so any advice would be appreciated. Equipment is about a year and a half old. Thanks!

If you dont have HiFi you with get an automatic sensor check failure which is a bunch of quick beeps at startup. Pulling the stats file was the process on standard systems to see the error details. If the product is within 24 months of purchase it will be covered under warranty. If you ordered it from the USA then contact http://www.alpriorityusa.com to setup your service. If you are from another country contact the dealer in your country for repair information.

[Holla]

Product is long out of warranty but who is your distributor? We offer our customers that have expired warranties a reduced price replacement at $149.95 shipped with core return.

Wow I did not know that--great deal~ Hey tom is there a reduced price on a TX sensor if I send you my bad sensor?

Well my luck ran out today, I have a failing REAR R1 failure now--crap thats gonna be a PITA to replace lol. I have 5 sensors from 2014 and this will be 2 that have gone bad now, my first one was the parking diode malfunctioning causing a failure, this one I have no clue haha!! Mine are not even in brackets in the rear, so no cracking issue!

Hmmmm Guess my plan will be to move my middle sensor from the front to the rear and purchase me a TX/GPS package now for the center......seems the most logical thing to do at this point

[Tman]

I too had a bad rear sensor from march 2014 , double tape installed , i opened it to see since it was out of warranty .
Surprise : water inside + rust over the receiving diode.At first view the outside shell did not show any sign of
broken/damaged seal.
I have pics if anyone is interested.

I had another from 2016 , double side tape , which i did not open , was replaced under warranty .
I did not hear feedback what was the reason for failure , would be interesting to learn the diagnostic from the manufacturer.

The sensors are well insulated but not enough in my opinion.

[Holla]

I too had a bad rear sensor from march 2014 , double tape installed , i opened it to see since it was out of warranty .
Surprise : water inside + rust over the receiving diode.At first view the outside shell did not show any sign of
broken/damaged seal.
I have pics if anyone is interested.

I had another from 2016 , double side tape , which i did not open , was replaced under warranty .
I did not hear feedback what was the reason for failure , would be interesting to learn the diagnostic from the manufacturer.

The sensors are well insulated but not enough in my opinion.


Yea I saw your pictures, that looked nasty inside for sure!! From normal use of the sensors I would like to get 5+ years out of them, but that seems not the case lol--I still LOVE ALP and all Tom does for us for sure :)

[Tman]

Yea I saw your pictures, that looked nasty inside for sure!! From normal use of the sensors I would like to get 5+ years out of them, but that seems not the case lol--I still LOVE ALP and all Tom does for us for sure :)

I would go this way : redesign the Ir cover,
when I opened it was easy to pass a blade in between the cover/shell.
The concept of water coming in , they had it with the Al 7 , I prefer a cover that envelop over the shell with grooves that
accommodate a rubber seal , it is basic plumbing , imagine if your faucet starts to leak after 2 years , it don't even with a lot of moving compare to a static sensor.
Alp has to adress this problem once and for all ,then move on.
If some think it is a hard critic , it is NOT , it is for the good of ALL , first Alp/distributors then the customers.