Backup Sensors Owner’s Manual

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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Contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3

Important Information .......................................................................................... 4

How the Backup Sensors Work ........................................................................... 5

Limitations ............................................................................................................ 8

Operation ........................................................................................................... 10

Daily Inspection .................................................................................................. 12

Caring for the Backup Sensors .......................................................................... 13

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 14

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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 RL. 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 vehicle. It should remain with the vehicle at all times and stay with the vehicle when sold.

This accessory should be installed only by a skilled technician who has the proper tools, equipment, and training to correctly and safely add equipment to your vehicle. Installation should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers.”

This Owner’s Manual contains important information about the safe operation of the backup sensors. We urge you to read this manual carefully, become familiar with the controls it describes, and follow its recommendations to help make your driving trouble-free and enjoyable.

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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Important Information

Before using the backup sensors, make sure you read and understand the operation and limitations of the system as discussed throughout this manual.

• The backup sensors are designed to provide an 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 objects depending on their size, shape, and location.

• Even with the backup sensors, the driver is still responsible for making sure the path is clear when driving in reverse.

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

How the Backup Sensors Work

Backup Sensors

The sensors are ready for operation when the shift lever is moved to the reverse position.

The sensors operate by emitting ultrasonic waves. They calculate the distance between the rear bumper and an obstacle by measuring the time the ultrasonic waves take to reach the sensor after being reflected by an obstacle.

CORNER

SENSOR

CENTER

SENSOR

4405010H

CORNER

SENSOR

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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How the Backup Sensors Work

The sensors are designed to give you an audible signal when the rear bumper is approaching an obstacle.

• The audible signal has three sounds:

Sound

Slow intermittent beeps

Quick intermittent beeps

Continuous beep

Corner Sensors Center Sensors

Within 2.0 feet

(60 cm)

Within 1.5 feet

(45 cm)

Within 1.0 foot

(30 cm)

Within 4.9 feet

(150 cm)

Within 3.3 feet

(100 cm)

Within 1.6 feet

(50 cm)

Fill Pattern

1234567890

1234567890

1234567890

Corner Sensors:

Center Sensors:

3710050M

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

How the Backup Sensors Work

The sensors detect the closest rear obstacle.

The sensors may not detect the rear bumper of tall vehicles.

3710060M

In this example, the corner sensor detects the side wall.

3710070M

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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Limitations

The sensors may not work if the obstacle is an odd shape or made of material that does not reflect ultrasonic waves.

Examples:

POLE RECTANGULAR

LUMBER

CARDBOARD

CARTON

BICYCLE

TIRE

SMALL

TREE

SOFT SNOW AND OTHER

ABSORBENT OBJECTS

CURBSTONE

3710120M

The sensors may not work if the ambient air temperature is below -4°F (-20°C) or above 122°F

(50°C).

4405020H

The audible signal may sound a warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle:

• Water frozen on the sensor

WIRE, ROPE,

AND NET FENCE

4405030H 4405040H

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

The audible signal may sound warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle:

• Sensors clogged with snow, dirt or mud

Limitations

• When the vehicle is equipped with a highpower radio and antenna

4405050H

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

4405060H

• When detecting loud noises such as a vehicle horn, a motorcycle’s engine, or air brakes

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

3710150M

• When driving in rain or melted snow

3710170M

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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.

Apply the parking brake.

2.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), but not start the engine yet.

ON

4.

With one of the doors open, check that the audible signal sounds by slowly bringing the palm of your hand close to each sensor as described:

For the corner sensors: From 2.0 feet

(60 cm)

For the center sensors: From 4.9 feet

(150 cm)

Confirm that the sound of the corner sensors is different from that of the center sensors.

3.

Move the shift lever to reverse.

10

Confirm the obstacle detecting range of each sensor.

4405070H

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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

(45 cm)

For the center sensors: About 3.3 feet

(100 cm)

6.

Check that the intermittent warning beeps change to a continuous beep as you bring the palm of your hand closer to the sensor.

It may stop making noise or emit intermittent beeps if you move your hand closer too quickly.

For the corner sensors: About 1.0 foot

(30 cm)

For the center sensors: About 1.6 feet

(50 cm)

7.

Turn the ignition switch to OFF (0).

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Operation

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Daily Inspection

1.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and apply the parking brake.

2.

Depress the brake pedal, and 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.

If the sensors are clean but keep sounding, there is an abnormality in the circuit. See your Acura dealer when possible.

Be careful not to confuse the sound of the sensors with those of other components or systems.

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© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Wipe the sensors clean with a clean cloth, or flush with low-pressure water if they are clogged with mud and dirt.

LOW-PRESSURE

WATER

Caring for the Backup Sensors

Do not spray high-pressure water against the sensors.

HIGH-

PRESSURE

WATER

(Do not use.)

4405090H

4405080H

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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Troubleshooting

Perform the following checks if the audible signal does not sound when the vehicle is approaching an obstacle.

Symptom

• Clogged sensor with snow or mud

• Frozen sensor

• Extended parking in cold weather or under blazing sun

Remedy

• Wipe with a clean cloth or flush with low-pressure water.

• Melt with lukewarm water

• The backup sensors may not work if the outside air temperature is below -4°F

(-20°C) or above 122°F (50°C).

Ask your Acura dealer for advice if the trouble persists.

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.

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© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Troubleshooting With Beeps

When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and the backup sensor signal sounds more then once, there may be a problem with one of the sensors.

Corner Sensors

Two slow beeps: right sensor is faulty.

Three slow beeps: left sensor is faulty.

Four slow beeps: right and left sensors are faulty.

Center Sensors

Three fast beeps: one or both sensors are faulty.

© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Troubleshooting

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© 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights Reserved.