Why is the car's reverse radar not beeping?
2 Answers
If the car's reverse radar is not beeping, you can check whether the reverse radar wiring at the rear bumper is properly connected, see if the reverse light turns on when shifting into reverse gear. If it doesn't light up, check the reverse light switch, remove the right-side lining of the trunk to test the continuity of the wires leading to the radar, open the fuse box, and use a multimeter to check the continuity of the fuses related to the reverse radar. The reverse radar, also known as the reverse collision avoidance radar or parking assist device, mainly consists of ultrasonic sensors, a controller, and a display. The reverse radar is a safety auxiliary device when parking or reversing the car. It can inform the driver of surrounding obstacles through sound or more intuitive display, eliminating the troubles caused by the driver's need to look around when parking, reversing, or starting the vehicle, and helping the driver to eliminate blind spots and blurred vision.
I used to drive an old car and also encountered the sudden silence of the reverse radar, which was quite annoying, especially in crowded parking lots. There could be many reasons, such as the sensor being covered by mud—that happened to me after driving in the rain, where mud splashed onto it and blocked the sensor. Another possibility is aging wiring or loose connections, causing intermittent signals. If you've modified the audio system or other equipment, it might accidentally interfere with the radar system. The sensor itself could also be faulty; sometimes after a collision, it stops working without notice. The control unit failing is less likely but possible, especially in older cars. My usual quick fix is cleaning the sensor surface with a damp cloth; if that doesn’t work, check the corresponding fuse in the fuse box—if it’s blown, replace it. During regular maintenance, take a quick look at these components to avoid surprises. A non-functional reverse radar is really unsafe—I always use it together with the rearview mirror, or else it’s easy to hit a wall.
