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Back-up sensor

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by evebill8, Apr 2, 2013.

  1. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    Hi folks,

    I want to install a back-up sensor for my Prius IV 2011, and Prius PIP 2012. Do you have any recommendation for the shops in the Bay Area? thanks!

    Billy
     
  2. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    Also interested in this. Hope to get some responses.
     
  3. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    A guy in San Jose Winchester Autoparts recommends me to see Platinum Autoworks. It has pretty good reviews on Yelp.

    Platinum Autoworks - San Jose, CA

    They told me they would do color matching too. I am going to ask them to install a beep-only parking sensor. I will post again after the installation.
     
  4. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    please let me know how it goes.
     
  5. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    The sensor was installed yesterday. The kit comes in black color sensors. I asked them to color-match it. They got the same paint from Toyota. After the sensors are on the bumper, the installer told me the color is a little off for some reasons. I don't really notice it unless I look at it really really close. In fact, I am thinking it may look good too if I stay with the original black since the car has some black trims. I am also worried the paint may come off if I go to the machine wash service few times. The Toyota dealer charges me $500, and I have to leave my car there for 1 day. Platinum just charges me $275 for beep only ($350 with distance indicator), and only 2 hours of wait time.

    One of the owners, Jason, even changed the interior light bulbs with LEDs for me. It looks very nice at night!
     

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  6. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    Wow that looks really good. So it beeps when u get close and does it beep more urgently as it gets closer? This is definitely something I want
     
  7. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    Yes, it will beep faster and faster when I get closer to the object. In my garage, there is a shelf very close to the car. It will beep when I switch to R gear every morning. I just need to get used to this kind of false positive.

    The main thing I need the sensor is to avoid hitting the kids riding the tricycle in my driveway, or hitting the dumpster in my company parking when I am backing up.
     
  8. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    After I use the sensor for a week, I notice the color-match may not be a good idea. It looks good, but the paint actually decreases the accuracy. I am considering to remove the paint now :-/
     
  9. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    Can you explain in more detail?

    I'm really planning on doing this modification.
     
  10. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    Okay, it beeps faster and faster when the bumper gets closer to an object. Then, it changes to long beep when it comes to the dangerous range. Sometimes, I notice it changes to long beep when I still have 1 foot to the object on certain angle. Therefore,I look at the sensor that is closest to the object. I find its paint is a little bit thicker than the other 3. I remember the dealer told me they could install the sensors for me, but no color matching. I think they must experience the issue like this before. I may make sh~t up, but I want to try if the accuracy will change if I remove the paint.
     
  11. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    Hm... that definitely affects its function.

    Paint match definitely looks a lot better though.
     
  12. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    What color is your Prius? I have seen the per-colored kit online before. You may check amazon.com too. Platinum will install for you.
     
  13. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    I have a super white one.

    I'll check them out outline.
     
  14. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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  15. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Our parking sensor (Dealer installed Echomaster) turns to continuous beep tone when an object is 2 feet away from the bumper. If yours doesn't do that till 1 foot away, that's cutting it a little too close IMO.
     
  16. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    I think I did mess up the sensors when I used the touch up to paint on them. I removed the paint and the sensors work the way it should be. I just leave them as black now.
     
  17. evebill8

    evebill8 Member

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    I found the sensor with white color probes. Platinum Autoworks, Patrick, helped me to replace the black ones with the white ones. It looks great now! photo.png
     
  18. davekro

    davekro Member

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  19. Garen

    Garen Junior Member

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    Looks great. But would it have been better if you installed a backup camera.
     
  20. davekro

    davekro Member

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    I like my backup camera. But it only tells me if there is something behind me during the time my eyes are on the camera. I do not stare at the display while backing up, it has no clue something may be approaching from outside it's view. I'm just saying an audible voice warning telling me 'NOW' there is something (or someone) "x" feet behind me would be a nice safety addition. I might pay $150 to add this, but not $350. everyone's MMV ;)