Oh no, I scratched my bumper!

Had the same thing happen due to a pole in my blind spot (directly behind the driver). I bought a small bottle of touch-up paint from the dealer (be sure you shake the bottle thoroughly before using). It did a good job of filling in the deep scratches. Now you have to look very hard to notice the results of my blunder.

To assure it never happens again I purchased an infra-red sensor for $29.95 and mounted it with thick double-sided tape on the black strip on the bottom of my bumper on the driver's side. The wiring for it fits perfectly going up through the wire pass-thru gromet on the bottom of the trunk with two wires going to the back-up light (easily clamps onto the wires) and with the alarm wire running up to base of the little window on the back left side (also mounted with double-sided tape). Note: I used a black permanent marker to match the edges of the white tape with the black bumper strip.

One other point, this gave me an excuse to disable the Prius' backup alarm. I now get an alarm sound only when I get too close to something (or someone) behind me, at least on the driver's side (also it alarms when the sun is directly shining into it - a little irritating but better than not having a sensor).

Also, I understand there are available RF sensors (wouldn't be sensitive to sunlight) that do the same thing (don't know their price or where you get them).

Here's a link to the sensor I bought if you're interested:

http://www.brandsmall.com/0172-autopark2000.html

Good luck,
Ken

 

How did you disable the backup alarm???

 

Hi Cliffman

Here's the "DANCE" to disable the backup buzzer:

1. Sit in driver's seat - POWER ON (No passenger or heavy object in passenger seat);

2. Set the Trip/ODO to ODO, NOT Trip A or Trip B; Cycle through even if ODO already showing;

3. POWER OFF;

4. POWER ON to "Ready"; and WITHIN SIX SECONDS;

5. Press and HOLD the Trip/ODO button FOR 10 SECONDS OR MORE, then WHILE STILL HOLDING THE Trip/ODO button;

6. With your FOOT ON THE BRAKE, shift from P(Park button) to R, then back to P; then release the Trip/ODO button;

7. The speedometer will show "b on" or "b off" where you'd normally see the odometer reading. (If you followed the steps successfully!)

8. Press the Trip/ODO button to toggle the beep on or off;

9. POWER OFF

Note: If your 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged, this setting will revert to the factory standard (beep on).

It's a little tricky but will work.