L
lion_elk
I had a 1998 Volvo S40 (non-automatic) and fitted a Parking Partner
reversing sensor kit, taking power by tapping into the reverse lamp
lead, and it worked perfectly.
I now have a 2003 Volvo S40 automatic. The body is essentially the same
but the electrics are more sophisticated and less accessible. I asked
my local (non-Volvo) auto engineers to fit the same kit but it
repeatedly fired off erratically when nothing was there to trigger the
sensors. This persisted in spite of trying different earthing points
and fitting a diode on the 'power' side of the kit (as suggested by the
kit supplier).
The local lads substituted a different make of reversing aid and it
does the same (but worse!). Before trying to run it from an
alternative 12V DC source (to be switched on/off via a reIay on the
reverse light circuit), we have tried some logical experiments.
The guys told me that it worked OK when powered by a stand-alone 12V DC
battery.
But when powered from the vehicle's built-in 12V DC cigar lighter
connector it starts to malfunction (unpredictably) as soon as there is
any change in electrical function e.g. if the footbrake is applied, the
windows lowered or whenever the engine is running. It even fires off
spotaneously every 8 seconds when there is nothing obvious happening to
account for a voltage change!
Apart from using a (non-autochargeable) 12V battery pack and replacing
it when it goes flat, I can't think how to resolve this - can you?
Lionel
reversing sensor kit, taking power by tapping into the reverse lamp
lead, and it worked perfectly.
I now have a 2003 Volvo S40 automatic. The body is essentially the same
but the electrics are more sophisticated and less accessible. I asked
my local (non-Volvo) auto engineers to fit the same kit but it
repeatedly fired off erratically when nothing was there to trigger the
sensors. This persisted in spite of trying different earthing points
and fitting a diode on the 'power' side of the kit (as suggested by the
kit supplier).
The local lads substituted a different make of reversing aid and it
does the same (but worse!). Before trying to run it from an
alternative 12V DC source (to be switched on/off via a reIay on the
reverse light circuit), we have tried some logical experiments.
The guys told me that it worked OK when powered by a stand-alone 12V DC
battery.
But when powered from the vehicle's built-in 12V DC cigar lighter
connector it starts to malfunction (unpredictably) as soon as there is
any change in electrical function e.g. if the footbrake is applied, the
windows lowered or whenever the engine is running. It even fires off
spotaneously every 8 seconds when there is nothing obvious happening to
account for a voltage change!
Apart from using a (non-autochargeable) 12V battery pack and replacing
it when it goes flat, I can't think how to resolve this - can you?
Lionel