rickclass

Anyone out there removed the lower front mesh without removing the bumper? I need to inspect (and perhaps replace) the 2 parktronic sensors? its on a face lift (2014 507).Thanks

ToXicXxX

I just replaced the right inner parktronic on an W166 ML350. I found removing the grill and "nudging" the foam insulation over to the side allowed me to change the sensor.

If you cannot get it from above, attempt it from bellow.

If you cannot figure it out I will post the Alldata guide for it (hardest, longest way). If you are close with any mercedes tech's at the dealership ask them how they do it (tech's always find the shortest route).

rickclass

Thanks I was messing with the front mesh and I think I did something to the sensors, as the parktronic turned itself off! I wanted a easy way of removing the lower mesh and "inspect" the sensors?

chrisridebike8

Having replaced the mesh a couple times I can tell you that you have to take off the bumper to remove the mesh in the center lower part of the bumper. My first time too 1.5 hrs. My second time took a hair over an hour. Its not too hard.

ToXicXxX

Both front and back sensor banks light up only the 4 inner most red dots and beep until it shuts itself off right?

Failed sensor or controller. Get to someone where with a STAR or Autologic, so they can read what sensors are actually working. It's too expensive to randomly just replace sensors, and it won't work until the right ones are replaced. The module may also need to be re-initialized (requires STAR/Autologic).

Make sure all sensors are clear of debris, and you have nothing that would generate radar interference onboard.

rickclass

Bingo, definitely the front 2, as I was poking the rubber like grommets, didn't think they were that sensitive?

ToXicXxX

The sensors are incredibly delicate (when I replace them during the concourse of my job, I handle them with extreme care). You know for sure it is the front two?

If you are not 100% on what you are doing I would reccomend letting a mercedes specialist deal with it. If you were local to me I would gladly do it.

Find a local with Autologic and request they re-initialize the Park module (interestingly the module is AMG marked, even in non AMG cars). This process usually takes two days, one to "catch" the code form the module and one for Autologic to send the proprietor the initialization code.

The rubber grommet around them just serves to keep debris out of the bumper itself, it has no technical purpose. I have found extreme impacts to the sensor will damage them (rocks at high velocities), and make them generate false readings. There is no set "fail" millage on the sensors. The ML I was dealing with was a 2012 and both the controller and the front right inner sensor had failed.

rickclass

guaranteed its the 2 front in the lower mesh, I thought they were grommets with screws behind them , once I realized they were It was too late, there are scratches around the rubber edge. Do you think I can just have something rest, or do the sensors have to be replaced?? Unfortunately I may have to make a trip to the dealer, and pay for a dumba$$ move

ToXicXxX

First search for a local shop with Autologic with MB support. They will charge you 10X less then the dealer (who will no doubt charge 5+ hours for "diagnosis"). Tell them EXACTLY what is wrong and has happened, this will cut down on "diagnosis" time, which is expensive.

The sensors are held in by pinch clips, you cannot just push them out, unless they are free of the clip system, any attempt to do so can damage the clips, or sensors.

Scratches should not, but may effect the radar effect of the sensors. They are very delicate things to be exposed to the open world as they are.

My first request would be to reset the control module, but if that fails, then sensors must be replaced (and painted, they are primed from factory).

rickclass

Thanks for all the info....Much appreciated! When you say control module, you mean for the sensors?

ToXicXxX

No, there is a central controller that takes command over all 8 sensors. If it has failed it will not acknowledge data from the sensors.

rickclass

Thanks I'll mention that....

rickclass

Talked to a local shop and they said it would take 1 hour to have the module "re-learn"....@ 160.00/hr....fingers crossed that all I need! Thanks again for your help.

ToXicXxX

Holy crap that's an expensive diagnostic rate! We're like $35/hr less...

rickclass

They charged me $92.00, and the bad news is one sensor has a "hard code" and the other has a "soft code"? they recommend change both out. I guess I can't do it myself as they will have to "reset" the module right?

ToXicXxX

You can replace them, but the "hard code" will need to reset by someone with coding tools. A "soft code" sensor is just giving erroneous readings.

rickclass

Thanks...