Painting Park Assist Sensors

Use the following guidelines to properly paint park assist sensors.

Park assist sensors might arrive at the body shop without paint. Perform this procedure to properly paint the park assist sensors.

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CAUTION
Parking sensors that are already painted cannot be repainted. Already-painted parking sensors must be replaced.
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CAUTION
Do not scuff the sensor membrane prior to painting. Scuffing the sensor membrane can result in damage to the sensor.
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CAUTION
Make sure that the paint does not extend more than 4 mm (5/32 in) from the front surface of the sensor membrane. Improperly painted sensors might not function properly.
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CAUTION
Make sure that the total thickness of the materials on the sensor membrane does not exceed 115 microns (4.52 mils). Sensors come with an electro-coated layer that is between 15 and 25 microns (between 0.59 and 0.98 mils) thick. Improperly painted sensors might not function properly.
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Note
Although there are several generations of park assist sensors, this procedure applies to all generations of park assist sensors.
  1. Sensor housing and connector
  2. Sensor membrane
  3. DCR (Decoupling Ring)

Procedure

  1. Remove the DCR (Decoupling Ring).
  2. Wipe the exposed sensor surface with isopropyl alcohol, and then immediately wipe off the alcohol residue with a clean, dry towel.
  3. Apply masking tape to the sensor so that there is at least 2 mm (5/64 in) and not more than 4 mm (5/32 in) of the sensor membrane exposed.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Paint that extends more than 4 mm (5/32 in) from the front of the sensor membrane might cause the sensor to function improperly.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    The sensor housing, connector, and the area just below the sensor membrane must be completely covered to prevent overspray.
  4. Wipe the exposed sensor surface with isopropyl alcohol, and then immediately wipe off the alcohol residue with a clean, dry towel.
  5. Paint the sensor according to the paint manufacturer’s recommendations, and allow to cure.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not scuff the sensor membrane prior to painting. Scuffing the sensor membrane can result in damage to the sensor.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not let the sensor reach a temperature above 105° C (221° F) during paint cure. Sensors exposed to extreme temperatures might not function properly.
  6. Install the DCR on the parking sensor.
  7. Install the new painted sensor(s) (refer to Service Manual procedure 17271022 for front sensors and 17271202 for rear sensors).