Cold Backup Sensor Issue
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SW Louisiana
Cold Backup Sensor Issue
I'm having an issue with my backup sensors when its cold (40 and below). The issue is, they don't work. When I put it in reverse the sensor light on the dash comes on signifying they're off. i push the button to try to turn them back on and it stays on with no change. Once the outside temp heats up they start operating as normal. Any idea how to fix this?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Cambridge, United Kingdom
I have no idea why they would work when it warms up
Only thing that I would probably try is to have a heat gun or hair dryer, and when it's cold try gently heating one sensor at a time to see if it's just one bad sensor (you'd probably need to switch ignition off and back on to see if it's working?)
Only thing that I would probably try is to have a heat gun or hair dryer, and when it's cold try gently heating one sensor at a time to see if it's just one bad sensor (you'd probably need to switch ignition off and back on to see if it's working?)
Wiser by FTE
Joined: Jan 2010
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They are getting moisture on them, i live in the twin cities mn & that happens to me. You could disconnect the harness & clean them/install dielectric grease to help with the contacts. A lot of people have intermittent problems with these sensors. If you go to the dealer, the new harness/install will cost you a fist full of hundred dollars.
Last edited by Curt's05; Dec 30, 2012 at 10:22 AM. Reason: add word
Senior User
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This happened to me. Cold temperature related as well. When it is not working, set emergency brake, put truck in reverse with ignition on (truck not running). Put your ear up to each sensor. The one with no clicking noise is the bad sensor. You can find replacement sensor on Ebay for a good price (~$35.00). For me, it was the inner left sensor. Been colder lately and no problems - so that was it.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 365
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From: Massanutten,VA
Rain
I notice that when it is raining my backup sensors don't seem to work, a few days ago we had a snow storm, I figured the sensors would not work on that day but they did. Does anyone have this type of problems with the sensors when it is raining or is it normal. I know that the owners manual says that weather can affect them. Country Traveler do you remember where on ebay you got your replacement?
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I just checked my Ebay account. The one I got was from All Auto, but it is not listed for sale any longer. Search "reverse sensor Ford Excursion" and a few come up. There is one there for $25.00 but I think it is aftermarket. They are over $100.00 at dealer, so I would go for the aftermarket one if I have to do it again.
If all of your sensors click when the off light is on in the cab, check your reverse sensor speaker. I have read that the speaker could go bad too.
I'm sure that if a wire on the harness is damaged, it could be the problem, but I'm not sure how likely that would be.
Good luck.
If all of your sensors click when the off light is on in the cab, check your reverse sensor speaker. I have read that the speaker could go bad too.
I'm sure that if a wire on the harness is damaged, it could be the problem, but I'm not sure how likely that would be.
Good luck.
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Posting Guru
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From: SW Ohio
I just bought an Excursion and the OFF light is on all the time. I push the button to turn it on and put it in gear and it goes back to off. Also the gear shift indicator cable is broke.
Would that have anything to do with it?
Would that have anything to do with it?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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That is what happens when a sensor is bad.
If the cable was broke, you would not be able to shift gears. If the cable is loose, you can tighten the 2 hex bolts that hold the cable in place on the shifter under the steering column. Look up at the cable with a flashlight under the steering column. You will see where the housing of the cable attaches to the steering column. There are 2 bolts on that clamp that do come loose. Just tighten.
If the cable was broke, you would not be able to shift gears. If the cable is loose, you can tighten the 2 hex bolts that hold the cable in place on the shifter under the steering column. Look up at the cable with a flashlight under the steering column. You will see where the housing of the cable attaches to the steering column. There are 2 bolts on that clamp that do come loose. Just tighten.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
I had a bad sensor as well - it would actually only work when it was cold out. You will still need to hook a scan tool up to see which one is failing. I purchased my replacement from Amazon and it is working perfectly. Be careful when disconnecting the wiring as the plastic can be a little brittle from age and will most likely be stuck on with debris, etc.
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