Parking Aid: where's the ECU?
 

The reverse parking system is not working, I am pretty sure it's the wiring behind the rear bumper that is faulty, due to corrosion. I need to locate the ECU, according to Rave & Haynes, on the tourer, it's behind the removable panel on the right rear side of the "boot". "Turn the turnbuckle to remove panel". On my car, 52 tourer, there is no turnbuckle and the panel appears to be a much bigger part of the lining. There are 2holes at the top, one has the petrol filler door emergency release(?) through it , the other a finger sized hole that doesn't do anything. So, question: is the ECU behind it or somewhere else.
If it is there, how do I access it? Thanks in advance.

Not sure about the item you are looking for but the normal problem is the switch on the gearbox.

Easy to get at and easy to replace.---:D

Thanks, it isn't the switch, I get the long beep from the system to say there's a fault as soon as reverse is engaged. The wiring behind the bumper is in a mess so probably needs replacing back to the parking aid ECU, if only I knew where it was!

Hi Robert.
It will be where you said it was, also i would have the rear bumper off first and check the wiring at the joints for corrosion it will shows as green or black.

Do you have a CD changer in that area?
https://i.imgur.com/oWGdYRAl.jpg1

If so it needs to be removed to gain access to the parking aid.
https://i.imgur.com/TwX6M2el.jpg2

Then there will be the cage frame to remove.
https://i.imgur.com/zG884TGl.jpg3

https://i.imgur.com/NW2zJRNl.jpg4

Once the frame is pulled forward you will see the parking aid.
https://i.imgur.com/pfgqdcml.jpg5

Unclip the plug/wiring connectors.
https://i.imgur.com/2hE7YZ8l.jpg6

https://i.imgur.com/ex2bX9cl.jpg7

https://i.imgur.com/tZF8AgBl.jpg8

Do both the black & white connectors.
https://i.imgur.com/tZF8AgBl.jpg9

https://i.imgur.com/bnCSwMTl.jpg10

Pull the latch toward you.
https://i.imgur.com/bYCrkAzl.jpg11

It will then lift out.
https://i.imgur.com/mDeSfTMl.jpg12

Check for corrosion in the plugs & parking aid, clean with switch contact cleaner only.

https://i.imgur.com/Qi0Inq7l.jpg13

Hope these help.

[QUOTE=Arctic;2829191]Hi Robert.
It will be where you said it was, also i would have the rear bumper off first and check the wiring at the joints for corrosion it will shows as green or black.

Do you have a CD changer in that area?
H Arctic, the Changer is in the glove box so not relevant. There is no removable panel/cover where shown in your pictures. The whole right side of the boot area lining appears to be one piece and is recessed towards the outer shell to form a small open storage area where your cd player is. It looks to be a major task to remove this lining to access anything behind it- plastic trims below window and rear pillar, much disruption of carpet, not a great design!

Hey, Billh. ( We bit off topic. Lol. )

Under your forum name. Made me smile ( Newbie. ) seeing as you've been a member for THIRTEEN YEARS.---:D:D:D

[QUOTE=billh;2829208]Hi Robert
That is unusual considering you have a tourer & it is a Connoisseur SE.

Anyways the side panel can be removed as here below.
https://i.imgur.com/97x3QJul.jpg1

Could you upload a photo of the recess usually they have a door hatch ?

Assuming your sensors are not faulty - ie you can here a clicking from the sensors when the car is put in reverse - the part i would look at is the connecting plug were the 4 wires of the sensor loom come together - then back out in one wire to the parking ECU- this connector is prone to moisture and corrosion due to its location. :shrug:

Today I have removed the back bumper and repaired the wire loom, and checked its continuity, all ok. Replaced everything and tried it- same 5 second alarm , ie not working. Do I need to do a hard reset of the parking aid ECU, say by pulling its supply fuse?
No clicking from the transducers
It was an interesting exercise anyway as I have never removed the bumper before and was a good opportunity to study rear end construction :}

Yes, but not many contributions from me.
The club has been very helpful recently as regards me fixing the 1.8T HGF earlier in the year- that appears to be sorted now thanks to advice from members.THANK YOU all!