Vehicle is a 1997 Jaguar XK8 Auto, RHD, Convertible
(Not the same wiring installation as the Coupe as the wires all have to go along the side floor as there is no permanent roof)

Has anyone with a 1997> XK8 CONVERTIBLE tried to fit PARKING SENSORS on the Rear or Front....?
What problems, if any, did you have.....?

Assume (4) Sensors on Rear with Buzzer and connector box on l/h/side of boot.
LED Readout display on front middle dashboard with cable back to box.
Assume (4) Sensors on Front and cables lead back to box.

Update Info:

The Height at which the Front Sensors are fitted is 40 cm - 70 cm from the ground.
The first XK8 models in 1996-98 Mk.1. ? were fitted with a different style Front Bumper which was upgraded 1998 onwards?
Presumably the Rear Bumpers remained the same throughout the period 1996-2005.

This thread is not for any Parking System that is fitted to the newer models as they would have had the Sensors connected up to the CanBus and Display.
This thread is for those without any pre-installed system or parts thereof.

What make or type of Sensors have people used...?
You can buy the plug and clip in type or where the sensors have wires already attached to them.

also... has anyone experienced any of the following...

Is the front bumper too LOW to fit sensors...?
Is there a metal bar across the inside of the rear bumper that prevents rear installation of sensors...?
Does the plastic moulding fore and aft of the chrome foot plate, and the foot plate itself need to be removed in order to lead any cables in the front back to the rear...?

 

I had to replace one of the central rear sensors. I had to remove the plastic bumper for access.

There might be an easier way, but it wasn’t too hard to loosen / remove the bolts holding it on. “Lock and twist” the sensor in place was the hardest part.

Be sure to have a helper or some crates to rest the bumper on so it’s not hanging loose and pulling on the wiring.

Z

 

The 4.0 liter X100 and X308 sedans use a 'stand-alone' rear parking aid.(not part of any network)

The later FRONT PARKING AID was added to the 4.2 liter cars and that is more complicated because of the networks involved.

You could use TWO 4.0 liter rear parking aid systems, one in front and one for the rear?
A rear bumper cover could be retro-fitted or existing one 'drilled' for sensors.
The front will need to be 'custom-drilled'.

 

I’m also wondering about drilling the rear bumper to fit aftermarket sensors on my 2000 xkr coupe. I haven’t taken the bumper off yet, but it seems like if the sensors are mounted in the outer (plastic) bumper, then I’d have to drill slightly oversized holes in the inner (metal) bumper to give them clearance? How hard is it to drill the metal bumper? It seems like a solid bit of kit…

 

So i havent crawled under mine and really looked around, do all xk8s, even early ones, have sensors? Does it make a noise through the turn signal speaker? My speaker doesnt work either, but if it does i might be tempted to put a new one in if it would help with backing into places

 

When the sensors detect impending disaster they sound the alarm, but I don’t think it comes from the stereo speakers or turn signal speaker, but it might. There’s another speaker in the rear end of the center console.

But you can tell when the sensors are working by putting your ear right up to them one by one when the car ignition is on and the gear selector is in reverse. At least those are the sensor activation pre-conditions I’m my 2002 XKR.

To listen for the sensors sound, which is like a rapid “clicking”, without being in danger of being run over, you can put the ignition key in the “run” position, but don’t start the car. Then step on the brake pedal to activate the gear shifter solenoid release, and move the gear shifter to reverse.

then get out of the car and put your ear up to each sensor in turn. If it’s working you
will hear the clicking sound on each sensor.

even though the engine is not running its always a good idea to have the handbrake pulled on.

Z

 

Hmmmm. I've had my center console out a few times in the last couple of weeks and I dont remember seeing a speaker at all, no wires either unless its actually in the floor or something
edit: i just saw where its supposed to be so I'll look in the morning! Maybe I'm just blind lol. Of course its hard for me to turn that far while sitting too

 

things change from year to year. There’s a buzzer / speaker in the rear end of my center console, close to the rear seat.

Z.

 

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