When reversing, we are familiar with the car’s obnoxious “beep beep” sound. The beeping sound warns when close to obstacles, so the driver is always aware of their surroundings.
As in most modern cars, Kia also features a Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW) sensor.
The PDW assists the driver during reversing by chiming intermittently when the car is 120 cm close to an object. The distance is 60 cm for the sensor at the side of the rear bumper.
The PDW should buzz more frequently at a distance between 30~60 cm, and for objects closer than 30 cm, the buzzer beeps continuously.
However, sometimes the sensor may beep erroneously, making you ponder why Kia reverse sensor keeps beeping. How do you fix this issue?
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Why the Kia constantly beeps in reverse?
As mentioned earlier, when the Kia reverse sensor is turned on, the buzzer will continuously chime when it detects an obstacle within 30 cm when the car is in reverse.
Regardless, the reverse sensor may erroneously beep in non-operational conditions. According to the Kia website, the PDW may misbehave when:
- There’s moisture in the sensor
- It’s covered by dirt, debris, and other foreign matter
- Reversing on uneven ground
- Rain or water is splashing close to the car
- Wireless transmitters, including phones, are close to the sensor
- Defective sensor
How do you turn off the reverse beep on a Kia?
You may desire to switch off the reverse sensor to end the irritating beep. To disable the sensor, manually turn off the parking sensor button. The sensor button is usually located next to the gear lever with a “P” labeled.
Alternatively, you can disable the reverse by reaching for the fuse box and disabling the obnoxious reverse. In the fuse box, locate the fuse called Memory 2 and unplug it to stop the beeping sound.
However, before turning off the sensor, it would be best to diagnose it and try and fix any issues it may have. Sometimes, a simple clean-up can result in the sensor functioning as intended.
How to fix the continuous beeping in the Kia car?
1. Clean the sensor
The PDW can continuously beep when covered in foreign material. Over time, foreign material builds up on the sensor. Generally, dirt, ice, and other debris make the reverse sensor provide inaccurate readings that cause false alarms.
The reverse sensors utilize ultrasound to estimate the distance between the car’s rear bumper and the obstacle. As such, when covered with debris, the reverse sensor would pick up the dirt as an obstacle, thus providing false readings.
For the reverse sensor to operate efficiently, ensure it’s always clean. It is recommended to use a microfiber cloth to wipe the sensor clean.
Dip the cloth in a cleaning solution and gently remove any foreign material on and around the sensor. By removing debris, the reverse sensor’s operation would return to normal.
2. Replace the sensor
If the sensors are clean and you still hear the continuous beep, a defective reverse sensor can be the culprit. Sometimes, reverse sensors wear out over time and need to be replaced. A Kia professional can help make the diagnosis.
3. Repair the circuitry
The sensor’s relay or short circuit can result in the parking sensor’s misbehavior. Faulty wiring can result in the sensor getting low power or distorting the sensor’s signals.
A Kia professional would help diagnose bad wiring and correctly fix the issue. The technician should identify faults within the system and advise on the best course of action, which can include replacing the sensor, repairing the faulty wiring, or both.
How much does it cost to fix the reverse sensor beeping?
The average cost of a new reverse sensor for a Kia is $125. The labor costs would range between $88 and $111. The rates would depend on the Kia model and the unique location where you have the repair.
Take Away
Parking sensors are a convenient system when reversing. However, sometimes they misbehave and continuously beep when they shouldn’t. Ensure the reverse sensor on your Kia is clean, and if it still behaves erroneously, consult a Kia professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my parking sensors beeping in the rain?
Sensors on your Kia can misbehave when in the rain. According to the Kia Website, moisture can collect inside the reverse sensor during rain, causing it to misbehave. Once the moisture clears, the sensor should operate normally.
How long do parking sensors last?
Reverse sensors are meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Sometimes, they can get damaged, thus needing to be replaced.
Can bad parking sensors damage my car?
A defective reverse sensor won’t damage your car. However, since it provides incorrect readings, you may make a misinformed decision that can damage your car.
