Back up sensors not working

2005 FORD F-150
121,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RYAN L
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 272 POSTS
Hey guys, I just bought this truck used and the back up sensors do not work. The "off" light in the cab is permanently on and there is no beeping when in reverse. I checked fuse 18, the related fuse, and it is intact. What should I check next?
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:09 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
first thing to check is that the sensors are still wired up, make sure that the loom is not damaged or disconnected at the loom plug, start here.
Oct 17, 2017 at 5:26 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check the sensors themselves. Chock the wheels, turn the key on, put it in reverse and go back and listen to each sensor. If the system is working you will hear each sensor ticking faintly. You need to get close to hear it, cover it and the sound should change. All four need to work or the system will stay off. They fail a lot!
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:41 AM
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RYAN L
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 272 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
They are all getting power. I checked via a test light. But Steve totally nailed it! One of them is not clicking. I turned the truck to accessory with out starting it and put it in reverse. I then listened for the clicking all of the click softly except for one. So I assume that sensor is out.
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:17 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
While listening to them, be sure to put something over the sensor and listen for it to change the sound. No change in the sound is also a bad sensor. You can get them in sets online for a lot less than parts houses or the stealership.
Oct 18, 2017 at 2:03 PM
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