Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Volkswagen

Details Posted on 16 December 2022 | Share: | Print

Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the park assist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what Volkswagen has to say.

Volkswagen offers guidance on park assist sensor repair and refinishing in their Paint General Information manual. Volkswagen states for new and existing sensor refinishing:

• "Maximum coat thickness of 125 um; the coat thickness must always be measured after painting.
• Maximum curing temperature: 1 hour at 90°C (195°F)
• Dipping in cleaning solution without taping off the connector pin beforehand is prohibited.
• The paint area on the sensor is the front and side surface of the membrane. The side surface is painted a minimum 3 mm to maximum 4 mm from the front side of the membrane toward the rear."
• Volkswagen requires a function diagnostic test available in: Electrical Equipment General Information ➤ Rep. Gr. 97 ➤ Wiring ➤ Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• No paint is permitted beyond the membrane.

Existing sensor considerations:

• "Only remove old paint (sand) down to the primer.
• The minimum coat thickness of 5-10 um coating must be maintained" (after sanding).

Improper paint film thickness affect the functionality of the sensor. Follow OEM procedures and warnings to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Refinishing Park Assist Sensors
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Volkswagen?

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Understanding Volkswagen Collision Repair