We are considering asking the dealer to install parking sensors. Anyone has them? Anyone had the dealer install them after the purchase? Price paid? Worth doing? We would appreciate any comments and insights.
We had the rear parking sensors installed before taking delivery. They're expensive, but not as expensive as repairing damage to one or two cars or paying on a lawsuit after hitting a pedestrian. Plus any kind of impact results in time and hassle for you to deal with. The rear-view camera can provide a degree of protection, but I was willing to pay for every extra level of protection available. I wish front parking sensors were also available.
Thank you. Do they beep? Is there some type of special speaker in the car that is connected to the sensors? And, did they have to drill in the bumper to have them installed?
Whenever you shift into reverse, a beep from somewhere in the dash sounds once. When the car is in reverse, if the sensors detect something within about 10 feet behind the car, they begin beeping slowly. As the something gets closer, the interval between beeps decreases. I haven't gotten close enough to anything to determine if the beep becomes a continuous tone. Yes, drilling is required. Our dealer's personnel were up to the task and the sensors look like they were installed at the factory (which is not an option). The service adviser said that the job took longer than Honda predicted, but that didn't increase the standard price for our sensors.
Someone posted pictures where they got the sensors installed in front and back, but they needed a switch to activate the front.
The sensors are available at Honda dealers on-line for $381. The installation instructions are fairly straightforward, but it requires a lot of trim/panel/bumper removal for the wiring, which can be tedious. I suspect a dealer would charge at least a couple hours labor? The price my dealer quoted me was $649, parts and labor. (I didn't do it) https://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/clarity/2018/backupsensors.pdf
Additionally, you’re asking mechanics who have had little to no prior experience with the Clarity to remove and reinstall all those panels, trim, and bumpet parts that @Sandroad referred to. Looking st the instructions, it’s quite an extensive tear down. I am not that confident that they will get it all back together with perfect appearance and no rattles. So I’m passing on this for more than just the cost.
We had them installed and they do beep but aren’t worth the money. They are so inferior compared to my 2015 Jeep Cherokee’s front and rear parking assist/sensors that are integrated with the braking system and provide cross-traffic alerts. These require a new bumper cover and don’t really provide anything other than beeps which are deceiving as the side ones will beep when you put the car in reverse and have a car next to yours. My advice? Don’t waste your money, look in the rear view camera instead. Hopefully, the next iteration will have a more complete solution. Sent from my iPad using Inside EVs
Coming from a Honda Insight designed in 1998, I'm dazzled by all the technology in our Clarity PHEV. Perhaps if I'd been exposed to better parking sensors from other manufacturers I might be disappointed in the ones we have, but due to my naivety, I'm impressed with their functionality.
Thank you, all of these responses have been helpful. It does seem like installing the sensors is fairly complex. It's a shame they have not added them as standard in factory. Hm... We managed without the sensors in our Crosstour so think we will be okay without them even though, like Insightman said, they provide extra protection. Btw, our Crosstour has the rear view camera - on that car, it has been a God-sent.