Homer3D

I posted this issue to southerncarparts on their Curb Alert thread but the issue has returned.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1583592428-post19.html

Same as before, after washing my C6 the curb alert starts acting funny. I just finished washing my C6 and was about to pull back into the garage. Without even moving it beeped as if there was a curb. I got out thinking maybe I forgot my bucket in front of the car. Nope, complete clear. So I pulled into the garage, turned the car off and waited 10 minutes. Making sure there as nothing in front of the sensor, I turned the car back on and BEEP BEEP BEEP!

Turned car off, pointed the sensor level to the ground just in case it is "seeing" the floor. Only thing in front of the sensor now is the wall which is at least 5 feet away. I turned the car back on and BEEP BEEP BEEP!

Tried to re-calibrate and no joy. It constantly thinks something is in front of the sensor. If it is anything like last time, this issue may clear itself in a day or 2 but this is a PITA. I can't be the only person having this problem after a wash or did I just get a defective sensor and water is getting into the sensor somehow.

FYI: Since installing the curb alert, I have washed my car 2 times and both times I have had issues with curb alert.

Thoughts?

RO55

I have had mine for 1 1/2 years and no problem like that. I do wash my car often too. They do come with a warranty - good luck!

jke_mn

I haven't had a problem with mine after a wash. If you can't get a warranty replacement, I'd try sealing the sensor module seams to see if that helps before buying a new one.

Homer3D

I will have to check on the warranty thing since it was a gift. I personally don't have a receipt for it.

I was thinking the same thing too. Maybe putting a bead of silicone around any of the seams in the sensor housing.

J Christensen

I think replacement sensors are about $25. Hope I recall that correctly.

ButWhatDoIKnow

Southern Car Parts: I'm sure that they'll make it good.

Homer3D

Well I called it. Curb Alert is working fine again. No phantom beeps or anything. I will give it one more wash and if it happens again that will be 3 for 3. Then I will hit up Southern Car Parts for a warranty replacement for the sensor or just seal the sensor in some way.

southerncarparts

Did you try to re calibrate it? I am guess you may of knocked it out of Calibration.

Use the method in this video below and shoot me a PM and let me know.



Jim

vig1116

is the phantom beep a continuous beeping, or just one time. You know the curb alert beeps three times when it first gets turned on right? I have no problems with mine so far.....

Homer3D

Yes. Both this time and the first time it happened I attempted to recalibrate. In both instances calibration would not work because the sensor alway felt there was something in front of it. I did exactly what was in the video. I would put a large box about 20 inches from the sensor (pointing level to the ground) and hit the calibration button. I get a long BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP. I move the box away but the beep does not stop. Turn the car off, try again in 10-15 minutes and same result. I even when as far as disconnecting the ground and pulling the fuse for the curb alert to make sure it was not getting power from anything before trying calibration again. Once again, I get the long steady beep regardless if there is a box in front of the sensor or not.

After giving it a day to "dry" I went out and did the calibration again. Worked perfectly. Took me under a minute to calibrate the sensor.


Yes I am aware there is a triple fast beep when the curb alert first turns on. The phantom beep that I refer to a different beep, the one that you get when you come close to a curb. The first time this happened I would get the beeps driving after the wash.

In any case, so far things are pointing to maybe a fault sensor or sensor housing allowing water to enter the sensor. When I wash my car again (in about 2 weeks) I will first use a small plastic bag and some tape or rubber band to enclose the sensor. Hopefully this will avoid getting the sensor wet and I will see how curb alert acts after that wash.

capecodvette

I installed Curb Alert on my 2013 Grand Sport. Washed the car several times, no issues with Curb Alert function.

wj150v

Homer- it sounds like the sensor may not tightened securely. If it has moved (rotated) during washing Please make sure the sensor is calibrated to the right curb height and tightened securely. If it still has the same issue after that, you could apply black silicone rubber on the sensor and on the sensor cable going into the housing (take care not to apply any silicne rubber on the lens. Your Curb Alert is warranted for 12 mo. Suggest you ask your vendor for a new sensor if the issue persists.

Homer3D

I can guarantee the sensor is not moving. It is pretty tight. I am unable to move the sensor by hand so I doubt water causing it to move. Calibration during this "wet" time doesn't work because I get the long beep regardless if there is something in front of it or not. But once I give it a day or so to dry, calibration works fine. The issue is definitely a result of something in the sensor getting wet.

djohnson00

I had a similar problem with the random beeping that was due to the ground being loose. Try checking the connections and make sure your ground is held in tight. If it is loose, it will cause the beeping

Homer3D

This is a quick update on the issue. I washed my GS Saturday but before getting it wet, I wrapped the sensor in plastic and a rubber band. I did my wash like I normally do.

After I was done, I removed the plastic and Curb Alert worked without any issues. No recalibration needed. No phantom beeps. No issues at all. So the problem with the sensor acting up it directly related to the fact the sensor is getting wet.

Now I just have to decide it if is worth getting a replacement sensor or just deal with the one I have. Wrapping it in plastic wasn't too hard but I might just put a bead of silicone around all the seams and see if that helps.

capecodvette

I have washed my 2013 GS convertible many times, and the Curb Alert Sensor has never giving me problems. I do avoid spraying a direct stream of water on the face of sensor. I use a gently spray when rinsing. Never had to wrap in plastic, nor apply silicone.

vig1116

I don't want this to come out wrong, so it's not meant to be mean or bust *****, but why on earth would you go through all the trouble of silicone or wrapping it every time you wash when it is FREE to get a new one under warranty. It's usually no questions asked and it's in the mail and then you never have to worry again. You spent $160 for an item that is broken, get it replaced and be done with it....

Homer3D

Agreed but since it was a gift I don't have the original receipt so was entertaining other options to resolve my issue. But no worries here. The company the produces the Curb Alert had followed my thread and has offered me a replacement sensor. Awesome customer service right there!

Cyber Greg

I have the same problem too.
I wash my car and the sensor acts up.
They sente a replacement module first but after reading this I think it's probably the sensor. I will now seek a new one.
Thanks for the post.

vig1116

I'm glad it's getting straightened out for you! Its much more fun/enjoyable when things work and you don't have to worry about covering every time or messing with it!!