New Passat - bumper Removal - help!

[Quatrelle]

I'm wondering just what I did connect to. It was actually January when I started looking at fitting, wiring etc. and I haven't been near it since - too busy (diy!) - so apology that it's all a bit vague. I wanted to check everything out before I started drilling holes so I tried the sensors off the car on a 12v supply and they worked ok, but the reverse, fog and number plate wiring all seem to be similar colours in the boot, and I was very wary of messing things up. I seem to recall that there wasn't a simple supply and return. I had visions of the car's computer telling me to clear off! but I definitely had something on the dash display.

I've now got time to continue, hence my interest in this thread. The sensors I've got are made by Cisbo "using Philips technology" whatever that means. They were about 20GBP delivered and were more of a 'toe in the water' on the basis that if fitting was going to be a pain I wouldn't bother.

I note you mention the Cobra sensors - are they a VW-approved accessory? I'll quite happily ditch my cheapo set for something 'safer'.

[Flash2]

John, I think you'll be OK with the Cisbo sensors. They look just like Veba ones that I've fitted before, only the vebas come with a little display unit that tells you how far you are from the thing your about to reverse into. The sounder on the Vebas are built into the display. I've not had any problems with them, but the display thing is a pain in the ar...back side to fit, trying to route the cable with it's big plug through some of the tight spaces it has to pass through. And the display is just a gimmick anyway. The only real problem with those sensors (perhaps not an issue for you) is that they can't be colour coded. They are also a little deeper than the Cobra park master sensors, but I don't think that should be a problem on your Passat. The sensor cables on the Cobra are a good bit thinner than the Veba and that makes them a bit easier to work with.
The Cobra sensors are what the VW dealer supply. They are also used by Mitsubishi, Mazda and Hyundai and probably other manufacturers too.

[alfonso]

Passat rear bumpers are quite easy to remove. You'll need a couple of torx screw drivers (T20 & T30 I think).
Remove the rear lamps (the outer lamps on the vehicle body and be very careful if you've got an estate!). Remove the screws under the lamp units (T30s).
Remove rear wheels. (remember to take the lock nut key out of the boot before you put the car on the ramp!)
If you have mudflaps fitted remove them, if not remove the screws (T20s) around the rear of the wheel arch.
In the wheel arch where the plastic bumper joins to the vehicle body, there is a plastic rivet which does up vertically through the bumper into the body. Pry the rivet out.
Under the vehicle, there are two more T30s to remove and there is a plastic panel on the off side that you need to remove (T20s).
Now get someone to help you pull the bumper off. Grip it on at either side and pull it rearward. It fits onto guides at the sides and should slip off.

It sounds like a lot of work, but should only take about 20 - 30 mins. If you don't have the use of a ramp, you can do it without removing the wheels if you can get something to remove the screws with that will fit beween the tyre and the screw. I use a ratchet spanner with an adapter to take my torx bits if I can't get the wheels off.

If your fitting the ultrasonic type sensors, like the Cobra park master supplied by VW, you dont have to remove the bumper. Drill the holes for the sensors and feed the sensor wires between each hole using a welding rod or coat hanger. Start at the off side. put your rod through the O/S inner hole and out the O/S outer. Tape the O/S outer sensor wire onto the rod and pull it through. Now remove the O/S number plate lamp (don't remove the screws, just pry it out) and put the rod in the hole for the number plate lamp and out the O/S inner hole. Tape the O/S outer and O/S inner sensor wires to the rod and pull it through so both wires are now hanging out the hole where the number plate lamp fits. Work your way across the bumper in that fashion then when you have all the sensors fitted route the four wires to the inside of the vehicle via the large gromet behind the bumper at the N/S. And no, you don't need to remove the bumper to get at the grommet. I've got a note of where the holes should be drilled too if anybody wants to know. Regards - Jim.

Sorry,
Hello,
You may have on how we image dismantle the rear bumper?
Thank you and hello

[HarryP0tter]

No need for a relay. you can connect the positive wire of the parking sensor control unit directly to the reverse lamp circuit. I've never done an estate, but on the saloon version you need to remove the N/S boot side trim. Behind the trim near the boot hinge you will see a little carrier with 3 little multiplugs attached. You pick up the reverse light feed there. I think it's a blue plug but I can't remember the colour of the wire off hand. On golfs, polos, etc the reverse light wire is a black with blue tracer, but I have a feeling it's not on the 3C passat. I'll check my notes when I go back to work on Tuesday and let you know, or you could stick the car in reverse and probe the wires with a test lamp.
Glad I could help - Jim.

Are you talking about the trim inside the boot or on the boot lid where you change the bulb?

[Flash2]

No, it's the trim inside the boot you need to remove. The one on the passenger side.
Regards - Jim.

[HarryP0tter]

No, it's the trim inside the boot you need to remove. The one on the passenger side.
Regards - Jim.

Ok, I know im a bit slow, are we talking the material trim that is held on by some plastic bolts.

If so do the bolts just pull out?

Don't know if this helps to point it out?



Harry

[mikecb1]

Quatrelle

I fitted a 4 sensor kit (The one sold by VW, but made by Cobra) to my car a few months back. You certainly don't need to remove the bumper. I posted a write up, including sensor positions and wiring connections, at the time.

HTH

Mike

[Quatrelle]

Quatrelle

I fitted a 4 sensor kit (The one sold by VW, but made by Cobra) to my car a few months back. You certainly don't need to remove the bumper. I posted a write up, including sensor positions and wiring connections, at the time.

HTH

Mike

Hi Mike - my post above was May last year, since when I've fitted Meta Targa sensors, which are simply built into a holder for the rear number plate and of course you don't need to drill the car. There are only two sensors, one on each side, and I was doubtful if they'd give good coverage, but I really can't fault the system. It also means they can be removed if you sell the car, although this is not an issue for me.

Meta Targa appears in my sig., but for some reason the sigs. have been removed on this thread. Thanks anyway.

[mikecb1]

OOps. Sorry - missed the date on your post. I thoght it was recent

Mike

[HarryP0tter]

Hi Mike - my post above was May last year, since when I've fitted Meta Targa sensors, which are simply built into a holder for the rear number plate and of course you don't need to drill the car. There are only two sensors, one on each side, and I was doubtful if they'd give good coverage, but I really can't fault the system. It also means they can be removed if you sell the car, although this is not an issue for me.

Meta Targa appears in my sig., but for some reason the sigs. have been removed on this thread. Thanks anyway.

The Meta Targa is £50 for Halfords at the moment if you install your self, this price is on the web only, instore its twice the price.


If I can workout where to wire it in to I might grab one.