Buy Jeep Grand Cherokee Parking Assist Sensor

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Quick Summary

Parking sensors-also called reverse sensors, backup sensors, or parking radar-help your Jeep Grand Cherokee "see" obstacles you can't. The ParkSense system hides small ultrasonic eyes in the front and rear bumpers. They fire 40 kHz sound pulses, listen for the echo, and warn you with faster beeps or a full tone as you creep closer to a wall, pole, or another car . On a Grand Cherokee, the sensors work below about 7 mph and detect objects 12 - 79 in. (30 - 200 cm) away . Keeping them clean and damage-free lets ParkSense team up with the backup camera to cut parking dents and boost safety-especially since rear-view cameras became mandatory on new U.S. cars in 2018 .

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What It Is

ParkSense is Jeep's parking-assist feature. Your Grand Cherokee may have four or six ultrasonic proximity sensors in the bumpers. They light an outline on the dash screen and beep more quickly the nearer you get to an obstacle . If you also have Active Park Assist, the same sensors help guide automatic parallel or perpendicular parking .

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How It Works

• Ultrasonic pulse: Each sensor sends a 40 kHz sound burst and measures the echo time to judge distance .
• Detection zone: Rear sensors see about 12-79 in. (30-200 cm); fronts cover 12-47 in. (30-120 cm) .
• Speed limit: ParkSense shuts off above roughly 7 mph (11 km/h) to avoid nuisance warnings .
• Alerts: The radio or gauge cluster shows colored bars while the chime frequency rises until a solid tone means "stop."
• Self-parking: On equipped models, extra side sensors plus steering logic let the SUV steer itself into a space while you work the pedals .

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Fitment Guide

• Model years: Sensors fit 2011-present WK2 and WL Grand Cherokee models.
• Front vs. rear: Base trims often have only rear sensors; higher trims add fronts and Active Park Assist.
• Colors: Sensors come primed or pre-painted to match bumper color. Use light paint coats so sound waves are not muffled .
• Connector: Most WK2/WL sensors use a 3-wire plug; always match harness shape before buying.
• No re-programming: After a simple bumper swap, ParkSense generally does not need calibration-just an operation test (Pacifica Forums, I-CAR RTS).

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Common Symptoms

• "ParkSense Unavailable - Wipe Sensors" message after mud, snow, or car-wash wax films .
• Constant beeping even with no obstacle-often a cracked or mis-seated sensor ring.
• No beeps & light stays on: Use a scan tool to read Park Assist module faults .
• False alerts after bumper work: Check that sensor tabs sit flush and point straight; angled housings mis-read distance (Bronco6G).

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Installation Basics

1. Unclip bumper panel (two 10 mm bolts and push-pins).
2. Twist sensor holder ⅛ turn and pull straight back .
3. Snap new sensor in, making sure the tiny arrow points outward.
4. Reconnect harness until it clicks.
5. Key ON, run a walk-around test-each sensor should tick faintly if working.

Pro tip: Never force-fit; bent tabs give phantom beeps.

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Care & Cleaning

• Hand-wash sensors with mild soap and a soft cloth .
• In winter, road salt can cake over the face; Consumer Reports suggests frequent rinses or a no-touch wash to keep ADAS sensors clear .
• Avoid high-pressure sprayers closer than 12 in. to prevent water intrusion.

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Safety & Rules

Ultrasonic sensors add an extra layer to the federally required rear-view camera rule (in force since May 2018) by helping drivers detect low or narrow objects the camera view may miss . Studies show they also cut backing crashes with children and pets .

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Benefits You Get

• Scratch saver: Early beeps help stop bumper scrapes.
• Stress relief: Parking in tight garages is easier.
• Resale value: Working ParkSense is a desirable safety feature.
• Team player: Sensors aid blind-spot monitors and auto-brake features in some trims .

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Troubleshooting Steps

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Q: What does a parking assist sensor do?
A: It sends sound waves that bounce off objects and warns you with beeps when you get too close .

Q: Where are the sensors on a Grand Cherokee?
A: Four sit in the rear bumper cover and, on many trims, another four sit up front .

Q: How far can they "see"?
A: About 12 - 79 in. (30 - 200 cm) to the rear and up to 47 in. (120 cm) in front .

Q: Do they work at highway speed?
A: No. ParkSense turns off when you pass roughly 7 mph (11 km/h) .

Q: Do I need to re-program after replacing one?
A: Usually not; most sensors are plug-and-play-just perform an operation check (Pacifica Forums).

Q: Can thick paint ruin a sensor?
A: Yes. Too much paint dampens the ultrasonic signal and may trigger errors .

Q: Why does the dash say "Wipe Sensors"?
A: Dirt, ice, or snow is blocking the face. Clean gently and the message should clear .

Q: My sensor always beeps-what's wrong?
A: It might be mis-aligned, cracked, or soaking wet. Inspect the holder and wiring first (Bronco6G).

Q: Does the system help with auto-parking?
A: Yes. On models with Active Park Assist, the same sensors guide the steering into the space .

Q: Are parking sensors required by law?
A: No, but backup cameras are, and sensors give extra coverage for things the camera view may miss .

Q: What frequency do the sensors use?
A: Around 40 kHz, well above human hearing .

Q: Can I power-wash them?
A: Keep the nozzle at least 12 in. away and use a low-pressure fan setting .

Q: Will a trailer hitch block the sensor?
A: A large metal hitch can create constant alerts; disable ParkSense before towing or use a hitch with a low profile .

Q: Why is the backup sensor quiet but the camera works?
A: The sensor module may have a stored fault code; read and clear with a scan tool, then retest .

Q: How do I silence the beeps temporarily?
A: Press the ParkSense button on the dash; the system remembers your last choice until you restart the vehicle .

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