What sensors are located near front bumper area

[garymkrieg]

Looking at possibly getting an 2014-2015 MKZ hybrid to tow behind our motorhome. My question is about the placement of sensors in the front of the car that might present a problem when installing a tow bar baseplate. Blue OX mentions the ACC sensor in it's installation guide. Are there any other sensors that might be located in that front bumper/grill area? Assume that the car will have every high tech feature available, ACC, BLIS, collision warning, etc.

[Easy Rider]

It depends on what model you get.

If you have frontal crash warning and/or adaptive cruise control, there are transducers in the bumper for that.

 

While it might be a bit more expensive, I think a 2-wheel dolly is a better solution.

With one of them, you can tow virtually anything .......on just a moments notice.

[Waldo]

ACC and collision warning use the same radar module that's bolted under the bumper. You definitely need to consider that one not only because it's in the way, but because anything metal you install near it could affect it's ability to read the radar signals correctly.

 

The active grill shutters are mounted around the bumper and you won't want anything to interfere with those, that might actually be a bigger headache for you than the ACC module.

 

The front park aid sensors are just mounted on the back of the plastic fascia, so those shouldn't really be in your way.

[airbusguy]

I have 13 hyti and use Roadmaster towbar. They had to fabricate a new baseplateseries because I have ACC and collision warning. All works great as before installation.

[airbusguy]

If you're near Vancouver WA it would be worth a trip to their factory for installation. They do a great job and also did my lighting harness too.The Fusion hybrid with ACC photo on their webpage is actually my car.

[garymkrieg]

 

airbusguy, we are going to be in Seattle. Is it Blue OX or Roadmaster that has the factory in Vancouver WA?

 

[airbusguy]

It is the Roadmaster factory in the eastern suburbs of Vancouver WA. I wasn't trying push one product over another, but just replying to the post about interference with the sensors. Firsthand experience with the Roadmaster plates hasn't lead to problems. I have to remove the front arms and spreader bar after towing as the sensors don't like all that steel hanging in front of them. They are the EZ twist lock variety so it only takes an extra 2 minutes. I already had a Roadmaster system on my motorhome but the primary reason was no manufacturer had installed on a HyTi FFH with ACC and Roadmaster was the closest. I got to be the guinea pig.

Edited June 10, 2014 by airbusguy

[garymkrieg]

 

airbusguy, do they routinely do installations there or did they do yours as the guinea pig?

 

[airbusguy]

Mine was the first ACC hybrid. It wasn't known if the ACC would interfere, thus the guinea pig. As it turned out, with the addition of ACC, the shutter motor got touched by the stock hybrid right side baseplate, so they had to design new ones to get the clearance.

They have an excellent installation facility in conjunction with their manufacturing. They employ full time installers and electrical guys for wiring. Glenda Apple was my contact there . She's the Bracket Design Coordinator. 1 800 669 9690 ext 104

6110 NE 127 ave, Vancouver WA, 98682

Edited June 10, 2014 by airbusguy

[airbusguy]

I was just on the Roadmaster webpage and the 13/14 MKZ have no exceptions associated with ACC. Must have been just a Fusion problem only.

Edited June 10, 2014 by airbusguy

[garymkrieg]

Thanks to everyone, especially Airbusguy, for all the help.