My XJ8 sometimes beeps when reversing and I can't find anything in the handbook that talks about it. Can anyone help me with this apparent feature?

 

Parking Sensors?

 

Yes, it's the parking sensors, but I was wondering exactly how they worked. I found the information I was looking for elsewhere - I find it odd that the sensors are not mentioned in the driver's handbook.

 

How they work? When you get close to something it beeps slowly.. As you progressively get closer the beep becomes more constant.

 

...and details such as the fact that the beep becomes constant at 8 inches from the obstacle. So yes, I wanted to know exactly how they function.

 

Although a 2003 S-type, here's what my owners manual says:

4-32 On the road:


Reverse park control

Caution:
It remains the driver’s
responsibility to detect obstacles and
estimate the car’s distance from
them. Some overhanging objects,
barriers, thin obstructions or painted
surfaces which could possibly cause
damage to the vehicle may not be
detected by the system. Always be
vigilant when reversing.
This parking aid, when reverse gear is
selected and ignition on, automatically
provides an audible proximity warning
when reversing the vehicle. If an object is
detected, a beep tone will be heard,
which increases in rate as the vehicle
approaches the object.
At approximately 8 inches (200 mm) the
beep will become continuous for three
seconds and is then automatically turned
off.
Reverse park control is automatically
switched off if a trailer is attached to the
vehicle.
If the system has a fault when engaging
reverse gear then a single, three second
tone only will be heard.
Note:
1. For reliable operation, the four
sensors in the rear bumper should be
kept free from ice and grime.
2. When using a high pressure spray the
sensors should only be sprayed briefly
and not from a distance of less than
8 inches (200 mm)

 

It turns out that the operation of the parking sensors is only included in a Driver's Handbook Addendum, which is missing from the documentation I got. Explains why I can't find any reference to it in the Drivers Handbook!!