I just want to be sure I am not missing something. Once taking my car out for a drive, when pulling into a parking spot, must I manually activate the parking sensor system in order for the front parking sensors to work? Isn't there any programming to have the front active when approaching an object or all the time?

 

On my 2012 XK I have to manually activate it for forward. It's automatic in reverse. I think this is spelled out in the manual.

 

I have had some requests for an auto-activation feature based on speed...I may look into doing this if there is enough interest. I believe it only applies to 2010 and later models that have the front sensors.

 

On my 2009 XK Coupe, both my front and rear sensors are always 'active'. Whenever I back out of my garage, both front and rear sensors alert me to anything close by. Likewise, whenever I pull into my garage, both front and rear sensors alert me to anything close by. If that changed with 2010 & later models, I don't know.

 

Front sensors were fitted to at least some 4.2 cars - not sure it was an option or just a design change. The 4.2 workshop manual refers to cars with rear sensors only and cars with both front & rear. As with the later cars, the front sensors only activate if reverse has been selected or if the burton is pressed.

 

Stupid design. I now have to remember to activate my front sensors every time I pull into a parking space.

 

Same here....my 2009 XKR has the front and rear sensors activate ALL THE TIME.

There is no need to manually touch any screen for activation.

I guess this just might be an advantage of owning the 4.2L 2009 model XKR.

Finally an option that beats out the 5.0L and the 2010 and beyond. Now I feel better.

 

I had the 2008 XF and had to manually turn on the front sensors (unless I'd put it in reverse). What I really wanted was a front camera, though the xkr is easier to judge distance with.

 

F/R park distance sensors with pictogram display and variable beeps were standard equipment on my 2009 XKR Portfolio convertible. Front sensors operate only after you put the car in reverse or press the button in the overhead console and then go forward. Rear sensors work whenever you put the car in reverse and go backwards. When sensors are active, the radio is automatically muted. Sensors shut off automatically when going forward around 5mph and radio is automatically unmuted.

 

Not mine and our cars are almost identical. Forward alert activates only after the car has been put in reverse and then you go forward. Try pulling up to your garage without having been in reverse and see if your front sensors work. Rears work all the time because you're in reverse.

 

Personally I would never front-park my XKR. I have found that if you religiously back in to every parking situation, you will never encounter this issue with the front sensor, including parallel parking. Plus you are ready to go when you get back in the car without worrying about getting your *** t-boned in the parking lot as you're backing out...

(That actually happened to me in my RX8 10 years ago when I got swiped backing out by a young woman hot shoe in her convertible VW)

Never again.

 

Unless you want access to the boot, e.g. for loading, and the back of the space is against a wall. I prefer to reverse into a space, but not if I then have to try & load stuff 'around the corner' into the hatch.

 

I checked my 12 vert out today and the front sensors are only activated if you put the car in reverse first. No way to change it in the infotainment system. Seems like kind of a dumb setup to me.

 

It was an option on my 2007 (and sadly the original owner did not get it).
Just an FYI

 

Not only does it seem dumb.....It is dumb. Poor design.

 

Same here with mine. Just checked it today as when I pull into the garage I need to be in between 2 of the 4 post lift. When both front sensors trigger at the same time I know I'm centered.

 

I have a 4 post lift, I have not had a reason to lift the car as yet, Q. where are the jacking points, does not show in the owners manual . Thanks Bernie

 

On my 2012 you can feel under the lower rocker panel near the back and near the front and you can feel a triangle recessed in the panel. you should also be able to see then if you look under the panel. Here is mine centered under the lift

 

Ditto.

 

Bernie,

It's only in the Workshop Manual:




Presumably Jaguar don't expect owners to attempt anything so technical!

Graham