Sorry for all the posts -- I'm like the parent of a new baby. Everything worries me.

The backup sensor on my new-to-me 2003 S suddenly stopped working today. I'm wondering if I inadvertently disabled it (if that's possible) -- or if anyone else has had this problem, what caused it and was it easy to fix?

 

I'm not sure if a 2003 would be any different, but this happened to my 2004 MCS after a stray grocery bag got sucked up by the power steering fan, which blew the fuse.

On mine, the PDC and the power steering fan share the same fuse. Might want to put your car up on jack stands, check the fan, and check the fuse...

 

Check the fuse first.. it doesn't require jack stands or a jack.

 

Same problem here - checked fuse, replaced it - PDC worked once, stopped working again. Owners Manual says if new fuse blows, take car to dealer. Anybody have any other suggestions, since dealer is 75 miles away?

 

If you have to travel that far, make sure you make the trip worth the time. I plan on having my Day Time Running Lights disabled, and having the OEM rear fog lights activated on my 03'-S. The fog light conversion should be around $250.00US, and the DTRL deactivation may be another 50 dollars.

Good luck!

 

Back up sensor? Do you mean your back up/ reverse lights are out? I had the trans switch on my 04 MCS fail. If so, just order a switch and replace it. It's on the firewall side of the transmission on MCS'. To test the circuit, connect the wires to the switch together and check the light for operation. This circuit is just a conventional wired system, no CAN bus operation. As I remember, the switch was a little pricey for what it is.

 

If the fuse blows shortly after replacing it, (and assuming your car is wired like my '04 MCS) I'd take a look at the power steering cooling fan.

Mine kept popping the fuse (PDC quit working), and after some investigating, I found that a plastic grocery bag got sucked up into the fan (despite the cheesy plastic grille) and locked it up. After I got the bag out, the fan was free to spin again. Replaced the fuse, PDC worked, and the fan kicked on.

I'm a bit paranoid about that fan, mostly from all the posts on here about underhood fires. Many seem to have started from that power steering circuit!

 

Umm, where is that fan? I sort of half-a$$ looked underneath, but didn't see it. I think I remember reading somewhere that it is covered with a shield in an 06.

 

It's about dead center between the front wheels, and just a little aft of the oil pan. If you have the later-style ducting, you'll see a plastic duct under the oil pan. Follow it towards the rear, and you'll find the fan.

Anyone on here have pics for clarity?