Reseat displaced front right parking assist sensor

[amosnomor]

Hello.

I have a 2016 S 75, refresh model, with the premium interior package (HEPA filter). My front right parking assist sensor was pulled back into the bumper from a Wild Turkey incident (no bourbon involved, but one wild turkey run over at speed on a rural highway). The sensor still appears to be working and the wiring harness intact (I can feel it inside of the hole).

What is the best way to access the inside of the front bumper and reseat this sensor?

Thanks.

 

[Drlev]

Is it one of the ones on the corner near the wheel well? If so, there’s a little cover inside the wheel well you can remove to reseat the sensor.

 

[amosnomor]

Thanks! Unfortunately it is the right front facing sensor.

 

[Dborn]

Thanks! Unfortunately it is the right front facing sensor.

You will need to take off the bumper. It not a big deal. There are detailed instructions on this site which I have used and work well. In my opinion, it is partially a two person job, but an experienced person can do it alone. The bumper is relatively heavy and awkward when off.
How To: Front Bumper and Headlight Removal

 

[amosnomor]

You will need to take off the bumper. It not a big deal. There are detailed instructions on this site which I have used and work well. In my opinion, it is partially a two person job, but an experienced person can do it alone. The bumper is relatively heavy and awkward when off.
How To: Front Bumper and Headlight Removal

Thank you. That looks quite doable. Do you expect any differences with a newer, non-nosecone front end?

 

[Dborn]

Regrettably, I can’t answer that question. I suggest you simply ask at the service dept whether the mounting of the new style bumper is any different to the the old nose cone style, accepting that it is a different shape.

 

[amosnomor]

Follow up...

By removing the frunk liner and tub, disconnecting the top of the front quarter panel that runs beneath/around the headlight, and unbolting top of the bumper (where the chrome and T connect in the center), there was enough play to reach in and and fix the sensor without having to remove the bumper. I did need to re-glue the sensor mount to the bumper. Probably torsional stress popped it off during the turkey incident.

Thank you. The link posted by Dborn

How To: Front Bumper and Headlight Removal

and this video, which includes frunk removal on a refresh Model S:

were invaluable.