Wrapped Proximity Sensors

[teethdood]

Hi all,

I didn't want to hijack the limited AP thread, so I'm posting a new thread regarding my possibly related issue.

My proximity sensors are wrapped with Xpel PPF. One car is stealth, the other car in ultimate. Both cars upon delivery from the detailer developed the "Limited View" and "Autopilot limited" errors. The cameras themselves are clean/not wrapped, just the proximity sensors. Do you think the fact that the proximity/parking sensors are wrapped have anything to do with my Limited AP issue? I have driven a few hundred miles since picking up the cars and the issue has not resolved for both. Anyone with wrapped cars please chime in. I'm not sure whether the proximity sensors should be completely unwrapped or at least cut to detach away from the rest of the body wrap, or is it ok to leave them fully wrapped as is. Thank you.

 

[mattack4000]

You have to cut it around the sensor

 

[teethdood]

You have to cut it around the sensor

Meaning do a circular cut and expose the sensors, or circular cut leaving the sensors wrapped but free from the rest of the body wrap?

 

[McManX]

I’m no specialist but that doesn’t look like a great wrap job

 

[teethdood]

I’m no specialist but that doesn’t look like a great wrap job

There are many MANY air bubbles in both my cars, but the detailer said he wants to let the wraps dry and the ceramic coats to set for 3 weeks before he sees my cars again to remove the bubbles. He did remove some bubbles with a needle and it seemed to do the job, although I was thinking..."you're just poking holes in the wrap!" I'm not happy with this particular detailer's work for sure, as he wrapped over some small bird droppings too. His "paint correction" for my rock chips included using some random white paint over my pearl white car and wrapping over the whole thing. I was pissed but unsure what to do now.
Anyway, I will have him cut out the proximity sensors over the stealth matte wrap. It'll look a bit funny but at least it's not very noticeable.

 

[jboy210]

I would think that wrap might cause some issues. The sensors are ultrasonic transceivers that send and receive ultrasonic signals. They original covering is factored into the design. But anything extra that covers the sensor may cause unexpected data which can cause AP to error out.

I would do as mattattack4000 says and get the wrap off the circular part of the sensor..

BTW, does anyone know if wraps have an issues with the radar transceiver. Specially, this wrap looks metallic and metal will usually cause false reflection and transmission issues for radar.

 

[ewoodrick]

How well can you hear if I covered your ears with the wrap? Those are ultrasonic sensors and work basically the same as your ear.

 

[teethdood]

How well can you hear if I covered your ears with the wrap? Those are ultrasonic sensors and work basically the same as your ear.

Agreed, but you'd think the detailer would know that (he has multiple M3s waiting for wraps). I read that some Tesla owners had no issues with the wrap going over the sensors though.

 

[frank-datank]

Here's a picture of my Xpel ultimate wrap, no AP issues. Looks like my guy went around the sensor, and didn't put anything on it . Since both of your vehicles have the same issue, sure sounds like that's the culprit.

 

[ps004ynos]

Our installer also cut out the proximity circles. I don’t have autopilot so only have a limited experience during the free trials. Never got the limited messages.

 

[jboy210]

Here's a picture of my Xpel ultimate wrap, no AP issues. Looks like my guy went around the sensor, and didn't put anything on it . Since both of your vehicles have the same issue, sure sounds like that's the culprit.

The guy did nice work. Very clean

 

[HighandDry]

Mine is exactly like frank the tanks and I have no issues with AP

 

[teethdood]

Update: I called up Tesla service. The issue was unrelated to the proximity sensors, so they can be wrapped, as there are other cars with wrapped sensors not experiencing any AP issues. The problem was a calibration issue with the fender rear-pointing cameras. When the detailer removed the cameras to wrap, the cameras got out of whack. Tesla wants to keep them overnight for recalibration.

 

[jesla]

There are many MANY air bubbles in both my cars, but the detailer said he wants to let the wraps dry and the ceramic coats to set for 3 weeks before he sees my cars again to remove the bubbles. He did remove some bubbles with a needle and it seemed to do the job, although I was thinking..."you're just poking holes in the wrap!" I'm not happy with this particular detailer's work for sure, as he wrapped over some small bird droppings too. His "paint correction" for my rock chips included using some random white paint over my pearl white car and wrapping over the whole thing. I was pissed but unsure what to do now.
Anyway, I will have him cut out the proximity sensors over the stealth matte wrap. It'll look a bit funny but at least it's not very noticeable.

you cant be serious? find a good pro that can do your car right

 

[GalaxySurfer]

I'll be honest, 90% of wrap jobs meet acceptable standards, bubbles in certain areas and wierd corners and curves unfortunately do occasionally happen regardless of the wrappers skill.

That being said, wrapping an X seems to be 50/50 if you have sensors issues, i personally had an issue with one sensor after wrap, had the wrapper cut it out and all is good, i know of 2 others who had 0 issues with wrapped sensors. So unless your wrapping black over white or something, id generally just suggest having the sensors cut out front the start and avoid the possible issue all together.

deep matte black 3M, Sensor cut out exposing original midnight silver metallic