All TailGauge backup sensor systems are very easy to install. We have experimented by giving units to untrained persons to act as "guinea pig" tests. On all installations we have tested this way, on the average car, these untrained persons installed the kits in about two
hours. If you do not wish to do the install yourself, we recommend bringing the kit to your
vehicle service mechanic familiar with your vehicle. They should have no problem understanding exactly what to do.
TailGauge is committed to making the finest in vehicle backup safety products. Throughout the many years we have been in business, we have had remarkably few technical issues with any of our models. However, for your knowledge, convenience and ease of installation, we
have compiled a few of the situations we have come across as we speak to our customers.
We are currently creating a
nationwide list of select distributor/installers. If we have no-one in
your area yet, and you do not wish to do the installation yourself, we
recommend bringing the kit to an auto mechanic (or anyone else who is
mechanically inclined and is familiar with your vehicle). He (or she) should
have no problem installing the system.
Note that all of these issues are related to installation error:
Problem:
System acts erratically. It is never consistent, fluctuates between readings, and displays (or says) readings when there is NOTHING there to measure.
What to check:
There are only three possibilities that we have come across that can create this symptom. Either the sensors are not properly connected to the power unit (they are loose), there is a poor ground or bad power connection, or sensors are mounted too close together. Check your ground first (the most common
problem). If this is OK, check the power (Measure the power. It should read more than 12 volts DC.). Also, a loose reverse light bulb on your vehicle can cause a power fluctuation problem, and can create this symptom. For the third possibility, see below.
Problem:
On surface mounted sensor systems, three sensors are mounted. The system acts erratically, but WILL work normally with only one sensor connected.
What to check:
It is likely that you have mounted the sensors too close to one another.
Mounting sensors closer than 18" from one another may cause sensors to cancel one another out, creating erratic readings. Obviously, you will need to relocate sensors.
Problem:
System comes on when vehicle is put into reverse. You hear an activation "beep," but nothing else happens.
What to check:
Sensors have been connected...sort of..., but installer did not "push"
the connectors securely enough into their ports on the power unit (You should hear a "click" sound once connected.) for proper connection to be made.
Problem:
You are using either sensor extensions and the system does not work. When you unplug the extensions, the system works.
What to check:
Sensors, and extensions have been connected...sort of..., but installer did not "push"
the connectors securely enough into their ports on the power unit (You should hear a "click" sound once connected.) for proper connection to be made.
Please note that the sensors extensions have two different types of plugs, a
narrow one and a wide one. The narrow one must be connected to the
power unit/processor.
Issue:
Where to mount sensors on a particular vehicle.
Please note: There is no one answer to this question. Within the design specifications as described in the installation manual, this is up to the installer, their needs, cosmetics, and their creativity.
Issue:
I need to insulate the power unit from the elements. I am mounting this outside my vehicle or in some location where it could get wet.
Our suggestion:
The power unit CAN be wrapped (sealed) in plastic or other water "proof-able" material in the event the installer decides to mount it behind the bumper or in some location where water might be a factor.
Wrapping it will not hurt it. You DO NOT want the unit to get wet.
However, there is no one way to seal this unit. Our suggestion: Wrap it in plastic, seal the seams with GE silicone, tie the ends using wire ties and again seal using GE silicone. Make sure you mount unit away from sharp objects that could cut or chaff bag.
Technical Support Policy:
In the event you are experiencing trouble installing any of our systems and you need our assistance, TailGauge does have an installation
email service at
techsupport@tailgauge.com.
Please note: TailGauge does not provide vehicle specific support, as the
variety of makes and models (including intra-model year changes), trim
packages, etc. that vehicle manufacturers produce are constantly changing.
However, all of our systems are designed to install easily in the average
car, van, light truck, pickup, bus, etc..
We have found that the installation information in our manuals has usually been sufficient and helpful for most installations. Please be sure to read it before installing your kit. We believe that reading the manual first is part of a quality installation process.
Note: For Warranty Service Instructions
Please Go To The Service Returns Instruction Section
Of Our Contact Us Page
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