Audiovox SBAR Installation & User Manual

Vehicle Parking Sensor System

Model: SBAR

Installation/User Manual

Features:

• 3 Ultra Sonic Rear Obstacle Sensors

• Mounts on Any Vehicle

• Automatically Turns on when Vehicle is in Reverse

• Mounts on the vehicles license plate or directly to the

bumper.

• Heavy Duty Chrome plating for long life.

• Waterproof and dust proof

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warnings 2

Product Description 3

Packing List 4

Installation Instructions 5

Operating the System 8

Testing the System 8

Specifications 9

Maintenance 9

Troubleshooting 10

1

Warnings

This product is intended to assist in safe driving and to alert the driver to
obstructions while the vehicle is in reverse. You, as the driver, are solely
responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle and the safety of your
passengers according to your local traffic regulations. Do not use any
features of this system to the extent it distracts you from safe driving. Your
first priority while driving should always be the safe operation of your
vehicle.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation cannot accept any

responsibility whatsoever for accidents resulting from failure to observe
these precautions or safety instructions. This system can be affected by
weather, dirt, or other on interference. Always use your mirrors and back
up safely.

1. This product utilizes high voltage. Any unauthorized modifications

or damage to the product may result in electrical shock. Handle all
components with care. Inspect regularly for damage to
components and cabling.

2. You are responsible for ensuring that the installation of this

product does not void or affect the vehicle manufacturer’s
warranty.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation or its subsidiaries are

not liable in full or in part for improper installation resulting in
loss or damage to your property, or for voiding all or part of the
vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

3. Do not apply excessive force to any of the components contained

within this kit. Excessive force used before, during or after
installation that results in a damaged or non-functional part will
void all warranties.

4.

Please follow the procedures in this installation manual. Improper
installation or modification of this product will void all warranties.

Many jurisdictions have laws and regulations relating to the use of backup
sensors and / or cameras and some do not allow for the obstruction of
information contained on a license plate. Before using this product, it is the
buyer’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with any applicable laws and
regulations that apply.

2

Product Description

The SBAR Vehicle Parking Sensor System is designed to assist the driver by
providing a warning tone when there are obstructions in the area behind the
vehicle whenever the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Never rely solely on this
product to ensure the area is clear of children and/or obstructions. Use your
mirrors and look both ways. This product is not intended to replace existing
safety procedures, but rather to add an additional safety tool to your vehicle.

CAUTION: Do not back up your vehicle while watching the monitor screen.

Always look in the direction the vehicle is traveling. Use the monitor and
sensors as an aid to ensure there are no children or obstructions. The image on
the monitor is not designed to show distance and may be misleading. The
actual distance is less than appears in the monitor. The range of the image is
limited.

The warning tone is not designed to indicate a set distance and
may be misleading. The actual distance may be less than the last time it
was used due to weather conditions or obstruction by dirt. The range of
the sensor is limited. Be aware of blind spots since all models of vehicles
are shaped differently.

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Packing List

The model SBAR monitor package consists of the following items:

1. Chrome Sensor Bar − 1 qty Part # 31062380

2. Buzzer – 1 qty Part # 31062150

3. 2.5m Power Supply Cable − 1 qty Part # 31062160

4. Hardware Bag Contains: Part # 31062010

a) Straight Bumper Brackets – 2 pieces
b) L Shaped Bumper Brackets – 2 pieces
c) 4mm x 16mn bolts – 2 qty
d) 6mm x 30mm bolts – 2 qty
e) 6mm Nuts – 2 qty
f) 4mm Nuts – 2 qty
g) 6mm Flat Washers – 2 qty
h) 4mm Lock Washers – 4 qty
i) Tap Connectors – 2 qty
j) Double Sided Mounting Tape – 1qty

5. Installation/Users Manual – 1 qty Part # 31062020

4

Installation Instructions

READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE

INSTALLATION

We have included all of the items needed for most standard installations.

However, since all vehicles are different, we recommend that you review your

vehicle completely before starting.

SBAR Installation

Determine the best location on your vehicle. The SBAR may be mounted below
the bumper for better coverage if your vehicle does not have a clear path from the
license plate or is obstructed by a rear spare tire. The SBAR must be placed where
the sensors can clearly detect objects behind the vehicle. The best height is
between 18 Inches and 30 Inches above the ground. If mounted to high off the
ground you may not receive a warning and if too low you may experience false
alarms from the sensors picking up the ground. Each vehicle is different you may
want to try several locations to find the best for you and your vehicle. If mounting
below the bumper, use the supplied brackets.

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Installing the SBAR on the License Plate

1. Remove the rear license plate to determine the best way to run the power

wires to the reverse lights. It is important to use the Reverse lights and not the
license plate illumination lamp or other lamps. The system is designed to
come on when the vehicle is in reverse gear only. Improper installation can
cause the system to operate incorrectly or to run at undesired times.

NOTE: All vehicles are designed differently. We offer some general
installation advice here, but check and re-check your installation before you
begin. Some vehicles may have the license plate on the tailgate and the
Reverse lights may be located on the vehicle pillar. In this case, you will need
to study your vehicle closely to determine the best route for the power wire. In
some vehicles it may be necessary to extend the power wire to reach the
reverse lamps. Power wire can be purchased at an auto parts store or
hardware store, if needed. Most installations can be completed by running the
power cable behind the trunk or tailgate rubber gasket, tucking it under the
interior trim panel, and then either connecting it at the back of the reverse
lamp in the trunk or removing the reverse lamp assembly (the same procedure
required to replace the light bulb).

2. The signal / power cable can be routed as recommended, above or through an

existing wire grommet, to reach the interior of the vehicle. If an existing
grommet is not available for use, you can drill a hole behind the license plate
to access the vehicle. If drilling a hole, purchase and install a rubber grommet
(from an auto parts store) to protect the wire from the sharp hole edges. The
rubber grommet must be a minimum of 13/32” to allow the wire and fuse
holder to pass through. Be sure to check behind the intended drilling location
before drilling to ensure no wires or mechanisms interfere or could be
damaged during drilling. Check for interference with license plate lights and
the hatch release switch or mechanism. If not using an existing factory
grommet, drill a hole to match the rubber grommet size that you intend to use
(13/32” minimum) at the selected location near the vehicle’s rear license
plate. Route the camera cable connector through the grommet and insert the
grommet into the hole to prevent water from entering into the vehicle. Be
sure to leave enough wire to route behind the license plate.

3. Place the SBAR over the license plate and line up the holes. Fasten the SBAR

to the license plate using the provided bolts from behind the plate and then
fasten the license plate to the vehicle. Use either the lower or upper mounting
holes on the license plate, making sure to not block any information on your
plate that is required by your state laws to be visible.

a. Continue to run the power harness for the SBAR to the vehicle’s

reverse lamp. Locate the reverse lamp in the tail light assembly.
Generally, the Positive wire on the reverse lamp will be a colored
wire and the Negative wire will be black.

6

Wiring the Power to the Vehicle’s Reverse Lamp

1. Locate the reverse lamp in the tail light assembly. You may be able to access

the wires for the lamp from within the trunk, behind a panel, or depending on
your vehicle you may have to remove the tail lamp. Follow the procedure that
is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer for replacement of a light bulb.

To verify the wiring:

b. Engage the emergency brake on the vehicle.
c. Turn the ignition switch but do not start the car.
d. Have another person engage the brake pedal and shift into reverse

(please make sure the emergency brake is engaged to ensure your
safety).

e. Check the wires with a 12 volt test lamp. (not included)
f. Once you have confirmed the positive and negative connection point,

place the vehicle in park, turn off the ignition and proceed.

2. Using the tap connector supplied, perform the following steps:

a) Place the un-stripped positive lead from the tail lamp in the run channel,

which runs completely through the connector.

b) Insert the un-stripped red power wire from the power completely into the

other channel in the connector.

c) Make the connection between the wires by crimping down the metal

connector with a pair of pliers, making sure the metal is flush with the
plastic insulator.

d) Close the top plastic hinged cover until latched.

3. Repeat the above steps for the black wire or attach the black wire to the

ground (negative).

7

Installing the Buzzer Module

1. The buzzer can be located anywhere in the vehicle. Find a suitable

location, generally at the rear of the inside passenger compartment.
Using the supplied double sided tape, apply the tape to the module and
then place on a clean, flat surface.

2. Route the wire from the buzzer to the SBAR power lead and plug into

the receptacle at the power lead.

The installation is now complete.

8

Operating the System

The SBAR operates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The back up sensor
system is designed to send out an ultra sonic signal that detects obstructions
behind your vehicle for an average of 6 feet. If an object is located, the system will
sound the buzzer. The buzzer will beep slowly, denoting that the object is far
away. As your vehicle approaches the object it will beep faster. Once you are very
close to the object, the buzzer will sound continuously, warning you to stop.
NOTE: If you receive a warning realize that an item that is low to the ground may
not be seen by the sensors when it gets very close to the vehicle due to the
mounting location of the bar or the shape of the vehicle. Take all warnings
seriously! Remember this is a driver assistance device, continue to use all
common safety practices while driving, backing, and parking.

Testing the System

Because all objects are shaped differently, the warning system may not give the
same warning distance for all objects. As you learn how your system operates, you
will become more comfortable with the warning buzzer. When you think you are
close to the object, STOP! Do not rely on this system as a complete safety system.
Always use your mirrors and look around.
To test the system:

1. Place an object behind the vehicle, such as a trash can or cardboard box.

2. Place the vehicle into reverse and slowly backup towards the object.

3. As you get close to the object, the buzzer will sound, beeping more rapidly as

you get closer to the obstacle.
If the system does not alert you or does not see the item at 1 foot behind the
vehicle, you may need to mount the sensor bar lower. If mounted on the license
plate, use the included brackets and mount it to the bumper or below the bumper.
Re-test the system after it is re-mounted.

9

Specifications

Power Supply DC12V
Power Consumption <6W
Current Draw <400 mA
Operating Temperature Range 0 to 50
Fuse 2 Amps

Maintenance

Though your system requires little care, you will still need to maintain its
condition and performance by following the guidelines below.

• Keep your system away from excessive moisture, extreme heat or

cold.

• Occasionally clean the surface of the SBAR with a soft cloth

moistened with water or glass cleaner.

• Remove snow or ice build up as this may cause the system to issue

a false alarm.

• DO NOT Paint the SBAR. Painting will interfere with the

operation of the sensors.

10

Troubleshooting

Symptoms Solutions

The SBAR does not come on
after the vehicle is started and
the vehicle is in reverse

1. Check the wiring and connections

2. Check the fuse in the power harness

3. Check the power connection on the at

the reverse lamp

Backup sensors keep sounding Clean the bar lens with a soft cloth.

The system stays on all the
time or runs when the vehicle
is not in reverse.

The power is not wired correctly. If the
system continues to operate while not in
reverse gear, re-check your wiring at the
reverse lamp.

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©

2008 Audiovox Electronics Corp., 150 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788

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