1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible PDC Mystery - How do I know I'm in reverse?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by BlimeyCabrio, Apr 11, 2015.

  1. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    OK Geniuses, help me figure this out.

    The question:
    How does PDC know you're in reverse?

    In my auto-to-manual conversion, one of the few things that doesn't "just work" is the PDC.

    The PDC is enabled in the General Module (BC1). I'm using the same General Module, PDC, body harness, etc. that worked in the cabrio before the conversion.

    My assumption is that the PDC no longer is being switched on, because it no longer knows the car is in reverse.

    What I'm having a hard time figuring out, is:
    a) how did the PDC on the automatic know it was in reverse in the first place, and
    b) how does the PDC on a manual know it's in reverse?

    AFAIK, the only way the car "knows" it's in reverse on a manual, is from the reverse switch on the transmission. The wiring diagram only shows that controlling the back-up lights directly, and shows no connectivity to anything else. The diagram for the PDC shows a connection to the K-Bus, but I can't find any other K-Bus device that would know that you're in reverse...

    So... how does it know? I'm missing something...
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Not much help here because I do not have PDC.

    I just put the stick in the upper left and use my mirrors and turn my head.

    Old school PDC. :lol:
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Problem is, the cabrio has a WICKED blind spot when the top is up. Which is infrequent, but happens.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Don't put top up. :rolleyes:

    Your welcome :lol:
     
  5. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    BTW, it really is more of a "principle" thing at this point, to get it working. I can live without it. And I usually have the tow hook in, which freaks it out anyway (unless I tape over one of the sensors, kinda defeating the purpose).
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    It may never work since the GP never had PDC to begin with.

    I still think you should put the top down park then put the top back up.

    Also put the GP rear bumper on and then you don't have to see the PDC sensors. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Don't back up... DOH!
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Yup. :Thumbsup:

    The only time I back up is into single parking spots and my garage only!
     
  9. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    You guys are very helpful. :rolleyes:
     
  10. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    You know me, always glad to help. :idea:
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Will you be putting on the GP side skirts and getting the front bumper? If so you may as well put the rear bumper on and complete the topless GP look.
     
  12. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #12 BlimeyCabrio, Apr 11, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2015
    YES - side skirts and front bumper
    Rear bumper is the same one I already have, plus the inserts (which I will be adding).

    I like the PDC.
    Even if the PDC doesn't work, I'm keeping the bumper with the PDC sensors. Because, cabrio.
    And because it will irritate some people. :cornut:
     
  13. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    For anyone else joining this thread, note the questions posed in the first post.
    I did NOT ask "should I keep PDC?" :eek:ut:

    I asked a technical question. For a reason. :Thumbsup:

    The PDC doesn't care whether it's installed in a cabrio, a coupe, or a GP.
    As long as it's configured correctly and it has the inputs it's expecting. The documentation and diagrams usually tell me all I need to make things work. In this case, they don't.
     
  14. 05r50

    05r50 Well-Known Member

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    So I added a aftermarket backup camera to one of our cars and the unit was tapped into the reverse light. So when the light came on, the camera and monitor came on.

    Could it be that simple? The PDC controller keys off the backup light?
     
  15. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Instead of that high tech PDC thang would could go to auto shack, oops zone, and get some curb feelers. Then bolt them onto the back bumper. When you hear them touch STOP!

    I know my intelligence is mind boggling. :D
     
  16. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    I'm such a geek about these things even though I no longer have a MINI...

    According to the wiring diagrams, the backup signal (blue/yellow wire) from the transmission goes to connector X1169 in the left door sill. At X1169, the backup signal is split to multiple destinations: the taillights, auto-dim rear view mirror (to disable dimming), Nav computer, and to connector X15 in the left footwell. X15 connects the backup signal to the instrument cluster control module (inside the speedometer). This module is connected to the K-Bus. The PDC is activated by the K-Bus.
     
  17. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    THANKS

    That makes perfect sense -
    I see X1169 in the back-up lights diagram, but how did you trace that to its other sources/destinations?
     
  18. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I knew that with out looking at the diagram. Is that what you to know? Sorry :lol::lol:
     
  19. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    What does PDC mean?
     
  20. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Park Distance Control

    With Park Distance Control, entering or leaving the tightest parking space becomes much easier. An acoustic warning signal lets you know how close you are to the car or object behind you.

    Ultrasound sensors integrated into the bumper at the rear of your MINI measure the distance to the nearest large object behind the vehicle. As you reverse closer, the frequency of the warning tone increases. When you're just 30 cm from the car or other obstacle, an unbroken warning tone sounds, as a signal to brake.

    Depending on the model and equipment of your MINI, the acoustic signal is accompanied by a visual representation on the Control Display, so you can both see and hear where obstacles are each time you enter or leave a parking space.
     

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