Hey everyone, i see that the proximity sensor has fallen into the bumper area. It still is working but of course is sensing the bumper itself from the inside. Is there a way to access and push back in the proximity sensor without removing the bumper? Is that little panel to the left removable to get into that cavity? Removing the molding lip across the top did not appear to give access, and the giant skid plate on the bottom didn't look easy. Any pointers appreciated, thanks!!

 

The first step in lexusguide.net Lexus ES (XZ10) Service Manual's procedures for Ultrasonic Sensor (for Front) - Removal is to remove the front bumper assembly and the next to last step (before calibration) for Ultrasonic Sensor (for Front) - Installation is to reinstall the front bumper assembly. On the Front Bumper index page you'll find links to pretty useful information on the removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation procedures for the front bumper assembly including illustrations showing locations of clips, attachment points, etc.. (Where appropriate, the front bumper material has procedures and illustrations for both the F Sport mesh grill and the "regular" non-F Sport grill so keep that in mind when consulting those references.)

In reading over the procedures note the sensors are held in place by retainers which are in turn attached to the front bumper assembly by double sided tape.

Without seeing the physical circumstances of the fallen sensor, I can't determine whether the sensor falling out was due to the sensor dislodging from its retainer clip with the retainer clip remaining attached to the front bumper assembly or the sensor is still in the retainer clip but the clip with retained sensor fell off together from the front bumper assembly due to failure of the attaching double-sided tape.

Suggest you determine the reason the sensor fell out before proceeding. If the reason was failure of the double-sided tape attaching the retainer clip, the task is going to be a little more involved and will require obtaining a new retainer clip (which comes with new double-sided tape).

As to the little panel, that's the access panel for gaining access to the towing eyelet attachment point. (See page 351 of the 2020 Lexus ES Owner's Manual for details.) (If you want to see the claws keeping those 2 panels in place, see the illustration accompanying step 20 found on the front bumper disassembly linked page.)

 

Thank you!! Thanks for the links as well, as a new owner of this vehicle that will come in very handy. Appreciate you so much for providing such a detailed response and taking the time to do it!

 

New owner ... Did you buy your ES from a Lexus dealer and get a L/Certified Limited Warranty with it?

If so and there wasn't something in your post sale usage to invoke a "wear and tear" exclusion (e.g., accident), you might want to look into seeing if you can get it fixed under warranty with the L/Certified Limited Warranty coverage.

I don't really know if repairing a "sensor just fell out" issue is covered by the L/Certified Limited Warranty but if you don't ask you won't know.