Parallel Parking Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

After the active park assist system is activated and the PAM has determined the driver is attempting to maneuver the vehicle into a parallel parking space (the active park assist switch is pressed once), the PAM begins searching for a parking space using the front active park assist sensors. The multifunction switch turn signal input from the SCCM determines the side of the vehicle that the PAM searches for a parking space. When a side is selected with the turn signal, the PAM searches on that side of the vehicle until the active park assist is switched off, the ignition is cycled, or the opposite side is selected by the driver. By default, the PAM searches for spots on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The system measures the available parking spaces and its surroundings as the operator drives by to determine if the vehicle can be maneuvered into the available parking space. The PAM uses inputs from the front active park assist sensors, the wheel speed, and wheel rotation data messages to find an acceptable parking space. After a space has been located, a chime is sounded through the audio system and the centerstack infotainment display shows a message informing the driver that a parking space has been located on the left or right side and requesting the driver to pull forward to park. After the driver moves the vehicle forward to the appropriate start position, as determined by the PAM, the system requests the driver to stop, shift the transmission into reverse and remove hands from the steering wheel. After the transmission is in reverse and no driver input torque on the steering wheel is detected (driver has removed their hands from the wheel), the active park assist system takes control of the steering and prompts the driver to begin backing into the parking space. The active park assist system sounds tones through the audio system and issues commands through the centerstack infotainment display instructing the driver to back up and pull forward as necessary while the system controls the steering to position the vehicle within the detected parking space. The operator maintains full control of the gear shifting, accelerator and brakes during active park assist maneuvers.

The PAM determines that the parallel parking maneuvers are completed based on the final vehicle alignment. The vehicle should be located approximately 0 to 30 cm (12 in) from the street curb if a curb is detected, otherwise the system aligns the vehicle to the slot end object. When the active park assist maneuver is complete, the centerstack infotainment display displays an active park assist finished message followed by an audible chime.