Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The parking aid system detects objects behind the vehicle when the vehicle is in REVERSE. The parking aid module does this by calculating the distance to an object by using 4 ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper. The ultrasonic field is emitted in a semicircular area around the rear of the vehicle. The sensors can detect objects approximately 1.8 m (5.9 ft) to the rear of the vehicle, or 50 cm (1.6 ft) to the rear side of the vehicle. A 750 kHz variable warning tone is generated from a speaker located on the parking aid module. The speaker increases its warning tone rate as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle. When an object is detected within 25 cm (10 in) of the sensors, the warning tone becomes continuous.

NOTE: The tailgate must be closed for correct operation of the parking aid system.

The parking aid system is enabled when the ignition switch is in the RUN position and REVERSE is selected. The parking aid disabled indicator illuminates for 3 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. The system is disabled by pressing the parking aid switch on the instrument panel. The parking aid system indicates the system is disabled by illuminating the parking aid disabled indicator (in the parking aid switch). The system enables when the ignition is turned to the RUN position, or when the vehicle is put into REVERSE.

The parking aid system is disabled if a fault is detected in 1 of the 4 sensors, the parking aid speaker or the parking aid module. This is indicated by the parking aid disabled indicator illuminating when the vehicle is put into REVERSE.