Audible Parking Aid System Operation

The Parking Aid Module (PAM) calculates the distance to an object within a 170 degree semicircular area (azimuth) around the front and/or rear of the vehicle. When an object is detected by the front or rear parking aid system, a variable rate warning tone is sounded through the corresponding audio system speakers (front or rear door speakers).

The rear parking aid system calculates the distance to an object around the rear of the vehicle using 4 ultrasonic sensors. The rear parking aid sensors detect objects approximately 1, 524 mm (60 in) from the rear of the vehicle, 508 mm (20 in) from the rear side of the vehicle, and 305 mm (12 in) above the ground. To detect objects behind the vehicle, the Parking Aid Module (PAM) supplies voltage and ground to the rear ultrasonic sensors while monitoring a signal return circuit from each sensor. The 4 rear sensors share common voltage and ground circuits.

This vehicle may also be equipped with a front parking aid system. The front parking aid system calculates the distance to an object around the front of the vehicle using 4 ultrasonic sensors. The front parking aid sensors detect objects approximately 686 mm (27 in) from the front of the vehicle, 457 mm (18 in) from the front side of the vehicle, 305 mm (12 in) above the ground. To detect objects in front of the vehicle, the Parking Aid Module (PAM) supplies voltage and ground to the front ultrasonic sensors while monitoring a signal return circuit from each sensor. The 4 front sensors share common voltage and ground circuits.

Only objects that reflect a sufficient amount of sound waves are detected by the front or rear parking aid sensors. The surface properties, size and composition an object can affect the ability of the parking aid system to detect the object. Incorrect sensor alignment or installation, dirt or ice covered sensors, heavy rain and snow can also cause objects not to be detected.