Audible Parking Aid System Operation

The PAM calculates the distance to an object within a 170 degree semicircular area (azimuth) around the rear of the vehicle when the selector lever (automatic transmission) or gearshift lever (manual transmission) is in reverse. When the system is active and an object is detected within the rear parking aid azimuth around the rear of the vehicle, a variable rate warning tone is sounded through the rear audio system speakers.

The rear parking aid system calculates the distance to an object around the rear of the vehicle using 4 ultrasonic sensors. The rear outer parking aid sensors can detect objects approximately 24 in (60 cm) from the rear of the vehicle. The rear inner parking aid sensors can detect objects approximately 70 in (177 cm) from the rear of the vehicle. Objects that are approximately 14 in (35 cm) to the side of the rear bumper can also be detected by these sensors. Objects must be 12 in (30 cm) above the ground to be detected by the rear parking aid system. The PAM supplies voltage and ground to the rear ultrasonic sensors while monitoring a signal return circuit from each sensor. The 4 sensors share common voltage and ground circuits.

Only objects that reflect a sufficient amount of sound waves are detected by the rear parking aid sensors. The surface properties, size and composition of 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.

The rear parking aid system can be disabled through the message center. The system remains disabled until enable through the message center or the ignition is turned off and back on. When a MyKey® restricted key is in use, the rear parking aid can not be disabled.