Parking Aid Sensors
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The parking aid sensors are wide beam ultrasonic sensors. The sensors continuously send out ultrasonic signals to detect objects and communicate the information back to the Parking Aid Module (PAM).
Only objects which reflect enough sound waves are detected by the sensors. This varies due to the shape, surface properties and size of objects being detected. Incorrect sensor alignment, dirt covered sensors, heavy rain and snow can cause objects not to be recognized.