Audible Parking Aid System Operation

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 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 front and rear parking aid system is active until the vehicle speed reaches 12 km/h (7.46 mph). Once the vehicle speed reaches 12 km/h (7.5 mph), the front and rear parking aid system is disabled until the vehicle speed falls below 8 km/h (5 mph).

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 60 cm (24 in) from the rear of the vehicle. The rear inner parking aid sensors can detect objects approximately 180 cm (71 in) from the rear of the vehicle. Objects can also be detected by these sensors that are approximately 35 cm (14 in) to the side of the rear bumper. Objects must be 30 cm (12 in) above the ground to be detected by the rear parking aid system. To detect objects behind the vehicle, the 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 outer parking aid sensors can detect objects approximately 60 cm (24 in) from the front of the vehicle. The front inner parking aid sensors can detect objects approximately 180 cm (71 in) from the front of the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with Active Park Assist, the 2 front side sensors detect objects approximately 35 cm (14 in) to the side of the front bumper. Objects must be 30 cm (12 in) above the ground to be detected by the front parking aid system. To detect objects in front of the vehicle, the 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.

Parking Aid Audible Alert

Audio system volume is automatically reduced when a parking aid alert tone is sounded. The alert tone frequency increases as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle. When an object is detected within 300 mm (11.81 in) of the sensors, the warning tone becomes continuous. Objects detected outside the continuous tone area to the side of the vehicle generate a warning tone for 3 seconds. The warning tones are prioritized to the closest object. If the front and rear objects are located the same distance from the vehicle, the rear object is prioritized.