Active Park Assist

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln MKC. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Aftermarket or modified audio systems may disable necessary audible warnings.

The PAM communicates with several modules to control the functions of the active park assist system. The PAM utilizes steering angle, vehicle wheel rotation count and direction, active park assist sensor inputs, parking aid sensor inputs, vehicle speed and transmission selection to calculate vehicle position and distance in relation to the parking space. The inputs are used by the PAM to command the steering angles required to maneuver the vehicle into or out of a parallel parking space.

When the active park assist switch is pressed, the FCIM sends the active park assist switch status message to the PAM to activate the active park assist system. The PAM uses active park assist sensor inputs, parking aid sensor inputs, vehicle speed and transmission selection to determine if the operator is attempting to maneuver the vehicle into or out of a parallel parking space.

Pressing and releasing the active park assist switch at any time during an active park assist maneuver disables the active park assist system. If the system is disabled by the operator after the system starts to control the steering, the centerstack infotainment display displays an active park assist canceled message followed by a warning chime.

If an input module fault or other system malfunction is present, the active park assist system is disabled. An active park assist fault message is shown on the centerstack infotainment display and a DTC is set in the PAM.

Certain conditions can cause the active park assist system to incorrectly align the vehicle in the parking space:

A spare tire installed or one of the tires on the vehicle has significantly more or less treadwear than the other tires.
The vehicle has been equipped with various accessories (cycle rack, trailer) which are not recognized by the active park assist system.
The factory-installed tire size is not used on the vehicle.
Poor ambient weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow.
The active park assist sensors are damaged or obstructed.
The curb along the parking space is irregular.
The vehicle or objects bordering the space are not positioned correctly.
The parking space dimensions or parked objects position have changed after the vehicle has initially passed the parking space.
The ambient temperature changes quickly such as the vehicle driven from a heated garage into the cold or just leaving a car wash before the system was activated.
One of the surrounding parked vehicles has a high or overhanging attachment, such as a salt spreader or a large truck bed, that the sensors cannot detect.

NOTE: The active park assist system is disabled when a trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle.