1
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Parking aid switch (with light emitting diode (LED))
2
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Front parking aid speaker.
3
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Rear parking aid speaker.
4
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Rear inner parking aid sensor and holder.
5
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Rear outer parking aid sensor and holder.
7
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Front outer parking aid sensor and holder.
8
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Front inner parking aid sensor and holder.
Description and operation
Only one level of parking aid is installed to the vehicle, a front and rear system.
The parking aid provides an audible warning to the driver when any obstacles are in the path of the vehicle during forward or reverse parking manoeuvres. The system consists of four ultrasonic parking aid sensors and holders in each bumper, a parking aid module, parking aid speaker(s) and a parking aid switch.
At low speeds, the parking aid module uses the parking aid sensors to monitor the area around the front and rear bumpers. If an object is detected within a monitored area, the parking aid module outputs a warning tone using the parking aid speakers. Objects very close to the ground may not be detected, but because of their low height will not cause damage to the vehicle.
The parking aid module communicates through discrete signals with the parking aid speakers. The parking aid speakers output the applicable warning tones when an object is detected. The medium speed controller area network (CAN) bus is used to collect vehicle data from other vehicle systems.
When the parking aid module activates the system, the parking aid switch LED is illuminated. The parking aid module processes signals received from the parking aid sensor(s) to determine if there is an object within the detection range of the parking aid sensor(s).
In the combined mode, the parking aid sensor(s) emit a series of ultrasonic impulses and switch to receiver mode to receive the echo reflected by an obstacle within the detection range. The received echo signals are amplified and converted from an analogue signal to a digital signal by the parking aid sensor. The digital signal is passed to the parking aid module and compared with pre-programmed data stored in an EEPROM within the parking aid module. The parking aid module receives this data through the signal line from the parking aid sensor and calculates the distance from the object using the elapsed time between the transmitted and received impulse.
In receiver mode, the parking aid sensor receives impulses that were emitted by adjacent parking aid sensors. The parking aid module uses this information to determine the distance of the object.
If no objects are detected there are no further warning tones. If an object is detected, repeated audible tones are emitted from either parking aid speaker(s) as appropriate. The time delay between the tones decreases as the distance between the object and the vehicle decreases, until at approximately 250 mm (10 inches), the audible tone becomes continuous.
If, after the initial detection of an object, there is no decrease in distance between the object and the vehicle, the audible warning tones remain constant if the object is detected by a inner parking aid sensor or stops after 3 seconds if the object is detected by an outer parking aid sensor.
The parking aid module continues to monitor the distance and will resume the warning tones if a decrease in distance is detected.
The parking aid is activated when the driver presses the parking aid switch and the vehicle speed is below 16 km/h (10 mph) or selects reverse gear.
Front and rear parking aid sensors are activated and deactivated together.
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the parking aid is always inactive in the PARK position.
The parking aid can detect when a trailer is connected to the vehicle by a message output on the medium speed CAN bus. When the parking aid module detects that a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the rear parking aid sensors are disabled to prevent constant warnings due to the close proximity of the trailer.
Front parking aid speaker
The parking aid module has three connectors which provide for power, ground and CAN bus connections, front and rear parking aid sensors, parking aid switch, LED and parking aid speakers.
The medium speed CAN bus connections provide for the receipt of the following information from other systems:
- ABS (anti-lock brake system) module - Road speed signal
- Generic electronic module (GEM) - Reverse gear engaged signal, vehicle configuration parameters, carmode and powermode
- Electronic parking brake (EPB)
- Transmission control unit - Gear selector position (automatic transmission)
- Trailer module - Trailer connection status
The parking aid module carries out self-check routines and when the parking aid is active, checks the parking aid sensor wiring for short or open circuits. If a concern is detected, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in a memory in the parking aid module and the front and rear parking aid sensors will be disabled until the DTC is cleared and the ignition cycled. The driver is made aware of any concern condition by the parking aid switch LED flashing and a continuous high pitch warning tone being emitted for 3 seconds when the parking aid is activated, in place of the normal short tones when the parking aid is functioning normally. DTCs can be read using the Ford approved diagnostic tool through the data link connector (DLC).
For additional information, refer to: Parking Aid Module (413-13 Parking Aid, Removal and Installation).
Parking aid switch
The parking aid switch is located in the instrument panel, above the audio unit or navigation system display module. The parking aid switch is equipped with an integral LED.
The parking aid switch is a non-latching push switch which allows the driver to select the parking aid on or off. When pressed, the parking aid switch momentarily connects a ground to the parking aid module. The LED indicates when the parking aid is active. The LED is controlled by the parking aid module.
The parking aid switch allows the driver to disable the parking aid when reverse gear is selected or to activate the parking aid sensors when not in reverse gear.
If a concern exists in the parking aid, the LED flashes for 3 seconds when the reverse gear is selected or the driver selects the parking aid sensors on, using the parking aid switch.
Front parking aid sensors
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Front inner parking aid sensor(s)
2
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Front inner parking aid sensor holder(s)
3
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Front outer parking aid sensor(s)
4
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Front outer parking aid sensor holder(s)
The parking aid sensor consists of a sensor and a holder. The holder makes sure that each parking aid sensor is correctly orientated in relation to its location in the front bumper.
For additional information, refer to: Front Parking Aid Sensor (413-13 Parking Aid, Removal and Installation).
Each parking aid sensor has a three pin connector which connects with the front bumper wiring harness, which in turn is connected to the main body wiring harness. Three pins provide for power supply, ground and signal lines to and from the parking aid module.
Each parking aid sensor consists of the following:
- a plastic housing
- an aluminium membrane which contains a piezo electric disc
- a separate decoupling ring (which must be removed before the parking aid sensors are painted and re-assembled afterwards)
- a printed circuit board assembly
The disc resonates at a frequency of ca. 50kHz, producing the ultrasonic output. The disc also receives the reflected echo signal from any objects within range.
Rear parking aid sensors
4-Door and 5-Door
