Commander 4WD V6-3.7L VIN K (2007)
Parking Assist Warning Indicator: Description and Operation
Operation
OPERATION
The park assist display provides the vehicle operator with visual feedback by illuminating amber or red Light Emitting Diode (LED) units individually or
in unison, and audible feedback by energizing an audible tone transducer on the display electronic circuit board to emit either an intermittent or a
continuous tone. While the park assist system is active, the number, position and color of the illuminated LED units as well as the audible signal
frequency indicate the relative position and distance of obstacles detected at the front or rear of the vehicle.
The park assist display receives battery current and ground from and is completely controlled by the park assist module. The display also contains an
electronic communication chip that allows bi-directional communication to occur with the park assist module over a dedicated serial bus line. The
microprocessor in the park assist module completely controls the display outputs, continually monitors the display status, and will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) in memory for any monitored fault it detects in the park assist display. The illumination intensity of the LED units is also controlled
by the park assist module based upon internal programming and panel lamps dimming electronic messages received over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, all 16 of the LED units in the display will illuminate in unison for approximately 1 second as a
bulb test. This output will be interrupted if the system is active and senses an obstacle. Following the conclusion of the bulb test, when the system is
active but no obstacle is detected, the display will indicate system readiness by illuminating the two outermost amber LED units (1) at a reduced
intensity. As an obstacle is detected, the outermost amber LED unit (5) on the side of the vehicle where the obstacle was detected will be illuminated at
normal intensity. Then additional amber LED units (6) will begin illuminating inward (2 or 4) as the obstacle gets closer until, finally, the two red LED
units (7) are illuminated.
When the final red LED unit (3) is illuminated, the obstacle is approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) from the front or rear bumper and an
intermittent audible tone will be generated. The frequency of the audible tone will increase as the obstacle continues to become closer until the tone is
continuous when the obstacle is about 30 centimeters (12 inches) from the front or rear bumper. Whenever a park assist audible tone is being generated,
the park assist module sends electronic messages to the radio over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to mute the audio system. The audible
tone will be cancelled after about two seconds if the detected distance to the obstacle remains constant. See the Park Assist Display Outputs table for
additional details.
The hard wired circuits between components related to the park assist display may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of
wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the park assist display or the electronic controls or
communication between modules and other devices that provide some features of the park assist system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the park assist display or the electronic controls and communication related to park assist display operation requires the use of a diagnostic
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
