Ford Ecosport: Parking Aid / Description and Operation - Parking Aid - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

Parking Aid

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

  PAM Network Input Messages

  IPC Network Input Messages

  ACM Network Input Messages

  Audio DSP Module Network Input Messages

Parking Aid System

When the front and/or rear audible parking aid system is active, the PAM calculates the distance to an object within a 170 degree semicircular area (azimuth) around the front or rear of the vehicle. A varible-frequency warning tone is generated through the audio speakers in proportion to the distance the object is from the front and/or rear of the vehicle.

The rear parking aid system calculates the distance to an object around the rear of the vehicle using 4 ultrasonic sensors. The rear parking aid sensors detect objects approximately 183 cm (72 in) from the rear of the vehicle, 30 cm (12 in) from the rear side of the vehicle, and 30 cm (12 in) above the ground. 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.

If equipped the front parking aid system calculates the distance to an object around the front of the vehicle using 4 ultrasonic sensors. The front parking aid sensors detect objects approximately 70 cm (27 in) from the front of the vehicle, 20 cm (8 in) from the front side of the vehicle, 30 cm (12 in) above the ground. 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 parking aid sensors. The surface properties, size and composition an object can affect the ability of the parking aid system to detect the object.

Also affecting the parking aid operation are:

• Improper sensor installation or alignment
• Dirt or ice covered sensors
• Heavy rain or snow

The parking aid system detects objects under the following conditions:

• The vehicle is in REVERSE (rear parking aid)
• The vehicle is in any gear except PARK or NEUTRAL (front parking aid)
• The vehicle is moving toward the object at 5 km/h (3 mph) or less
• The vehicle is stationary and the object is moving toward the vehicle at 5 km/h (3 mph) or less
• The vehicle and object are both moving toward one another and both are travelling at 5 km/h (3 mph) or less

Once vehicle speed reaches 12 km/h (7.5 mph) the parking aid system is disabled until the speed drops below 5 km/h (3 mph).

Parking Aid Audible Alert

The entertainment system volume is reduced when the park aid warning tone sounds. The frequency of the tones from the audio speakers increases as the vehicle moves closer to the object. When the object is within 30 cm (12 in) of the bumper, the tone becomes continuous. The tone is prioritized to the system (front or rear) that has detected the closest object to the bumper. The tone alternates between front and rear audio speakers if an object is closer than 25 cm (10 in) front and rear.

Component Description

Parking Aid Sensors

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 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.

PAM

The PAM calculates and reports the distance between the rear of the vehicle (and front of the vehicle, if equipped) and an object. The PAM is capable of setting and storing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for the parking aid when a fault is detected. The PAM requires a PMI if it needs to be replaced.

Parking Aid Disable Switch

NOTE: The parking aid disable switch is only available on vehicle with front and rear parking aid. Vehicles that have rear parking aid only the parking aid system is disabled through the IPC .

The parking aid disable switch is a normally open, momentary contact switch that provides a ground to the PAM when pressed. The switch incorporates a LED that illuminates when the parking aid system is disabled.

GWM

The GWM serves as a gateway module between the other modules on the HS-CAN1 , HS-CAN2 , HS-CAN3 and MS-CAN .