Parking Assist Operation

The ultrasonic parking assist system is designed to identify and notify the driver of an object in the vehicle's path when moving forward or reversing at speeds of less than 8 km/h (5 MPH). The distance and location of the object is determined by eight object sensors: four located in the rear bumper and four located in the front bumper.

When an object is within the measuring range of the sensor, the ultrasonic pulse is reflected and is received by the sending or a neighboring sensor. The sensor converts this signal into a voltage signal and sends this signal to the parking assist control module. The parking assist control module evaluates the received sensor signals. As soon as an object is within the measuring range, the parking assist control module sends a serial data message to the instrument cluster to provide a visual display of the approximate location of the object. It will also send a message to the radio in order to give out the acoustic distance signal or to the memory seat module in order to provide a haptic alert through the driver's seat. The driver can select between audio or haptic feedback. Refer to the owner's manual for vehicle customization.

The measuring range of the front and rear object alarm sensors is between 30-250 cm (11.8-98.4 in). From a distance of 250 cm (98.4 in), the acoustic signal is active. The frequency of the beep sound increases with decreasing distance. From a distance less than 30 cm (11.8 in), the sound becomes continuous.

The parking assist can be enabled and disabled by pressing the parking assist switch. By engaging the reverse gear the parking assist can be activated. By pressing the parking assist switch the parking assist can be disabled again.

The parking assist control module carries out a self test and monitors the sensors for electrical and mechanical faults. Monitored is the power supply of each sensor and the sensor signals, which need to alter when the vehicle moves. If this is not the case, the sensor is acoustically blocked or faulty. Mud, ice and snow may cause obstruction of the function of the sensors. Besides that the parking assist control module checks whether the correct type of sensor is installed. If any of these tests fails, a DTC with corresponding symptom is set, the parking assist is deactivated and the driver information center will display "Service Park Assist".