How to Fix Parking Aid Malfunction in Ford Vehicles? Reasons and Solutions

Parking Aid is a nifty feature in Ford vehicles. The system helps drivers park their vehicles safely by providing an audible signal when the vehicle is getting close to an object. This is definitely useful in vehicles with a lot of blind spots.

Parking aid malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:dying battery, TCU problems
• How to fix:check the battery voltage, have the TCU inspected
• Possible consequences:car may refuse to start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$400

How Parking Aid in Ford Vehicles Work

Parking Aid utilizes sensors to detect objects in the path of the vehicle and to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the object. When the system detects that the vehicle is getting close to an object, it emits an audible warning sound to alert the driver. The system can also be turned off if desired.

The benefits of the Parking Aid include helping drivers avoid accidents by providing an early warning of potential hazards, as well as helping drivers park their vehicles easier. The Parking Aid is a valuable safety feature that can help drivers stay safe on the road.

Most Common Causes of Problems Related to Ford's Parking Aid

If you are experiencing problems with your Ford's Parking Aid system, better check it for the following issues immediately:

1. Wiring issues

Most of the time the Parking Aid malfunction in Ford vehicles can go all the way back to faulty wiring in the sensors, onboard computer, or battery. The main symptoms of this problem are the parking aid deactivation message on the display and/or the parking aid not working at all. If you're experiencing these issues, there are some things you can check before taking it to a mechanic.

One of the most common causes of bad wiring is corrosion. Over time, exposure to moisture can cause corrosion in the wires. This can lead to poor connection and signal strength, eventually causing the parking aid to malfunction. To check for corrosion, simply inspect the wires for any green or white substance buildup. If you see any, clean it off with a wire brush, pressurized air, or a similar tool. You may also use a cleaning solution if the contamination is very difficult to remove.

Another common issue is loose connections. Over time, vibration from driving can cause connections to loosen and come apart. This can cause signal problems and eventually lead to the parking aid malfunctioning. Be sure to inspect the wires for any gaps or broken connections. If you see any, tighten them up or replace them as needed.

Finally, you can use a voltmeter to test the continuity of the wires in the absence of physical signs of damage. This will tell you if any breaks in the wire could be causing electrical issues.

To do this, connect one end of the voltmeter to a power source such as the positive terminal of the battery, and the other end to the wire you're testing. If the reading is zero, then there's certainly a break in the wire and it needs to be replaced.

If you've checked all of these things and the Parking Aid is still not working, then it's likely a problem with the other parts of your vehicle's electrical system. In this case, it's best to take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis.

2. Faulty Parking Sensors

Next to wiring issues, bad sensors can cause the parking aid to malfunction in Ford vehicles. The common symptoms of sensor issues include false alerts, inaccurate distance readings, and failure to detect obstacles.

There are many possible causes of sensor problems but the most common include dirt, snow, and ice buildup on the sensors, as well as damage from road debris. To check for things obstructing the sensors, look for any build-up on the front or rear bumper, and clean off the sensors if necessary.

To clear the sensors, use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt, snow, or ice. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris or a cleaning solution for hard-to-remove deposits. Normally, these methods are enough to get your parking sensors working again.

However, if you suspect that the quality of the sensors is poor, you can test them with a voltmeter. To do this, set the voltmeter to the "DC volts" setting and touch the positive lead to the sensor's positive terminal. Touch the negative lead to the sensor's ground terminal. The reading should be within the normal range of 0.5 to 4 volts.

If it's not getting enough power, do a wiggle test on its connectors to ensure that it is connected properly. Fix the installation as needed. If all else fails, then the sensors may need to be replaced.

3. Low Battery Charge

If your Ford vehicle is equipped with a parking aid system, then a malfunctioning or drained battery can cause the system to go haywire. This can make the parking aid system emit an error message or warning light on the dash randomly or prevent it from functioning as it should. Likewise, it may be coupled with other symptoms like performance issues, hard starts, flickering lights, and malfunctioning infotainment system, among others.

One of the most common causes of battery issues is simply a build-up of dirt and debris on the terminals. This can prevent proper electrical connection and cause the system to malfunction. To check for this, simply clean the terminals with a cloth or brush.

Another way to determine if your battery is causing problems is to check the voltage with a voltmeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the reading is lower than this, it may be time to replace the battery.

If you suspect that your battery is causing problems with your parking aid system, be sure to have it checked and replaced as soon as possible. Be sure to keep up with the recommended battery replacement schedule as well to avoid having battery problems while you are driving, which may leave you stranded on the side of the road.

If the problem persists, it may be a sign of a more serious issue and you should take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.

4. Malfunctioning Parking Aid Button

If your Parking Aid button is not working properly, it can cause the parking aid system to malfunction. Common symptoms of this problem include the Parking Aid indicator light staying on constantly, or the system not working at all. There are a few things that can cause this problem, so it is important to check for all potential causes.

One thing that you can do to visually check the quality of the switch is to see if there is any discoloration or damage to the button itself. If the button looks damaged, it is likely where the problem is coming from. Another thing to check for is anything that might be obstructing the button, such as dirt or debris. If something is blocking the button, it will need to be removed before the system can work properly.

To check the quality of the switch using a voltmeter, you will need to disconnect the negative battery cable. Once the cable is disconnected, you can place one lead of the voltmeter on the ground wire and the other lead on the terminal going to the button. If the button is working properly, the voltmeter should read 12 volts.

If the reading is lower than 12 volts, the button is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. Another way to do this is to check for the continuity or resistance of that component. If it does not display continuity or has a resistance higher than 0 Ohms, it may already need to be changed.

If you have verified that the Parking Aid button is not working properly, it will need to be replaced. Be sure to use a genuine Ford replacement part to ensure the proper function and compatibility of the part.

5. Onboard Computer Glitches

Common symptoms of a parking aid malfunction in Ford vehicles include the parking aid not working at all, or only working intermittently. The cause of the problem is typically an onboard computer glitch in the PCM, which can be fixed via reflashing.

Many people who have experience related to this issue claimed to have found the transmission control module (TCM) as the culprit. This somehow makes sense because a shutting down or malfunctioning TCM can confuse the car's system and trigger all sorts of warning messages related to the transmission or other functions of the vehicle that depend on it. A problematic TCM makes it hard for the car to determine which gear you are in, which can prevent the proper activation of the sensors.

Reflashing is a way to fix a problem with a vehicle's onboard computer. It means that the computer will be updated with a new set of configurations on the different modules governing the primary functions of the car.

Conclusion

If the Parking Aid malfunctions, it will not be able to detect objects in the path of the vehicle and will not provide an audible warning. This can potentially lead to accidents and injuries. It is important to have your Ford vehicle serviced regularly or fixed if it shows signs of problems to ensure that this feature is working properly.