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While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at operation checks for Ford/Lincoln park assist sensors.
Vehicles equipped with park assist (Parking Aid) and active park assist (Active Park Assist) systems have ultrasonic sensors in the front and/or rear bumper covers. Ford/Lincoln does not have a calibration procedure for these sensors. However, operation checks are required for these sensors after specific procedures are performed.
Ford/Lincoln Parking Aid Sensors
Vehicles with park assist typically have four ultrasonic sensors in the front and/or rear bumper covers. The park assist sensors have two required operation checks: the Azimuth System Check and the Elevation System Check. The Azimuth System Check may not require a scan tool, depending on the vehicle-specific Workshop manual. However, targets fabricated from PVC pipes must be placed at specific locations. The Elevation System Check requires a scan tool but no targets.
Ford/Lincoln Active Park Assist Sensors
Vehicles with active park assist have additional sensors mounted in the sides of the front and/or rear bumper covers or fenders. The active park assist sensors have one required operation check: the Azimuth System Check. This procedure also requires PVC targets. However, the number of targets used and their placement are different from the park assist Azimuth System Check. It is important to make sure that the correct procedure is being used.
To find these operation checks, log in to www.motorcraftservice.com and go to the vehicle-specific Workshop manual.
Once in the Workshop manual, go to 4: Electrical, then go to: Instrumentation And Warning Systems.
Once in the category for Instrumentation And Warning Systems, the Azimuth System Check and Elevation System Check can be found under General Procedures of the following categories:
- Parking Aid: depending on the vehicle-specific Workshop manual, the category for park assist can be shown as Parking Aid or Parking Aid - Vehicles With: Parking Aid, Rear Parking Aid, Front/Rear Parking Aid, Front Parking Aid, etc.
- Active Park Assist: the category name is typically shown as Parking Aid - Vehicles With: Active Park Assist.
To determine when the Azimuth System Check and Elevation System Check are required, vehicle-specific procedures like bumper cover R&I or park assist/active park assist sensor R&I need to be referenced.
The operation check procedures may vary depending on the vehicle or year. It is important to always refer to the vehicle-specific Workshop manual for the exact procedures. Understanding specific procedures for ADAS is important to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
- Calibration Research Tips
- Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
- Locating ADAS Information: Ford/Lincoln
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Original article published February 14, 2020