Park Assist Sensor Test

[joeuser742]

A little bit of info...
The Park Assist on my 2003 Windstar was not working when I bought it. I finally found a way to test the sensors without bringing it to the dealer ($130 for a diag). Put the parking brake on, block the tires, turn the key to "On" (don't start it), shift in reverse, put your ear near the parking sensors. You'll hear a ticking sound, like a spark plug, for the ones that are working. I found 2 bad sensors this way.
I also cracked open one of the bad sensors and found that they are not 100% waterproof, there was corrosion on the inside wires.

[serge_saati]

It's not called park assist but reverse sonar.
Park assist expression is reserved for Lexus and lincoln technology.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

It's not called park assist but reverse sonar.
Park assist expression is reserved for Lexus and lincoln technology.

"PAM" ( Parking Aid Module) is the correct term used for this system according to the 1999 to 2003 Windstar workshop manual sec 413-13 not to mention that the bumper sensors are call "Parking Aid Sensors"

[hhoffma]

Thanks it actually worked! I new exactly what you where talking about right away before the text book jockey's correcting you. They prolly have never even seen the sensors you are talking about!