The 2013 Ford Edge, like many modern vehicles, utilizes an onboard diagnostic system (OBDII) to monitor and report vehicle performance. While the OBDII port’s location is standardized, pinpointing the source of specific issues, such as problems with the parking aid system, often requires a deeper dive. This article will guide you through troubleshooting a continuous parking aid tone on a 2013 Ford Edge, leveraging information from the vehicle’s diagnostic system.
The Ford Edge’s parking aid system activates when the ignition is in the RUN position and the transmission is in reverse. The system relies on four sensors, a speaker, and the Parking Aid Module (PAM). A crucial point to understand is that the system disables itself and triggers a warning message if it detects a fault in any of these components. Therefore, a continuously sounding tone, without a corresponding warning message, suggests a different problem.
According to the Parking Aid – Diagnosis and Testing document, a continuous tone indicates an object detected within 12 inches (30 cm) of a sensor. If your Edge exhibits this behavior without a visible obstruction, a faulty sensor is the likely culprit. To pinpoint the problematic sensor, a diagnostic scan tool capable of monitoring specific Parameter IDs (PIDs) is necessary.
With the ignition in RUN, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in reverse, you can access the PAM PID data through your scan tool. The relevant PIDs include:
- LRI_DIST: Left rear inner parking aid sensor distance
- LRO_DIST: Left rear outer parking aid sensor distance
- RRI_DIST: Right rear inner parking aid sensor distance
- RRO_DIST: Right rear outer parking aid sensor distance
- TRANSGR: Transmission gear position (used for verification)
These distance PIDs display values between 0 and 255 cm (0 and 8 ft) in a properly functioning system. By observing these values, you can identify which sensor is reporting a distance of approximately 30.5 cm (12 inches), indicating the source of the continuous tone.
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For a more comprehensive diagnosis, consult the workshop manual for procedures like the Elevation System Check and the Azimuth System Check. These checks can help verify the sensor alignment and functionality, ensuring accurate readings and proper operation of the parking aid system. By using the available diagnostic tools and information, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the continuous tone issue in your 2013 Ford Edge. Remember to consult official documentation for detailed procedures and safety guidelines.
