Parktronic System - (PTS) Function
Date: June 1998Order No.: P-SI-54/78
Supersedes: -
Group: 54
SUBJECT:
MODELS 140, 210
PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS) FUNCTION
In the interest of increasing customer satisfaction, please pass this information on to your Sales Department. Sales personnel should review Parktronic System operation with their customers during the vehicle sales and delivery process.
Parktronic System Operation
The Parktronic System (PTS) operates on the same principle as radar, but with sound waves. Ultrasonic signals that deflect off an obstacle are used by a control module to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. The signal transmitters and receivers are integrated into ten sensors located in the bumpers. Six sensors are located in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.
The PTS assists the driver with low speed driving maneuverability such as parking. This does not, however, release the driver from taking normal precautionary measures during low speed driving maneuverability situations. The intensity of the ultrasonic signals and the sensitivity level of the sensors may be reduced it, for example, a sound absorbing surface such as a snowbank is within sensor monitoring range.
Recognized obstacles within the sensor monitoring range are displayed to the driver optically and acoustically through four warning indicators. The two front warning indicators are located above the left and center air outlets in the dashboard. The two rear warning indicators are integrated in the rear interior lamp. The warning indicator frames are illuminated in white when the PTS is engaged. Each warning indicator has 6 yellow and 2 red LCD segments. When the sensors detect an obstacle, one or more segments illuminate, depending on distance.
The PTS is automatically activated when the ignition key is turned to steering lock position 2. With the ignition on, the PTS can be activated or deactivated by means of pushbutton (S95).
Data
Sensor Monitoring Range
Forward driving; Front bumper: center approx 40 in. (100 cm), corner - approx. 24 in. (60 cm)
Reverse driving; Rear bumper: center - approx. 48 in. (120cm), corner - approx. 32 in. (80 cm)
Please refer to the vehicle Owner's Manual for sensor monitoring range details.
Reverse Driving
The rear sensor monitoring range is activated - by engaging the transmission in reverse gear.
PTS components returned as defective will undergo normal warranty as well as vendor testing. It is therefore important to discuss the circumstances of the warning indicator activation with the Customer. Details from the customer may help in determining whether the PTS is malfunctioning or operating within its design parameters.
Conditions such as those listed in the following table, do not indicate a system malfunction.
Obstacles
Activation of the warning indicators (all red LCD warning indicator segments illuminated, warning tone on for approx. 3 seconds) for no apparent reason does not necessarily mean that the PTS is malfunctioning. The following examples can activate the warning indicator display. To avoid annoyance in such cases, the operator may elect to temporarily deactivate the PTS be means of the PTS on/off switch (S95).
Examples:
Vehicle in car wash with PTS activated
Steam cleaner spray nozzle aimed onto bumper
Power washer spray nozzle aimed onto bumper
Compressed air noise (Example: jackhammers, pneumatic brakes of trucks)
Induction interference from certain traffic signal systems (i.e. sensors embedded in road surfaces)
Heavy rain, hail
Squealing from cornering railway vehicles
For further information on the Parktronic System, please refer to the vehicle Owner's Manual.