I have been trying to figure out the problem with the parking aid (reverse sensors) on my wife's truck. I have read what is available here and done the checks suggested by others. When I put the truck in reverse (key in run) none of the sensors clicked. I got hold of the real wiring diagram and started tracing it. I unplugged the harness at the sensors so I wouldn't get any readings through them. I took the Parking Aid switch out and tested the connector. According to my multimeter I had a short across the +/- terminals. At this point I didn't know what to do. There is no way there can be a short there unless the PAM has a short inside it. So I start mistrusting my multimeter. To make matters worse the seat heater on the driver's side shares the same fuse from power distribution and it doesn't work either. The indicator light comes on, but the seat doesn't heat. I set that aside (since they are supposedly separate circuits except for power) but I am questioning myself, my tools and my wiring diagram.

I wouldn't mind getting some direction from the pros who hang out here.

 

Did you check it with AE? Also did you pull the PAM and check the connector for corrosion? Other than that the procedure in the FSM should pinpoint it fairly quickly, do you have a copy?

 

Thanks for the response.
Check it with AE? I don't know what you mean. And no, I don't have a copy of the FSM.

 

AutoEnginuity has a Park Aid system test, maybe someone near you can hook up AE if you don't have it. It is pretty common for the PAM connector to get wet and corroded, a new PAM will come with a new pigtail that plugs into the vehicle harness on one end and the PAM on the other.

If the PAM has gotten wet and failed you will get a "no response from Park Aid" when AE is connected.

 

Oh OK. I looked up AE and there were several prices. I don't know if the cheaper one works on diesels. I blew my budget this month when the water pump failed on my wife 300 miles from me and she had it towed to the dealer for an $800 repair, plus a rental car because they didn't have the parts.

I need one of those AE kits. I plan on keeping this truck and I could easily save hundreds by being able to properly diagnose problems. The mileage is building and things will start happening. The PAM is just one of them

Just rechecked. Looks like I would have to go with the SPO3 in order to have the power stroke and my other Fords covered. Since I don't own anything other than Ford I guess it will cover all my trucks. I have to steal money from my budget. Shouldn't be too hard since I set the budget. But people might get a little hungry.