Does anyone know why some Expys have 2 back-up sensors versus 4. What is the difference?

 

I believe the early build 03 Expy's had two sensors that were more sensitive (ie better) than the four-sensor systems. But in the mid-year production change for the 03, Ford switched to the four-sensor type probably to save $$. I also heard that they reduced the power of the built-in amplifier of the Audiophile stereo systems at the same time.

 

That is exactly right. The two (actually three) sensor system uses sonar and radar for a farther-reaching and more accurate detection of obstacles. The two visible sensors are sonar ( I think) and there is a hidden sensor directly behind the bumper facia in the center that is a radar sensor ( or it might be vice versa). But anyway, this system detects obstacles farther away and with more accuracy than the 4 sensor system. The Lincoln Navigator still uses the three (two visible, one hidden) sensor system as it is a better detection system. The 4 sensor system is cheaper, but doesn't detect obstacles nearly as far away as the more expensive three sensor system. When backing, the three sensor system will detect obstacles up to many many feet away whereas the 4 sensor system doesn't detect anything until it is within a few feet of the bumper. This was a cost-cutting measure by Ford, and like the reply above said, Ford also reduced the wattage in the audiophile radio and deleted the underhood light, among other things that reduced production costs. However, when these changes were made, Ford also upgraded the Eddie Bauer by adding dual-zone climate control up front. It's all tit-for-tat. Hope this goes further to helping you understand the difference between the two systems.

 

I had the 03 Navi and the radio had a better sound than the 05.

 

Has anyone had problems with their 4 sensor unit giving false echos? Mine will either do it as soon as I put it in reverse or as I'm backing up it will go off and beep quickly indicating that I'm almost on top of something when I'm not. Very annoying. And of course the dealership can't find anything wrong.

 

Yes.

My 2004 just started doing that.

It drives me nuts.

Anyone else?

Bob

 

TSB 05-6-4

04/04/05

FALSE PARKING AID WARNINGS

FORD:
2005 Five Hundred, Freestyle
2002-2003 Windstar
2002-2005 Excursion, Expedition, Explorer,
F-Super Duty
2003-2005 Escape
2004-2005 F-150, Freestar

LINCOLN:
2002 Navigator
2002-2003 Blackwood
2003-2005 Aviator

MERCURY:
2005 Montego
2002-2005 Mountaineer
2004-2005 Monterey
2005 Mariner

This article supersedes TSB 05-4-19 to update the description for labor operation F.

ISSUE
Vehicles equipped with the parking aid reverse sensing system (RSS) may sound a warning tone when the vehicle is in reverse, even though there are no objects behind the vehicle. This condition may also occur on vehicles equipped with the forward sensing system (FSS) when vehicle is in reverse or drive.

ACTION
The condition MAY NOT be due to proximity sensor(s) malfunction but may be a normal operation characteristic, or due to sensor contamination (sensor being covered with dirt). Refer to the following description of OPERATION AND COMMON CAUSE OF WARNINGS, before replacing any sensor(s).

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS ARE TRUE FOR BOTH THE RSS AND FSS.

OPERATION AND COMMON CAUSE OF WARNINGS

The RSS is only operational when the vehicle is in reverse. For vehicles also equipped with the FSS the system is operational when the vehicle is in reverse or drive. The FSS and RSS give an audible warning to the driver when obstacles are within 6' (1.8 meters) from the vehicle, and when obstacles are within 18" (46 cm) on either side of the bumper.

NOTE CERTAIN OBSTACLES MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR THE RSS/FSS TO DETECT DEPENDING ON GEOMETRIC SHAPE OR PROFILE OF THE OBJECT AND THE MATERIAL THE OBJECT IS COMPOSED OF.

NOTE THE NEAREST OBSTACLE WILL ALWAYS BE THE OBSTACLE REPORTED, WITH THE EXCEPTION STATED IN THE NOTE ABOVE.

NOTE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR MUST BE AWARE THAT THE WARNING TONES ARE AT A MODERATE VOLUME LEVEL AND THAT THE TONES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO HEAR WITH BACKGROUND NOISE (RADIO, BLOWERS, PASSENGER CONVERSATION, ETC). THE RSS/FSS SPEAKER VOLUME IS ALREADY AT MAXIMUM VOLUME AND IS NOT ADJUSTABLE.

In cases where the RSS/FSS give warnings but nothing is within range of the vehicle sensors, or give warnings for 3 seconds then ceases, the occurrence may be due to any of the following reasons:

BLOCKED/CONTAMINATED PROXIMITY SENSOR SURFACE:





Proximity sensor surfaces may be covered with snow, ice, dirt or mud. There is a gap between the sensor membrane and its plastic housing that must remain clear (Figure 1). If this space is contaminated with any foreign material the system may sound a continuous tone or intermittent tone. The sensor surface can be cleaned by a high pressure water spray.

SIDE COVERAGE SENSOR:

There is side/rear coverage that extends approximately 18" (46 cm) perpendicular from the side rear fascia. Side coverage is a desirable feature in a parking situation where the vehicle is involved in a very tight turn with little rearward movement, or where the vehicle is backing parallel to a large, extending obstacle such as a garage wall. If there is no encroachment between any of the outer sensors and an obstacle, then the warning will sound for 3 seconds and cease. If vehicle or the obstacle begin to move closer to each other, then the warning will begin again. Obstacles within 10" (25 cm) of the fascia will always be reported with a continuous tone. This is considered normal operation.

ABNORMAL ROAD SURFACES:

The RSS/FSS may give warnings due to certain road surfaces with surface projections such as rocks, broken pavement, unplowed snow covered roads. This is considered normal operation.

OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Very wet weather conditions, such as mist, frost or snow may provoke occasional warnings. The system may detect liftgate while open and certain trailer hitches and/or bicycle racks. External ultrasonic noise may be detected (high velocity air, machinery). This is considered normal operation.

SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS

1. Ensure that nothing is in detectable sensor-range 6' (1.8 meters) behind vehicle for the RSS and within 6' (1.8 meters) of the front of the vehicle for the FSS.

2. Clean proximity sensors with a dry shop towel, and if required wash with water or a high pressure water to ensure that the membrane gap is free of any dirt or contamination.

3. Using the New Generation Star (NGS) tester (up to 2004 MY), NGS+ (2005 MY) or WDS observe the following four parking aid module parameter identification displays (PIDs) for distance information:

^ LR_CNTD (NGS)/LRI_DIST (WDS): (Left Rear Center Sensor Distance To Obstacle)

^ RR_CNTD (NGS)/RRI_DIST (WDS): (Right Rear Center Sensor Distance To Obstacle)

^ LR_CNRD (NGS)/LRO_DIST (WDS): (Left Rear Corner Sensor Distance To Obstacle)

^ RR_CNRD (NGS)/RRO_DIST (WDS): (Right Rear Corner Sensor Distance To Obstacle)


NOTE PID IDENTIFIERS ALSO EXIST FOR FRONT SENSORS IF EQUIPPED.

a. If the sensor is functioning properly, with no objects in range of the vehicle, each sensor PID as described above should display a full scale numerical reading of 255 cm (NGS) or 100 inches (NGS+ and WDS).

b. If a PID reading other than 255 or 100 displays, replace only the sensor that is out of specification. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 413-00 as needed for removal and installation procedures.


ACCESSING PIDS WITH NGS, SELECT:

^ Vehicle Line

^ Diagnostic Data Link

^ PAM

^ PID/Data Monitor And Record

^ Select The Appropriate PIDS

^ Start


ACCESSING PIDS WITH WDS, SELECT:

^ Tool box Icon

^ Datalogger, Then Tick (Check Mark)

^ Modules, Then Tick

^ PAM, Then Tick

^ Select The Appropriate PIDS, Then Tick

NOTE FOR SOME VEHICLES, REPLACEMENT SENSORS WILL BE RECEIVED WITH A PRIMED-BLACK PAINTABLE SURFACE AND MUST BE PAINTED TO MATCH VEHICLE COLOR.

REFER TO PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.

PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS

^ Use a Ford-Approved paint gun, apply base/clear coat to match vehicle

^ Surface can be cleaned with Isopropyl alcohol

^ Maximum paint curing temperature is 194~ F (90~ C) for 1 hour

^ Maximum coating thickness 125 micro meters (including the primer)

^ Paint or veil of paint must not get into connector

^ Immersion processes ARE NOT permitted

^ Paint must be applied evenly to the surface

^ Functional test must be done after painting

^ Use NGS tester to confirm settling time of the sensor is within the specified limits: 850 micro sec. to 1500 micro sec.


WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

050604A 2004-2005 F150, 0.7 Hr.
2002-2005 Excursion, 2002
Expedition/Navigator,
2002-2005 F Super Duty,
2002-2003 Blackwood,
2005 Freestyle: Replace
One Or More REAR
Parking Aid Sensor(S)
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Bumper Cover Removal
(Do Not Use With 12651D,
12651D8, P101)

050604B 2003-2005 Aviator, 0.9 Hr.
2002-2005
Explorer/Mountaineer:
Replace One Or More
REAR Parking Aid
Sensor(S) INCLUDES
Time For Bumper Cover
Removal (Do Not Use With
12651D, 12651D8, P101)

050604B 2004-2005 Monterey, 0.8 Hr.
2004-2005 Freestar,
2002-2003 Windstar:
Replace One Or More
REAR Parking Aid
Sensor(S) INCLUDES
Time For Bumper Cover
Removal (Do Not Use With
12651D, 12651D8, P101)

050604B 2003-2005 Expedition: 1.3 Hrs.
Replace One Or More
REAR Parking Aid
Sensor(S) INCLUDES
Time For Bumper Cover
Removal (Do Not Use With
12651D, 12651D8, P101)

050604C 2004-2005 Monterey, 1.2 Hrs.
2004-2005 Freestar, 2005
Montego, 2005 Ford Five
Hundred: Replace One Or
More FRONT Parking Aid
Sensor(S) INCLUDES
Time For Bumper Cover
Removal (Do Not Use With
12651D, 12651D8, P101)

050604D 2003-2005 Escape, 2005 0.5 Hr.
Mariner: Replace One Or
Both INNER Parking Aid
Sensor(S) DOES NOT
INCLUDE Time For
Bumper Cover Removal
(Do Not Use With 12651D,
12651D8, P101)

050604E 2003-2005 Escape, 2005 0.9 Hr.
Mariner: Replace One Or
Both OUTER Parking Aid
Sensor(S) INCLUDES
Time For Bumper Cover
Removal (Do Not Use With
12651D, 12651D8, P101)

050604F Additional Time To Paint 1.0 Hr.
Sensors To Match Bumper
Cover On The Following
Vehicles: Aviator,
Monterey, Five Hundred,
Freestyle, Montego

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
15K859 42

 

I sent this directly over to my stealership.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I always wondered why I only had two sensors and no dual climate control.

I tried the search but what is the deal with black running boards in early '03 EB models then painted later?

TIA

 

I think Ford switched to the tan running boards as it makes the color scheme look more consistant. I too have an early-build '03 Eddie Bauer which I love and I swapped my black running boards for tan ones. Also, you will notice that our early-build '03s have a black piece that runs along the botton of the front bumper facia whereas the post-mid '03 models have that same piece as tan; this was done at the same time as the running board change, all to keep the entire bottom on the Eddie Bauers tan; we pay good money for that Eddie Bauer tan and I guess Ford wanted it everywhere lol.

 

Gotcha, the tan boards also don't show the instant dirt from stepping on them.

 

Very true, but, on the down side, they do somewhat show residual brake dust that flows back from the front rotors; especially on the leading edge of the running board towards the front of the truck.

 

Man that brake dust is unbelieveable. I'm going to ceramics when it is pad time.