Parking Aid Module Struggle

Acquired 2003 Expedition, Production Date: 09/21/2002, in March this year. Sorting out issues one by one, but unable to get Parking Aid to work consistently. Have replaced sensors with various units, finally settling on OEM 2L1Z-15K859-AA. Cleaned contacts and treated with Caig DeoxIt as well as testing each connection with VOM from module to sensors. Also cleaned contacts on its 2L1T-15T850-AJ Module. There is no center sensor on this vehicle. I've had bumper skin completely off with only two sensors and connectors involved.

System will function a couple times after replacing or cleaning connections of sensors, then fail to "Check Parking Aid" display. Module 2L1T-15T850-AJ is available used for $75 -$180 and $425 new. Ford dealer isn't 100% sure it would need to be programmed, but if it does, that's $170 per hour.

Forscan does not list the module, or at least I can't find it, since the only thing I've used it for is programming keys.

First question is, Does it really need to be programmed? If so, can a bi-directional scan tool or Forscan do that?

Lastly, if anybody has the tiniest tid-bit of info about this system, I'd really appreciate your input. It's actually the last issue to work out in this truck, and I've addressed quite a few so far!


Edit: Just took it out to lunch and Parking Aid functioned perfectly at least three times. This is what leads me to believe there's a bad connection somewhere, instead of bad component. Is there a reasonably priced, DIY scan tool available that can access this module and give me an error code next time it fails?

Edit II: She's back to "Check Parking Aid" display. Don't know whether to be happy the rest of the bells & whistles are functioning OK, or keep on picking at this one issue. Purchasing new connectors seems like a long shot, and cost as much as the sensors!

Yep. The '03 parking aid was total crap and replaced in the '04 model year with a new design. Don't bother with it. It's futile.




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Now, that's what I'm talking about! I'll disable it and install a backup camera in its place. What I save by dropping the issue will pay for the camera and then some... Thanks!

Thanks again Hamfisted. Spent this weekend installing Joying 7" Android head unit and backup camera. In the process I DID find the center sensor! No idea how I missed it before. And, I discovered it has been screwed with in its past. One torx screw holding its socket in place had been stripped out, and the plug was basically glued onto it. Also found it can't be permanently disabled. So, I'll have a constant reminder of its past existence.

In the end, it forced me to upgrade the ridiculously antiquated radio with a unit I can confidently recommend to anyone interested.

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