GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

For vehicles with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system, it operates at speeds less than 5 mph (8 km/h), and assists the driver with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse). The sensors on the rear bumper are used to detect the distance to an object up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind the vehicle, and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground.

Caution: The Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system does not replace driver vision. It cannot detect:

   • objects that are below the bumper, underneath the vehicle, or if they are too close or far from the vehicle
   • children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
If you do not use proper care before and while backing; vehicle damage, injury, or death could occur. Even with URPA, always check behind the vehicle before backing up. While backing, be sure to look for objects and check the vehicle's mirrors.


Object Number: 2103893  Size: G1

The display is located in the headliner and can be seen by looking over your right shoulder.

URPA uses three color-coded lights to provide distance and system information.

How the System Works

URPA comes on automatically when the shift lever is moved into R (Reverse). The rear display briefly illuminates to indicate the system is working.

URPA operates only at speeds less than 5 mph (8 km/h). If the vehicle is above this speed, the red light on the rear display flashes.

To be detected, objects must be at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and below liftgate level. Objects must also be within 8 feet (2.5 m) from the rear bumper. This distance may be less during warmer or humid weather.

A single beep sounds the first time an object is detected. Beeping may occur beginning at 23 inches (0.6 m). Beeping occurs for a short time when the vehicle is closer than 23 inches (0.6 m) and again at 1 foot (0.3 m) from the object.

The following describes how the URPA display lights appear as the vehicle gets closer to a detected object:

Description

English

Metric

amber light

8 ft

2.5 m

amber/amber lights

40 in

1.0 m

amber/amber/red lights

23 in

0.6 m

amber/amber/red lights flashing

1 ft

0.3 m

The system can be disabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See "Park Assist" under DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

When the System Does Not Seem to Work Properly

If the URPA system does not activate due to a temporary condition, the message PARK ASSIST OFF displays on the DIC and a red light will be shown on the rear URPA display when the shift lever is moved into R (Reverse). This may occur under the following conditions:

    • The driver disables the system.
    • The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the vehicle's rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush. For cleaning instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle.
    • A trailer was attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or an object was hanging out of the liftgate during the last drive cycle, the red light may illuminate in the rear display. Once the attached object is removed, URPA will return to normal operation.
    • A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
    • The vehicle's bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
    • Other conditions may affect system performance, such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the compression of air brakes on a very large truck.

If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at least 15 mph (25 km/h), take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer.