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: 1827293  Size: A2

The display is located near the passenger side rear window 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 will flash.

To be detected, objects must be at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and below tailgate 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 will sound the first time an object is detected between 40 inches (1 m) and 8 feet (2.5 m) away. Beeping will occur continuously when the vehicle is at 23 inches (0.6 m) or closer to an object.

The following describes what will occur with the URPA display 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 and continuous beeping for five seconds

23 in

0.6 m

amber/amber/red lights flashing and continuous beeping for five seconds

1 ft

0.3 m


Object Number: 1696905  Size: A1

The system can be disabled by pressing the rear park aid disable button located next to the radio.

The indicator light will come on and PARK ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to indicate that URPA is off, see DIC Warnings and Messages for information about clearing the message.

Notice: If you use URPA while the tailgate is lowered, it may not detect an object behind your vehicle, and you might back into the object and damage your vehicle. Always verify the tailgate is closed when using URPA or turn off URPA when driving with the tailgate lowered.

When the System Does Not Seem to Work Properly

If the URPA system will not activate due to a temporary condition, the message PARK ASSIST OFF will be displayed 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 occurs 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 tailgate 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.