The Automatic Parking Assist system available on 2014-2015 Chevrolet SS, Cadillac CTS Sedan and Cadillac XTS searches for and steers the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking spots, making parking easy for drivers. Ultrasonic sensors detect the width and depth of either parallel or perpendicular (reverse right-angle) parking spaces. The system provides hands-free steering, but the driver must still shift gears and control the brakes and accelerator.
Parking the Vehicle
The Automatic Parking Assist system operates when the vehicle speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h).
Pressing the Automatic Parking Assist button enables the system. A beep sounds and a parking assist display is shown in the Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument cluster. The system will begin searching for a large enough parking space. Drivers should note that the system cannot detect whether a found parking space is a legal space.
If equipped with perpendicular parking mode, pressing and holding the Automatic Parking Assist button during the search process switches between parallel and perpendicular parking. The vehicle always backs into a perpendicular parking space.
The system defaults to searching for parking spaces to the right of the vehicle, but it can also search for parking spaces to the left by turning on the left turn signal.
After completely passing a large enough space bordered by Two vehicles or other objects, the system provides instructions on the DIC to shift to Reverse to engage automatic steering. At this point, the driver lets go of the steering wheel and accelerates or brakes as required. Once the vehicle has been directed into the parking spot, a Parking Complete message is displayed and a beep sounds.
If the vehicle does not steer into the expected space, the system may be maneuvering the vehicle into a previously detected space. In addition, if the steering wheel is used by the driver or the vehicle exceeds 6 mph (10 km/h), Automatic Parking Assist is disengaged.
System Components
The parking assist system components include:
- Front and Rear Parking Assist Control Module
- Front object sensors
- Rear object sensors
- Side object sensors
- Parking Assist switch
- Parking Assist switch indicator
- Automatic Parking Assist switch
The Front and Rear Parking Assist Control Module uses the side object sensors located near the wheel openings, along with the front and rear park assist sensors, to guide the vehicle into a parking space. The Front and Rear Parking Assist Control Module provides a 12 V reference and a low reference to the object sensors. The individual signals from each of the sensors are used to determine the location and distance of an object.
The side object sensors are different from the front and rear object sensors, so it’s important to check for the correct part number when replacing an object sensor. The side object sensors have a longer range to detect empty parking spots. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set if the wrong sensor type is installed.
When the Automatic Parking Assist system is activated, the Front and Rear Parking Assist Control
Module begins measuring potential parking spots using the parallel parking assist sensor. Using the
Side object sensor, the Front and Rear Parking Assist Control Module will determine the appropriate time to begin turning the steering wheel to enter the parking spot and again when to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to fully enter the parking spot.
System Unavailable Message
A Park Assist Temporarily Unavailable message will be displayed on the DIC if one of the following conditions is present:
- The system is manually disabled using the Parking Assist switch.
- A trailer, bicycle rack, aftermarket front license plate frame, a bent front license plate or other item is attached to the vehicle that is interfering with the Parking Assist system field of view.
- The Parking Assist sensors are covered by snow, mud, dirt or ice.
- The vehicle bumper is damaged.
- There is excessive paint thickness on a replacement Parking Assist sensor.
- The Parking Assist sensors are disrupted by vibrations, like those caused by a large nearby vehicle or heavy equipment.
Questions? Please send us a note via our Contact Us. If you’d like to speak to one of our TAC agents, call the ACDelco Info-Line.