The park assist system is an invaluable tool designed to facilitate smooth and safe parking for your vehicle. This system employs ultrasonic and visual sensors to detect nearby obstacles. However, if any of these components malfunction, it can disrupt the system’s functionality and trigger warning messages. One of the most common warnings you might encounter is “Service Park Assist.” So, what should you do if your dashboard displays Service Park Assist system Jeep?
First, deactivate the park assist system. Thoroughly clean the sensors, as dirt buildup could be the culprit behind the warning. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to test the sensors and consider repairing or replacing any faulty ones. If the warning persists, attempt to reset the park assist system. This is a brief overview of the discussion. If you’re interested in a more in-depth exploration, let’s delve further!
What Does the “Service Park Assist System” Mean?
When your vehicle’s gauge cluster displays the message “Service Park Assist System,” it is essentially prompting you to “clean the sensors.” Unlike error codes such as U1110, your Jeep will display a straightforward message indicating the need for attention.
The Jeep models most commonly affected by the “Service Park Assist System” warning include:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Commander
- Jeep Liberty
In some vehicles, this message may appear as “Clean Park Assist Sensors.” The park assist system relies on sensors and cameras to identify objects in proximity to the vehicle, assisting in safe parking. If these sensors fail to operate correctly, the park assist system cannot perform its intended function. Often, sensors become obstructed by dirt, mud, snow, ice, or other debris, triggering the “Service Park Assist” warning. This message may appear even if just one sensor is compromised, whether due to dirt or electrical issues. When the park assist system malfunctions, your vehicle’s instrument cluster will emit a single chime and continue displaying the warning with each ignition cycle.
Causes and Solutions for the “Service Park Assist” Warning
Park assist errors can arise from several common malfunctions. Understanding these can expedite your diagnosis and repair. Below are the potential causes along with their corresponding solutions:
Reason | Symptom | Solution |
Dirty sensors | “Service Park Assist System” or “Clean Park Assist System” warning | Clean the sensors |
Faulty park assist sensors | No response from the sensor, unusual current reading | Test for faulty sensors; repair or replace as necessary, then reset the park assist system. |
Faulty park assist module | Failure to transmit or receive signals from the park assist sensors | Reset the park assist module; repair or replace if needed. |
Now, let’s explore the details further.
Reason 1: Dirty Park Assist Sensors
The warning typically arises when the sensors are dirty or malfunctioning. The park assist system heavily relies on these sensors. Any obstruction, such as dirt, snow, ice, or mud, can lead to system failure.
Solution: Clean the Park Assist Sensors
In many cases, simply cleaning the sensors can eliminate the warning message. If you encounter the service park assist system jeep won’t start issue, cleaning is still advisable.
To clean the park assist sensors, you will need:
- A soft cotton or microfiber cloth
- Car shampoo
- Warm water
Begin by mixing car shampoo with warm water in a bucket. Soak the cloth in this mixture, wring it out, and gently rub it on the sensors to remove dirt. Use a circular motion with your fingertip for effective cleaning. You can apply the same method to clean the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) sensor and camera sensor.
Reason 2: Faulty Park Assist Sensors
If the warning persists after cleaning, it indicates that one or more sensors may be faulty. Identifying the malfunctioning sensors is essential.
Solution 1: Test the Park Assist Sensors
To test the park assist sensors, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn Off the Park Assist System
Access the settings menu of your vehicle and press the Park Assist button. You can also deactivate it by turning the steering wheel.
Step 2: Locate the Parking Sensors
Park assist sensors are typically situated on the rear bumper of your Jeep. Some models may also have them on the front bumper. Newer, high-spec vehicles often feature sensors at both ends. These ultrasonic sensors can detect objects approximately 4 feet in front and 8 feet behind the vehicle.
Step 3: Testing the Sensors
A straightforward method to diagnose a faulty sensor involves using a small microphone. Place it against the sensors; if you hear clicking or beeping sounds, they are functioning. The sensor that remains silent is the faulty one and needs inspection or replacement. For a more accurate test, use a multimeter:
- Detach all the sensors from the bumper and set the multimeter to 2000k ohms.
- Locate the pin numbers on the sensor terminals, usually labeled 1, 2, and 3.
- Touch the red probe to pin 1 and the black probe to pin 2 to take a reading.
- Change the multimeter to 20k ohms and repeat the probe touch for further readings.
The readings on your multimeter should be close to 10 on 20k ohms and 1000 on 2000k ohms. If the numbers are lower than 9.7 on 20k ohms and between 800-900 on 2000k ohms, the sensor is faulty. Popular replacements include EKYLIN Parking Sensors and Tiemahun LED Parking Sensors. The cost of park assist sensors ranges from $10 to $450, while camera replacement can cost between $645 and $660. Installation typically costs about $58-$74, with the average repair expense for a faulty park assist system ranging from $50 to $250, depending on the vehicle model and region.
Solution 2: Reset the Park Assist System
If cleaning and fixing the sensors do not resolve the “Service Park Assist System” warning, consider resetting the park assist system. While the reset process can vary by vehicle, here are some common methods:
Method 1: Using the Park Assist Button
To reset the park assist system, locate the Park Assist button on the central console. When activated, the button lights up. Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds until you hear a beep, indicating a reset. For some vehicles, such as Honda or Acura, you may need to press the button 10 times within 10 seconds and follow specific ignition procedures.
Method 2: Disconnecting the Battery
Another method involves disconnecting the vehicle battery. After disconnection, wait about 15 minutes before reconnecting to allow the system to reset completely. However, be aware that this method will erase the vehicle’s memory, requiring you to reset settings such as shifting points and radio presets.
Reason 3: Faulty Park Assist Module
The park assist module may sometimes be responsible for sending power and receiving signals from the parking sensors. If this module fails, it will hinder the system’s ability to function correctly.
Solution: Reset or Replace
If you suspect the park assist module is at fault, try resetting it using the procedures outlined earlier. If resetting does not rectify the issue, the module may require repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a Park Assist System Failure Be Caused by Battery Problems?
A drained battery can lead to electrical malfunctions that affect the park assist system. Even when the engine is off, certain components may continue to draw power, causing battery drain and impacting the park assist service. If you experience frequent battery drainage, consider replacing the battery.
How Do I Turn the Park Assist Back On?
The park assist system features a “Park Assist” button located on the dashboard, typically behind the steering wheel. Pressing this button activates or deactivates the system. Procedures may vary by vehicle model, so refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Why Is My Park Assist Blocked?
The park assist system may be blocked due to dirty or malfunctioning sensors. Other factors can also trigger the warning, including extreme weather conditions, high speeds, off-road driving, towing a trailer, or using a trailer hitch.
Conclusion
This concludes our discussion on the Service Park Assist System Jeep. We hope you now understand the potential causes behind this warning and how to address the issue effectively. If the problem seems too complex to resolve on your own, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Remember, safe driving is paramount!