Object Detection Description and Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Pontiac Montana SV6, 2007 Chevrolet Uplander, and 2007 Buick Terraza. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ultrasonic rear parking assist (URPA) can help a driver determine how close an object is to the rear bumper within a defined rearward field of view.

The rear parking assist display is located inside the vehicle above the rear window. Refer to Object Detection Component Views for the location of the display. The display has 3 indicators that can be seen through the rearview mirror or by turning around when seated in the driver seat. The URPA is equipped with a switch located in the overhead console that can be used to disable the system.

When the ignition is ON and the vehicle is placed into reverse, the URPA performs a bulb check. During the bulb check, the 3 indicators on the display illuminate for approximately 2 seconds to indicate that the system is working. The URPA performs a bulb check and operates when the following conditions are present:

The ignition is ON.
The vehicle is placed in REVERSE (R).
The vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
At speeds greater than 5 km/h (3 mph), the URPA is disabled. The red indicator flashes to warn the driver that the URPA is disabled.

The URPA senses how close the vehicle is to an object. The distance is determined by the four ultrasonic sensors located on the rear bumper. When the system detects an object, one of the following will occur:

If the object is less than 0.3 m (11 in) away from the rear of the vehicle, the amber outside, amber middle, and the red outside indicators flash and the chime sounds continuously.
If the object is less than 0.3 m to 0.5 m (11 to 20 in) away from the rear of the vehicle, the amber outside, amber middle, and the red outside indicators are on and the chime sounds continuously.
If the object is 0.5 to 1.0 m (20 to 40 in) away from the rear of the vehicle, the amber outside, and the amber middle indicators are on.
If the object is 1.0 to 1.5 m (40 in to 5 ft) away from the rear of the vehicle, the amber outside indicator is on and the chime sounds one time on the first detection of an object.

URPA can detect objects 7.6 cm (3 in) wide and at least 25.4 cm (10 inches) tall. It cannot detect objects above the level of the roof.

If the red indicator flashes continuously the on-board diagnostic needs to be entered to determine if a malfunction is present. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Displaying .