How do I turn on Chevy parking assist?

Parking assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help you avoid obstacles while parking. The exact method to activate it varies by model and year, but the switch or touchscreen option is usually straightforward. Below is a practical guide that covers common Chevy setups and what to expect.

The quickest way to get started is to know where the control lives on your vehicle—either a physical switch or a touchscreen menu. In many recent Chevrolets, the system activates when you shift into reverse, but you can enable or disable it manually as needed.

Where to find the parking assist controls

These locations cover the most common Chevy layouts. If you can’t locate the control, check your owner’s manual for your exact model and trim.

• Dedicated physical button on the center console or near the steering wheel, labeled P or with a Park Assist/sonar icon.


• Instrument cluster or Driver Information Center (DIC) menu, where you can toggle Park Assist on or off through the vehicle’s gauges.


• Infotainment touchscreen: Settings > Driver Assistance or Parking Assist, where you can turn the feature on or off.


• Some trims offer a rear- or front-park assist toggle integrated into vehicle settings, separate from other driver aids.

If you still can’t find the control, try a quick search in the on-screen help or consult the owner’s manual. A dealer or certified technician can also point you to the exact control for your model.

Using the infotainment screen to enable Parking Assist

On many models, you can manage Parking Assist entirely from the touchscreen, which is helpful if the physical switch is absent or hard to reach.

• Open the vehicle’s infotainment system and navigate to Settings or Driver Assistance, then select Parking or Parking Assist and switch it to On.


• If your vehicle supports Surround Vision or camera-based park features, enable them separately within the same menu as desired.


• In some models, Parking Assist may require you to enable the feature before starting the engine or before you begin parking maneuvers.

After enabling via the screen, you should be able to rely on audible beeps and on-screen guidance when you back up or maneuver near obstacles. If you’ve enabled it and don’t hear alerts, re-check the settings or reboot the infotainment system as a last resort.

What to expect and troubleshooting tips

Understanding how the system behaves helps you get the most from Parking Assist and handle common hiccups.

• When you shift into Reverse, the system typically activates and begins detecting obstacles behind the vehicle; you’ll hear beeps that increase in frequency as you get closer.


• Front Park Assist (if equipped) works in tandem with the rear sensors and may provide visual cues on the dashboard or center screen.


• Sensors can be blocked by mud, snow, ice, or bumper guards. Clean the sensors regularly to maintain accuracy.


• If you see a “Park Assist Disabled” indicator, toggle the switch or re-enable it through the menu, then test again with a gentle maneuver.


• Electrical or battery issues can affect sensor operation. If the system remains unresponsive after trying the standard steps, have the vehicle inspected by a Chevy service professional.

For best results, clear the bumper area and ensure you’re using the system in appropriate conditions (clear weather and good sensor visibility). If your model includes advanced features like Surround Vision, remember they are supplementary and should not replace careful driving and safe parking practices.

Model-year and trim variations

Chevrolet offers Parking Assist in multiple forms across trims and years. Availability can include simple rear sensors, front and rear sensors, and in higher trims, camera-based assist with Surround Vision.

• Lower trims commonly provide Rear Park Assist with a basic audible alert, toggleable via a dash/button or in settings.


• Mid-to-high trims may add Front Park Assist and more integrated controls in the touchscreen menu.


• Many newer models include Surround Vision or Enhanced Parking Assist options that pair with cameras for a broader view while parking; these features vary by model and region.

Always verify with your model year’s manual or Chevrolet’s official online resources to confirm which Parking Assist features are available and how to enable them for your specific vehicle.

Summary

Chevrolet Parking Assist is designed to simplify parking by using sensors (and cameras on newer systems) to detect obstacles. Activate it with a physical P button or via the infotainment system, depending on your model and trim. If the system doesn’t respond, check sensor cleanliness, verify the control is enabled in settings, and consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific instructions.

How to turn park assist on Chevy?

If available when the system has detected a large enough space case you'll hear a beep. And instructions will appear on the instrument panel or center display.

How to activate active parking assist?

Select the parking space you want to use. And the direction you wish to park. Then follow instructions.

How do I turn on park assist?

To turn on park assist, look for a button with a "P" and a steering wheel symbol, or use the vehicle's center display to activate the system. Once activated, use your turn signal to indicate the side where you want to park, then follow the on-screen prompts, which may include stopping the car, putting it in reverse, and shifting into neutral. 
Step-by-step guide to using park assist
This video demonstrates how to use Automatic Park Assist on a GMC Yukon: 2:36Tom Smith Chevrolet Buick GMCYouTube · Apr 4, 2025

1. Locate and press the park assist button: This is usually on the center console or dashboard and may have a "P" symbol with a steering wheel icon. You can also turn it on through the vehicle's central touchscreen display. 
2. Select your parking maneuver: If you need to park in a perpendicular spot, you may need to press the button again or select the option on the screen. 
3. Signal your intent: Use your turn signal to indicate whether you want to park on the left or right side of the vehicle. The system may default to one side if you don't use the signal. 
4. Drive to find a space: Drive slowly, parallel to the other cars, at or below the system's speed limit (often around 20-22 mph). 
5. Follow on-screen instructions: Once the system finds a space, it will beep and show instructions on the instrument panel or center display. 
6. Prepare to park: The instructions will guide you to stop the vehicle, shift into the correct gear (often reverse), and release the steering wheel. 
7. Let the system park: Follow any further instructions, which may include continuing to press the brake pedal. The system will now handle the steering to park the car for you. 

You can watch this video to see how to use Ford Park Assist 2: 1:10Pentagon Motor GroupFacebook · Jun 8, 2024
Important safety information

• Stay alert: The system is a driver-assist feature, not a fully autonomous one. You are still responsible for the vehicle and should always be prepared to intervene by using the brake pedal or taking control of the steering wheel.
• Check surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, as the system may not be able to detect all moving objects.
• Follow instructions: Pay close attention to the on-screen instructions, as the system may require you to shift gears at specific points in the maneuver. 

Why is my parking assist off?

Parking assist is often unavailable due to dirty or blocked sensors/cameras, which can be caused by dirt, mud, or snow. Other common reasons include damaged sensors or wiring, low vehicle voltage from a weak battery, and software glitches. In some cases, the system may be restricted by speed or environmental factors like heavy rain, fog, or snow. 
Common causes

• Blocked or dirty sensors/cameras: Dirt, mud, snow, ice, or other debris can block the sensors and cameras that the system relies on. 
• Damaged components: A physical impact, such as a collision, can damage a sensor or its wiring, causing the system to fail. 
• Software glitches: Software malfunctions or bugs can cause the system to become unavailable, sometimes triggered by an update. 
• Low battery voltage: A weak or failing battery may not supply enough power for the system to operate correctly. 
• Environmental conditions: Heavy rain, snow, or fog can interfere with the system's ability to detect objects. 
• Speed limitations: The system may not function above certain speeds, such as for parallel parking (e.g., above 222222 mph) or perpendicular parking (e.g., above 191919 mph). 
• Connected trailer: Some vehicles will disable parking assist when a trailer is attached. 
• Parking space is too small: The system may not be able to find or use a parking spot if there is not enough room to maneuver safely. 

How to troubleshoot

• Clean the sensors: Manually clean any dirt or debris from the sensors and cameras on the vehicle's bumpers. 
• Check for damage: Visually inspect the sensors for any signs of physical damage. 
• Check vehicle speed: Ensure you are within the operational speed limits for the feature. 
• Restart the vehicle: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary software glitches. 
• Drive after a battery issue: If you have recently had a battery issue, drive the car on a straight road for a short time to allow the system to reset. 
• Check your battery: Have the battery tested to ensure it is holding a proper charge. 

This video explains the meaning of parking assist error messages and how to fix them: 1mMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · May 12, 2024
This video demonstrates how to replace the parking assist sensors on a Tesla Model 3/Y: 1mCarson HarveyYouTube · Mar 29, 2025