How to turn on park assist on Chevy Equinox?
The quickest way to enable Park Assist on a Chevy Equinox is to press the Park Assist button on the center console to turn the system on. If your trim or model year supports it, you can also enable it through the infotainment system settings. Availability varies by year and trim, so check your manual or with a dealer if you can’t find the option.
Park Assist on the Equinox uses bumper sensors to help you park by alerting you to obstacles and, on some trims, guiding you into a space. Because features and controls change across model years, the exact button location and menu path can differ. The following steps cover common setups and should help you determine where to look for activation controls.
Physical Park Assist Activation
These steps describe turning on Park Assist using the physical button located on or near the center console. Before attempting the steps, confirm that your vehicle’s trim or package includes Park Assist, since not all Equinox models do.
- Ensure your Equinox is on and in a suitable mode (ignition on or in accessory power) for system operation. Park Assist generally requires the vehicle to be on.
- Locate the Park Assist button on the center console (often near the shifter) with an icon that resembles a vehicle with radar waves or a “P” with curved lines.
- Press the Park Assist button to turn the feature on. An indicator light on the button or a message in the instrument cluster should confirm that Park Assist is active.
- If the indicator does not illuminate, double-check that your trim supports Park Assist or that the feature isn’t disabled via a vehicle settings option.
- To deactivate Park Assist, press the same button again. Some models may automatically disable when you drive above a certain speed or when you shift out of a parking-related mode.
When the button-based method works, you can typically rely on audible beeps and on-screen cues to assist you while parking. If you don’t see the indicator light or hear cues, the feature may not be installed on your specific vehicle.
Infotainment System Activation (MyLink/Driver Assist Menu)
On models that support enabling Park Assist through the Chevrolet infotainment system, you’ll find the option in the vehicle’s settings. This path can vary by year, but commonly appears under Driver Assistance or Park Assist settings.
- With the ignition on, access the Chevrolet Infotainment System home screen.
- Navigate to Settings (or Vehicle) > Driver Assist (or Park Assist).
- Toggle Park Assist to On. The system may display a confirmation message or a status indicator.
- Return to the home screen and test the feature by selecting reverse at low speeds to see if beeps or a display cue appear, indicating the sensors are active.
- To turn off Park Assist via the infotainment path, return to the same menu and switch the option to Off.
Note that some model years require a specific parking mode (parallel or perpendicular) or a “Guided Parking”/“Active Park Assist” setting to be enabled before you can use automated parking features. If you don’t see Park Assist in the menu, your vehicle likely does not support this feature or it isn’t part of your current trim/year.
Limitations and Troubleshooting
Before you rely on Park Assist, consider the following common limitations and issues that can affect performance.
- The feature may not be available on all trims or model years; check your window sticker or owner’s manual.
- Sensor visibility matters—clean bumper sensors and remove snow, ice, or mud that could block them.
- Park Assist may only engage at low speeds (often below a few mph) and may require you to follow prompts rather than fully automate steering.
- Electrical or software issues can disable the system; a dealer visit or software update may be necessary.
- Conditions such as tight spaces, tight turn angles, or heavily obstructed sensors can limit effectiveness.
If the feature remains inactive after confirming your trim supports Park Assist and you’ve followed the activation steps, consult the owner’s manual for your exact year/model or contact a Chevrolet dealer for a diagnostic or potential software update.
What to Expect When Park Assist Is Active
When Park Assist is on, you can expect one or more of the following behaviors depending on the equipment for your Equinox:
- Audible beeps increasing in frequency as you approach an obstacle.
- On-screen guidance in the rearview camera display or instrument cluster that helps you position the vehicle.
- Possible steering assistance or automated parking in certain high-end packages or newer model years (availability varies by trim/year).
Summary
Turning on Park Assist in a Chevy Equinox largely hinges on your model year and trim. Use the dedicated Park Assist button on the center console for most setups, or enable it via the infotainment system if your vehicle supports that path. Always verify feature availability in your owner’s manual or with a dealer, and remember that Park Assist is a helping tool rather than a replacement for driver control.
