Cadillac XT5 Park Assist not Working? (Reasons & Solutions)

It is common for some features in your car to stop working, but this does not make it proper.

Therefore, it is mandatory to take note of the sensitivity of some car features like the park assist.

The park assists in vehicles like the Cadillac XT5 are connected to the car’s main system and should always function properly, provided the vehicle is healthy.

So, let’s consider what might cause your Cadillac Park assist to stop working.

Your Cadillac XT5 park assist may stop working due to a fault with its sensor, usually due to improper care and handling. The rear park assist sensor can fail with any slight accident with the bumper of your car. The module and camera can also fail, but those are major issues.

What is Cadillac Park Assist?

Cadillac park assist is a package featured in some vehicles, especially luxury cars. It is a technology that uses sensors to park your car automatically.

It simply means that the park assist will help you maneuver your car into a parking space.

That does not necessarily mean that you would not do anything.

However, at least for the basic editions of park assist, you will be in control of all other car parts except the steering.

The rear park assist will take care of the wheel when reversing. 

However, there are also more advanced editions that take charge of the steering and the accelerator and the brake.

More interestingly, some brands of cars offer remote-control park assistance. These brands do not require the driver to be in the car.

The driver can control the car’s parking so far he is within the range of control. Further, you use the rear park assist alongside the front-rear park assist.

It makes reversing into the parking space and driving out possible for the vehicle. 

How Does Cadillac Park Assist Work?

Cadillac park assist works by sensors implanted at strategic places around your car.

It uses these implanted ultrasonic sensors to detect available parking spaces and gives you options to select.

It displays these options on your information screen. It takes total control of the steering and tells you how to go about the accelerator and brake.

Here’s how the parking assist works;

• It uses ultrasonic sensors on the bumper to locate any parking space available.
• The sensor has a working range of about 8 feet from any object that may be an obstacle.
• Park assist gives you a signal if it detects an object. This signal could be low-pitched beeps or seat alerts.
• The information system will display the car’s distance from the object when your car gets closer to the object.
• There will be five beeps or seat pulses when your car gets two feet nearer to the object.
• Your rear park assist will also display warning signs in shapes when your car gets closer to the object. The displayed shape is a triangle that changes from yellow to amber and then red depending on the closeness of the car to the object

That is how a Cadillac park assists automatically help you park your car safely. Though it is an automatic process, it is switchable.

However, the fact that Cadillac park assist works to help you park your car does not mean it does not have flaws. 

I want you to note that a rear park assist feature only detects objects; it cannot detect pedestrians and animals.

So you will have to look out for pedestrians and pets when using the rear park assist.

What Causes Cadillac Park Assist to Stop Working?

Cadillac park assist can stop working due to an issue with the ultrasonic sensors, module, or camera.

However, some conditions cause these important parts of the park assist feature to stop working. Prominent amongst the conditions is low maintenance.   

The sensors used in park assist are strategically placed at your vehicle’s bumpers.

As the name suggests, they are very sensitive, so any little mishandling can stop it from working.

Sometimes, the sensor gets covered with dust particles, which hinders it from performing well.

This condition triggers a warning message on your infotainment screen, “park assist blocked .”

Below are the reasons that cause your park assist to stop working;

• Off-road adventure
• Regular washing of a car
• Weather condition
• Crashing of bumper and
• Speed level

#1. Off-road Adventure

It is easy to get your sensors stained with dust and mud. Driving your car off-road will invite particles of dust and mud.

However, it proves harmful to your park assist feature.

#2. Regular Washing of a Car

It is helpful to always keep your car clean. However, it can disrupt the functioning of the sensors.

For example, when moisture is trapped on the sensors due to the frequent washing of the car, it causes the park assist feature to malfunction.

#3. Weather Condition

This condition is common to people living in a snowy environment. When snow falls, it blocks the sensor and renders it useless at that moment.

Asides from snow, raindrops can also dirty the sensors by raising sand particles after hitting the ground. All these affect the park assist feature.

#4. Crashing of Bumper

Crashing your bumper is the surest way to damage the park assist feature.

If you crash the bumper where the rear park assist sensors are positioned, it will surely affect the system.

The same goes for the front-rear park assist sensor. Also, crashing the bumper is likely to lead to a major issue for the park assist system.

#5. Speed Level

A certain speed level would force the park assist feature to stop working. The level of your speed should not exceed 8mph.

It should be within five and eight; else, the park assists feature will stop functioning.

Can I Fix a Cadillac XT5 Park Assist that Stopped Working?

Yes, you can fix a Cadillac XT5 that stopped working. However, it is dependent on what made the park assist system stop working.

If it’s a minor issue requiring cleaning or any base service, you can fix it.

Notwithstanding, if it is an issue that requires professional handling, I’m afraid you will need the aid of an expert.

Most of the problems that cause a Cadillac XT5 to stop working are little challenges that you can sort out easily.

Here are the steps you should take if the park assist feature of your CadillacXT5 stops working;

• Clean the rear park assist sensor and the front-rear park sensor gently and properly in case of dust or mud particles get trapped there
• Try switching the park assist button off and on to see if it only needs to reset
• You should also try disabling the rear park aid and wait for some time before enabling it.
• Clean your car dry after washing to get rid of any moisture that sticks to the sensors

If the Cadillac XT5 park assist does not work after trying these, it is a major issue, and you should take it to a professional for scanning.

And if a sensor is confirmed to be damaged, you may need to replace them because sensors are not your regular car parts.

Unfortunately, it is rare to repair an ultrasonic sensor, so I recommend a replacement.

Conclusion 

The rear park assist can stop working at any time, but it does not mean it is damaged.

Sometimes it only needs a little service that you can carry out without the aid of any professional.

However, when the situation goes beyond basic service, I recommend that you go to an auto mechanic.