There is a feature known as rear park sense that is available on newer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles models to assist drivers in parking.
Several reasons may lead you to become confused and frustrated if your Jeep, Ram, or Dodge displays the message “rear park sense unavailable service required.”
I’ll explain the causes and fixes for the problem in this article if you don’t understand what this message means.
What is Parksense Rear Park Assists?
Assisting you to park your vehicle is one of the safety features of parksense’s rear park assist system.
Objects behind your Jeep or Dodge can be detected by sensors in the rear bumper.
If any objects are within a specified distance of the vehicle when you put it in reverse, the vehicle will issue a warning.
“Rear Parksense Unavailable Service Required”: What Does That Mean?
Here is what the message “rear parksense unavailable service required” means now that I’ve briefly explained what the system is.
Simply put, this message indicates a problem with your vehicle’s rear parking sensors.
In the following paragraphs, I will list several causes for this problem.
Why does the rear Parksense unavailability warning appear?
It has happened to me on numerous occasions as a mechanic to see this problem on different vehicles. Rear parksense service required can be caused by a number of factors.
1. Rear sensors obstructed
The rear sensors are usually obstructed or dirty, so this message shows up. You can get this when your sensors get dirty, snowy, or icy.
You’re probably most likely to get that message if you live somewhere with a lot of snow.
You should have clear sensors so that you are able to detect objects while backing up.
A message like this will appear if the system cannot detect objects.
Solution
This article explains how you can fix a rear sensor that has been blocked by dirt or snow.
- Clean your rear bumper and wash your car.
- Water moistened a soft cloth will clean the sensors.
- Dry the sensors with a dry cloth.
Ensure that you use the right amount of pressure when cleaning them to prevent damage.
2. Parking sensor(s) on rear bumper not working
Even if you clean and dry your sensors, you may still get the “Parksense Unavailable Service Required” error.
Moisture and/or corrosion can cause parking sensors to fail over time, although this is not common.
Putting your vehicle in reverse gear and listening to each sensor should reveal if the reverse parking sensors have failed. Each sensor should emit a ticking sound when in reverse.
There is an opportunity for one or more of your sensors to have failed without you hearing the ticking noise.
Solution
A parking sensor that has failed will need to be replaced if you have confirmed it.
In today’s market, several options are available for replacing them and they are easy to replace.
Aftermarket parking sensors will work just as well as new parking sensors and are available from dealers or online.
3. Misaligned or mispositioned sensors
It’s important to install rear parking sensors in the right place to work.
Your sensors may have been misaligned or moved if you recently installed an aftermarket bumper or changed your rear bumper.
This can result in a malfunction, inability to function properly, and a message displayed on the dashboard stating that “rear park sensing is unavailable service is required.”.
Solution
Ensure that the sensor is positioned and aligned correctly. You must move them back to their proper positions if they are misaligned.
An issue with the sensor or wiring may cause this not to work.
A professional technician will be needed in this case to diagnose and repair the malfunction.
Rear Parking Sensor Error: Can You Drive?
The rear parking sensor error can be driven with.
If your sensors are malfunctioning, it will only affect your ability to reverse if the reverse lights aren’t working.
When reversing, you will no longer have the assistance of your sensors, so you will have to be extra cautious.
You should take immediate action to resolve this problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ParkSense Unavailable Service Required” mean?
The message “ParkSense Unavailable Service Required” indicates that the vehicle’s ParkSense system, which assists with parking by detecting obstacles, is not functioning properly. This could be due to various reasons, including sensor obstruction, electrical issues, or software malfunctions.
How can I troubleshoot this issue at home?
Clean the Sensors: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the sensors located in the rear bumper.
Check Fuses: Locate and inspect the relevant fuses (often labeled in the owner’s manual) to ensure they are intact.
Disconnect and Reconnect Battery: Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes may reset the system, although this method does not always work.
When should I seek professional help?
If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, or if you notice persistent electrical problems, it is advisable to take your vehicle to a dealership or a qualified mechanic. They can perform advanced diagnostics and repairs that may involve resetting or replacing components of the ParkSense system.
Can I reset the ParkSense system myself?
While some users have reported success in resetting their systems by disconnecting the battery or using specific OBD-II scan tools, it is often more reliable to have a professional handle resets, especially if specialized equipment is required.
Is there a specific tool recommended for diagnosing ParkSense issues?
For diagnosing ParkSense issues, certain OBD-II scan tools are recommended. Models like the Innova #3160RS have been mentioned in forums as capable of reading codes related to ParkSense systems. However, compatibility may vary by vehicle model and year.
What if my vehicle has been modified?
Modifications such as changing bumpers or installing larger tires can affect the functionality of the ParkSense system. In such cases, recalibration or installation of specific modules may be necessary to restore functionality.
