It appears you’re experiencing trouble disabling the ParkSense system on your 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, particularly when trying to tow a trailer. You’re not alone, and understanding how this system works and how to properly disengage it is crucial for situations like yours. Let’s explore the steps and potential reasons why you might be facing difficulties turning off park assist.
The ParkSense system, common in models like your Pacifica Touring L, uses sensors to detect obstacles around your vehicle. This is incredibly helpful for parking and maneuvering in tight spots. It also includes features like automatic emergency braking when reversing, designed to prevent collisions. Typically, a button located on your center console allows you to toggle this system on and off.
However, as you’ve noticed, sometimes the system seems to have a mind of its own, re-engaging immediately after you attempt to turn it off. This can be frustrating, especially when towing a trailer, as the sensors may interpret the trailer as an obstacle, causing unwanted braking.
Here are common methods to turn off park assist and why they might not be working for you:
1. Using the ParkSense Button:
- In most Chrysler Pacifica models, a dedicated button, often labeled with a “P” symbol inside a sensor-like graphic, is situated on the center console, usually below the infotainment screen.
- Pressing this button should disable the ParkSense system. The instrument cluster display should indicate “ParkSense Off.”
- Problem: You mentioned this button turns the system off momentarily before it reactivates. This suggests a potential system fault or a condition where the system is designed to automatically re-engage.
2. Disabling Automatic Emergency Braking in Settings:
- As you found in your owner’s manual, the Uconnect system settings often allow you to customize or disable certain ParkSense features.
- Navigate through your infotainment screen to “Settings,” then look for “Safety & Driving Assistance” or a similar menu.
- Within these settings, you should find an option to disable “Automatic Reverse Braking” or “Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.”
- Unchecking this box should, in theory, prevent the automatic braking feature from engaging when reversing.
- Problem: You mentioned that unchecking this box results in it immediately rechecking itself. This strongly indicates a system malfunction or a software glitch preventing your settings from being saved.
Possible Reasons Why Park Assist Won’t Stay Off:
- Sensor Obstruction or Malfunction: While seemingly counterintuitive if you’re trying to disable it because of a trailer, a dirty or damaged sensor could be sending faulty readings. The system might be re-engaging because it believes there’s a persistent obstacle. Inspect your ParkSense sensors around the vehicle for dirt, debris, or damage.
- System Fault or Error: The behavior you describe – the system immediately re-engaging and settings reverting – points towards a potential fault within the ParkSense system’s control module or related software.
- Trailer Hitch Interference: Some aftermarket trailer hitches, or even the factory-installed hitch if not properly configured in the vehicle’s system (though less likely in a 2017 model), could be interfering with the ParkSense sensors.
- Software Glitch: Like any complex electronic system, a software glitch could be causing the system to malfunction.
Troubleshooting Steps (Beyond What You’ve Tried):
- Thorough Sensor Cleaning: Even if sensors look clean, gently clean them with a soft, damp cloth. Ensure no debris is blocking them.
- Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): While you might need a scan tool, some auto parts stores offer free code scanning. A DTC related to the ParkSense system could provide valuable clues.
- Review Owner’s Manual Again: Re-read the ParkSense section of your owner’s manual carefully. There might be specific conditions or procedures for disabling the system that you may have overlooked.
- Consider a System Reset (Cautiously): Disclaimer: Proceed with caution and at your own risk. Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for 10-15 minutes might reset some electronic systems. However, this is not guaranteed to fix the issue and could have unintended consequences. Consult your owner’s manual regarding battery disconnection or seek professional advice before attempting this.
When to Seek Professional Help:
Given that you’ve already contacted Chrysler and your dealer, and the issue persists, seeking professional diagnosis and repair is the most prudent course of action. The fact that the system immediately re-engages and settings won’t save strongly suggests a problem that requires dealer-level diagnostics.
While waiting for your dealer appointment, unfortunately, there may not be a reliable temporary fix to completely disable ParkSense for trailer towing based on the symptoms you described. Proceed with extreme caution when reversing with the trailer, being fully aware that the auto-braking system might engage unexpectedly.
Ultimately, a dealership visit is necessary to properly diagnose and resolve why your ParkSense system refuses to stay off. They have the tools and expertise to pinpoint the exact cause, whether it’s a sensor issue, software problem, or a deeper system malfunction.
