Car manufacturers, over time, have introduced newer technologies in modern cars to provide extra protection for drivers, car occupants, and other road users. One of such systems is the service driver assist system, also called driver assistance.
The system typically helps improve car and road safety as well as comfort. However, this system can show a message on the dash that gets many worried. So, what does the service driver assist system mean on a dash, and how do you fix it?
What does service driver assist system mean on dashboard?
The service driver assist system message that pops on your dash is an error message indicating something is wrong with the system – commonly in haptic seat motor issue and rare issues include faulty steering wheel, software issues, and module problems. More on those later.
The service driver assist system, popularly called driver assistance and also known as advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), are technologies in modern vehicles that keep your car in total control.
The system consists of electronically controlled components that make driving comfortable and improve safety, invariably saving lives. This is true because whatever happens with a moving vehicle can affect not just car occupants but road users in general.
While some driver assistance helps take action to prevent a crash, others help alert drivers about potential hazards or errors. For example, if a driver is not quick to brake during an emergency, the automatic brake can activate and brake on behalf of the driver.
The cruise control can help adjust vehicle speed depending on the traffic situation. ADAS can also alert drivers when drifting away from their lane, thanks to the lane departure warning. ADAS also uses adaptive cruise control and lane center assist to keep a car in the middle of its driving lane.
The system can also alert you when you are drowsy, thanks to the drowsiness detector.
While helping to control your car, driver assistance can also help in finding locations, planning routes, and detecting obstacles.
Generally, how simple or complicated your system is depends on your car’s make, model, and year. It could be as simple as activating the antilocking brake or as complex as dealing with software and hardware that operate self-driving vehicles.
While many features make up the driver service assist system, how many come with your car depends on your car’s make, model, year, and manufacturer. So, the number of service driver assist system in 2015 Tahoe might be different from the service driver assist system 2021 Escalade.
Some ADAS include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, drowsiness detection, anti-locking brake, intelligent speed control, etc. Others include tire pressure monitoring system, adaptive light control, Blind spot detection, lane departure warning, etc.
Why service driver assist system error message comes?
As mentioned already, the error message can pop mostly due to a shorted circuit in the haptic seat motor. Others include software issues and faulty steering wheels or modules. Thankfully, this cuts across service driver assist system in Tahoe, service driver assist system in GMC Yukon, and other cars with the system. So you might find this information useful in your specific models.
Failing haptic seat motor circuit
A damaged or broken haptic motor circuit is the most common cause of the driver assist system error message. So, this is likely the issue with the service driver assist system in your Yukon or service driver assist system in GMC.
The haptic seat motors are part of the driver assistance and are what helps your seat vibrate. There are two haptic seat motors —one on the right and the other on the left. The haptic seats work with wires, which are monitored by the module.
This wire could get broken due to age or physical damage. When the module detects broken or damaged wires, it deactivates the system, prompting that error message.
Faulty steering wheel
While rare, the steering wheel can trigger the message. The steering wheels steer your car, particularly set your car in a specific direction. When ADAS detects the steering wheel is loose or shaky, it prompts the message to pop.
Whether it’s the service driver assist system in Escalade or the service driver assist system Buick envision, be sure to check the steering wheel when you see the message.
Faulty module
Another rare but possible cause of the service driver assist system message on your dash is a faulty adaptive cruise control module. The driver assistance system uses two modules —one behind the rear bumper cover and the other behind the front bumper cover.
These modules help regulate collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive lighting. When the module malfunctions, it can cause the message to pop on your dash. This can happen even with service driver assist system in the 2022 Yukon or the service driver assist system in the 2022 Suburban, so keep alert.
Software problems
While the message on the dash mostly points to faulty components within the drive assist system, it could be a software issue. The system is powered by a certain software, so a glitch in the software could cause the message to pop.
In other cases, the software could be out of date. Whether it’s the service driver assist system in Cadillac or the Chevy service driver assist system, don’t rule out software issues.
How do you fix it?
Here is how to fix service driver assist system. Whether it’s the service driver assist system in Chevy Silverado or any other car, these tips are useful.
Find the culprit via diagnosis.
The fastest way to fix an issue is first to know its cause. Plug a scan tool into the OBD II port in your car; the scanner should reveal some fault codes. Each fault code points to specific components causing the issue.
Clear error codes
Sometimes, these fault codes could pop up for no reason. To be sure it’s not an error, use the scanner to clear all codes. Drive for a while and see which code returns. If none returns, it’s probably an error; otherwise, fix it as needed.
Inspect the haptic seat motor.
Open the haptic seat to access the motor. Then, check the motor for any broken wire; in many cases, the motor on the left side is most prone to wiring issues. This wire connects from the back of the motor to the seat cushion; pull it out and inspect it. If the wires are broken, you can fix them by soldering the wires together.
However, it is often recommended to change the motor instead.
Suppose you don’t find any broken wire; you may need to check your car’s memory seat module (MSM) for trouble code using an OBD scanner. The MSM are the controls by the left and right motors. If you can’t find any fault code, physically inspect the active safety control module and memory seat module.
Update software
No specific code indicates a software issue, so a scan tool might not help. If all other approaches fail, take your car to a dealer to check the software and update it if needed.
Disconnect the battery
First, disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 15 minutes and reconnect it. Next is to clear all engine codes using an OBD II scanner. You will also need to reset all settings, including the seat module.
Follow the information on your manufacturer’s website to complete the process. If the message doesn’t go away, other things may be the issue. Thankfully, this can work for any car, whether the service driver assist system in 2015 Tahoe or the service driver assist system in 2021 Escalade.
Replace the steering wheel.
If the issue stems from a failing steering wheel, you may need to change it. Suppose your car is still under warranty; your dealer should cover the replacement cost.
Fix module problems
Issues with modules are usually best left to the hands of dealers. So visit them for further instructions.
Reset the system
Resetting the driver assistance system can also help get rid of the message. Resetting will differ from car to car. But in Ford, putting the ignition on and off with the car stationary can reset it.
Another way to reset is to close and open the door while your car has stopped. This can, however, work when the message was an error, or you’ve repaired the faults within the driver assist system.
Which driver assist is the best?
According to consumer reports, the best driver assistance is Ford’s Blue Cruise. With the Cadillac Super Cruise coming second, Mercedes Benz emerged third. Not all vehicles utilize the same number of driver assistance.
So, vehicles used for this test are those with active driver assistance (ADA). That is, systems that utilize adaptive cruise control to regulate speed and lane centering assist for steering control. Hence, several cars were not included in the test.
However, one reason Ford’s blue Cruise stood out among other cars used for the test is its ability to almost self-drive. While not a self-driving car, Ford’s blue Cruise allows drivers to relax and let go of the steering sometimes as the system can brake and accelerate while maintaining a reasonable distance from other vehicles ahead. This, in reality, many other vehicles driver assistance can’t do. They only give drivers a false notion that the system is regulating everything.
Does driver assist reduce accidents?
Driver assists reduce accidents by taking control of the car or alerting drivers of dangers ahead. For example, if a driver delays braking during an emergency, the automatic emergency brake can take over and apply the brakes immediately averting an accident thus.
Driver assistance like lane departure warning or drowsiness detection can alert drivers of impending dangers. Giving drivers room to make timely adjustments. This helps to avoid crashing into stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
Final Words
The Service driver assist system provides extra security, saves lives, and improves driving comfort. It does this by alerting you of impending dangers or helping you drive the car if needed. So ensure you inspect and fix the system when the service driver assist system message pops.
The message could pop up due to a haptic motor short-circuited and other times a faulty steering wheel, module, and even software glitch. The fastest way to detect why the message pops is by diagnosing it with an OBD II scanner.
