U0159 on 2015-2018 Chevrolet Tahoe: Lost Communication with Park Assist Module Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2018 Chevrolet TAHOE

For this specific generation of Tahoe and its K2XX platform mates (Suburban, Yukon, Silverado, etc.), the U0159 code is very frequently a software issue rather than a hardware failure. GM issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that a software anomaly could cause the Park Assist Control Module to stop communicating, especially on startup. Unlike many other vehicles where this code points to wiring or module failure, the first step for a Tahoe in this year range is to check for the required software update, which a dealer can perform.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Service Park Assist" or "Park Assist Off" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• The parking assist system is inoperative and cannot be turned on or off.
• Audible beeps and distance graphics for the parking sensors do not work.
• The issue may be intermittent, sometimes clearing after restarting the vehicle, especially on 2016 models.
• A user on the Tahoe Yukon Forum noted that strange electrical messages can sometimes be a precursor to a failing battery, which can cause module communication issues.

Most Likely Causes

1. Park Assist Control Module Software Anomaly 🔴 High Probability → Shop Park Assist Control Module GM issued TSBs #PIT5507E and its predecessors specifically for this issue on 2015-2018 Tahoes and other K2XX trucks, indicating a known software glitch that can cause the module to become unresponsive at startup.
   How to confirm: A GM dealer or a shop with GM diagnostic software (like TIS2WEB) can check the current calibration of the Park Assist Control Module (K41) and see if an update is available per TSB PIT5507E.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the Park Assist Control Module with the latest software calibration using GM's TIS2WEB service. This is typically a 1-hour labor charge at a dealership.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Blown Fuse for Park Assist Module 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Collision Avoidance Sensor
   How to confirm: Check the fuse for the park assist system. On these Tahoes, it is often located in the instrument panel fuse block on the passenger side. Specifically, fuse F28 has been cited by owners as the correct fuse.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse. If the fuse blows again, further diagnosis is needed to find a short circuit in the wiring or module.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5
3. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability The Park Assist Control Module and its wiring are often located in the rear of the vehicle, exposed to the elements, which can lead to corrosion or damage over time. A video of a 2016 GMC Denali showed corrosion in the module connector 🎬 Watch: See how corrosion in the connector causes this code. behind the rear wheel as the cause of a U0159 code. Another common failure point on these GM trucks is a wiring harness pinch point between the body and frame in the rear of the vehicle near the spare tire, which can sever wires for multiple modules.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors going to the Park Assist Control Module for any signs of corrosion, water intrusion, or physical damage. Check for power and ground at the module connector with a multimeter. Also inspect the main harness where it passes from the body to the frame in the rear of the vehicle.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the corroded connector. In the case of the corroded Denali connector, the harness and module were replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$100
4. Faulty Park Assist Control Module (PACM) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Park Assist Control Module
   How to confirm: After confirming the software is up to date and that the module is receiving proper power and ground, a technician can use a high-end scan tool to try and communicate directly with the module. If it fails to respond, the module itself is likely faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the Park Assist Control Module. The new module will require programming to the vehicle's VIN. A user on a forum noted that when retrofitting park assist, a used module they had programmed failed after a few days, while a new, programmed module worked perfectly, suggesting new OEM parts are more reliable.
   Est. part cost: $65-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low Battery Voltage:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional scan tool capable of reading GM-specific codes from all modules.
2. Confirm that U0159 is present in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and/or Body Control Module (BCM).
3. Check for any available Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to U0159 for your vehicle's VIN. Specifically, reference TSB #PIT5507E, which recommends a software update.
4. If a software update is indicated by the TSB, have the Park Assist Control Module (PACM) reprogrammed with the latest calibration. This is the most common fix.
5. If the code persists after the update, check the fuse for the park assist system (often F28 in the passenger-side interior fuse panel). 🎬 See this guide to locating all Tahoe fuse block panels. A forum user confirmed this solved their issue.
6. If the fuse is good, check the vehicle's battery health. Low voltage can cause various module communication issues.
7. If the battery and fuse are good, locate the Park Assist Control Module (often in the rear of the vehicle, behind the bumper cover or wheel well) and inspect its connector and nearby wiring for damage or corrosion.
8. Using a multimeter, verify that the module is receiving battery voltage and has a good ground connection at its connector.
9. If power, ground, and wiring are all good, and the software has been updated, the Park Assist Control Module itself is the most likely culprit and should be replaced and programmed.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Park Assist Control Module (OEM #84169042 (supersedes 84348729)) — If a software update and wiring checks do not resolve the issue, the module itself has likely failed internally. This is the final step after ruling out more common, simpler causes. This part requires programming by a dealer or qualified shop.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $67-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT5507E: Mentions U0159 setting in the IPC/BCM and recommends reprogramming the Park Assist Control Module with updated calibrations to correct the concern. This TSB applies to a wide range of 2015-2018 GM trucks and SUVs.
• PIT5507C / PIT5507D: Superseded versions of the bulletin that also point to a software update as the fix for U0159 on 2016 models that experience the issue at startup.
• PIT-5507: An earlier version of the bulletin also stating that engineering is working on an updated calibration to correct U0159.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known software glitch can cause the U0159 code to set intermittently at startup, which can often be resolved by reprogramming the module rather than replacing it. This is documented in TSB PIT5507E.
• Aftermarket accessories attached to the front or rear bumpers, such as bull bars or large trailer hitches, can interfere with sensor operation and may cause the system to disable itself, though this does not typically set a U0159 code.
• The wiring harness in the rear of the vehicle is susceptible to corrosion and physical damage. A YouTube video showed a U0159 on a related GMC Denali caused by a corroded connector behind the rear wheel. Another video on a Tahoe showed a common pinch point for the main harness near the spare tire that can cause various communication codes.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Individual Parking Sensor Operation — expected: A faint, pulsing 'Geiger counter' or clicking sound.. Failure: The sensor is completely silent, indicating it is not emitting an ultrasonic pulse.
• Parking Sensor Harness Pin Voltage — expected: The 3-wire sensor connector should have a reference voltage (often 8V), a ground, and a signal wire.. Failure: Absence of reference voltage, or a ground resistance greater than 5 ohms, indicates a wiring problem before the sensor.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• U0159 00: The '00' is a GM-specific symptom byte that typically means 'No Additional Information'. While it doesn't add much diagnostic detail on its own, its presence confirms the code is being read by a tool capable of seeing manufacturer-specific data, and it's not just a generic OBD-II reading. (see via This type of code is typically visible on professional-grade scan tools like the GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) or high-end aftermarket scanners.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM): Module Diagnostics > K41 Park Assist Control Module > Control Functions — After checking for codes, a technician can use GDS2 to attempt to directly command the Park Assist Control Module (PACM). If the module responds to bidirectional commands (like activating a self-test or reading sensor data), it confirms the module is powered and at least partially functional, pointing the diagnosis more toward a network communication issue between modules. If it doesn't respond, it points toward a power, ground, or internal module failure.
• SPS (Service Programming System): Reprogram Park Assist Control Module — This is the specific function used to apply the software update recommended by TSB PIT5507E. It is also required after replacing the module to load the correct software and VIN.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• K41 Park Assist Control Module — Mounted behind the rear bumper cover, often on the passenger side of the vehicle.. This is the module that has lost communication. Its location makes it and its connector susceptible to moisture intrusion, corrosion, and physical damage from minor rear impacts.
• G400 / G401 — These are chassis ground points mounted to the left rear body mount on the frame, located behind the left rear tire.. These are primary grounds for the rear of the vehicle. Since the K41 module is located at the rear, a poor or corroded connection at these grounds can cause intermittent power loss and communication failures for the park assist system.
• F28 (Passenger I/P Fuse Block) — Located in the fuse block on the side of the instrument panel, accessible when the passenger door is open.. This 10-amp fuse provides power to the Park Assist Control Module. If this fuse is blown, the module will be completely offline, causing a U0159 code.
• Rear Bumper Harness Connector — Located behind the rear bumper cover, this connector links the main body harness to the sub-harness for the rear bumper components, including the parking sensors and the control module.. This is a critical failure point. Corrosion or loose pins in this connector can interrupt power, ground, or the communication line to the K41 module, directly causing the U0159 code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/Chevrolet (2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ) — Intermittent and widespread driver assist errors including Stabilitrak, suspension, trailer brake, power steering, park assist, and adaptive cruise. Multiple warning lights would appear on the dash randomly.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the battery., Cleaning corroded connectors and wires., Replacing a wiring harness and the trailer brake module., Replacing the negative battery cable.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The story was unresolved. The owner had spent thousands of dollars at multiple shops, including a dealership, and the intermittent electrical problems persisted. This highlights how complex network communication issues can be, often involving subtle wiring or ground faults that are difficult to pinpoint even for professionals.
• YouTube video on a related platform (2015 Cadillac Escalade (K2XX Platform)) — "Service Park Assist" message, entire system inoperative.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing multiple broken parking sensors with aftermarket (eBay) versions. The system still did not work and would not clear codes.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was finally solved by replacing the faulty sensors with used, but genuine OEM (GM-branded) sensors. The vehicle's system would not communicate correctly with the aftermarket sensors, even though they physically fit. After installing the OEM sensors and clearing the codes, the system functioned properly.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 84348729 → 84169042 — Standard part number update by the manufacturer for revision or supplier change.
  Heads up: No known incompatibility; the new part is the correct service replacement. However, this part absolutely requires programming and setup with GM's Service Programming System (SPS) after installation to function.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2016: TSB PIT5507E and its predecessors specifically call out 2016 models as being prone to an intermittent U0159 code that sets on startup and may clear after an ignition cycle. The fix is a specific software calibration update for the Park Assist Control Module.