Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind Spot Monitoring

Principles of Operation

NOTE: When a MyKey(TM) restricted key is in use, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS(R)) and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system cannot be turned off in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).

NOTE: If the vehicle is towing a trailer the BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) or CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system may detect the trailer and cause a false alert.

NOTE: The BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) and CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system both utilize the Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left (SOD-L), Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right (SOD-R) and the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LEDs.

The BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) and CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system utilizes 2 modules that have integral radar sensors located rearward of the rear wheel under the rear bumper cover. The 2 modules, SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right), are hardwired to the exterior mirrors to illuminate the LEDs. The SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right) run a self-diagnostic check on each vehicle start cycle and illuminate the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LED for approximately 3 seconds indicating the BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) and CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) is operational. For BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System), the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LED is at 95 percent illumination to be seen clearly during the day and is dimmed down to 10 percent at night. For the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system, the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LED is always at 85 percent illumination.

The SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right) receive and send network messages over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) to communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Parking Aid Module (PAM).

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS(R))

When the vehicle is started, both exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LEDs briefly illuminate to indicate the system is operating. If a BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) fault is present, the LEDs remain illuminated and a message in the message center displays BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT. System faults can occur that cause the associated left or right exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LED not to illuminate; only the message center message fault is displayed.

The SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right) receive the network messages for vehicle speed and gear shifter position over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) from the BCM (Body Control Module). BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) becomes active the first time the transaxle is placed in drive after starting the engine and driving forward at a vehicle speed greater than 5 km/h (3 mph). Upon that initial sequence, BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) remains active for all speeds including 0 km/h (0 mph). BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) is also active if the transaxle is placed in neutral. If the transaxle is selected out of drive or neutral the system has entered the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) mode. When the transaxle is shifted back into drive BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) is activated once the vehicle is driven above 5 km/h (3 mph).

NOTE: BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) does not normally detect parked vehicles, pedestrians or objects such as fences, guard rails, trees, etc. The BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) does not provide any additional warning when the turn signal is activated.

BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) can trigger an alert for vehicles that enter the blind zone from the rear or merge into the blind zone from the side. The exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LED illuminates in the right and/or left exterior mirror. For vehicles that are being passed or enter the blind zone from the front, the system can trigger an alert only after the vehicle is present in the blind zone for more than 2 seconds. For vehicles that pass through the blind zone quickly, typically less than 2 seconds, BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) cannot trigger an alert.

For correct operation of BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System), the rear side bumper cover should be free of obstructions such as a large build up of mud, snow or ice. Small build up of debris and materials does not hinder the operation of the system. There should be no bumper stickers of any type placed in this area of the bumper cover.

Due to the nature of radar technology, false alerts and missed vehicles or objects (referred to as targets) may occur under certain circumstances. False alerts occur when the LED illuminates with no target present. False alerts up to 3% (3 out of 100 targets) is normal operation. Circumstances that cause false alerts are:

- freeway dividers

- concrete walls

- fencing

- sharp turns around a pole or building

- coming to a stop with a vehicle directly behind and very close

False alerts are temporary and self-correct.

Missed targets occur when a target is present and the LED does not illuminate. Missed targets up to 1% (1 out of 100 targets) are normal operation. Circumstances that cause missed targets are:

- debris build up on the rear bumper sides

- certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone

- vehicles passing through the blind zone at high rates of speed

- severe weather conditions

- when several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone

The exterior mirror indicators may not operate correctly when the vehicle accelerates from a standing-start with a vehicle alongside.

BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) can be turned off by selecting the blind spot on/off function in the message center. BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) is turned off in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) by selecting the blind spot system with the message center switches. The message BLIND SPOT OFF is displayed in the message center. When turning BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) from on to off or off to on, the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LEDs flash twice. When BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) is off, the driver cannot receive any alerts. The system is reactivated on the next ignition cycle.

BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) can be disabled permanently (even after an ignition cycle) by using a scan tool. When using the scan tool disable function in the programmable parameters menu, BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) remains disabled until it is reactivated using the scan tool. When the system is disabled the message center displays BLIND SPOT DISABLED. A system fault occurs if BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) is not disabled in both the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and the SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right).

There are some system faults that can set DTCs which are logged in the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) or SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right). These DTCs can set a message in the message center that displays BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT. There are also symptom based faults that do not set a DTC. GO to Symptom Chart Blind Spot Monitoring.

Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) System

NOTE: The BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) and CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system both utilize the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left), SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right) and the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LEDs.

NOTE: The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system faults may not occur until the transaxle is placed in reverse.

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system is an alert feature that assists the driver in backing out of a front-in parking space. When the transaxle is in reverse the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system is active. The driver is warned of an approaching vehicle when an audio alert chime from the parking aid speaker sounds, the right or left exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) amber LED flashes, and the message center displays CROSS TRAFFIC VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT or CROSS TRAFFIC VEHICLE COMING FROM LEFT to warn the driver from which direction the vehicle is approaching.

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system detects a vehicle approaching up to 14 m (45 ft) away (approximately the width of five parking spaces). Backing out of parking spots slowly increases the radar sensor coverage in close proximity situations. The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system coverage also decreases when parking at shallow angles, which is described in the Owner's Literature.

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system utilizes the same SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right) as the BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System).

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system cannot normally detect stationary vehicles, humans, animals or objects such as fences, guard rails or trees. The system does not function when the transaxle is not in REVERSE (R).

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system has some detection limitations due to the nature of the radar technology for the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right). There can be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the blind spot zone may not be detected. The circumstances that may cause non-detection are:

- Debris build up on the rear bumper sides

- The rear quarter panel of the vehicle is obstructed or partially obstructed by an adjacently parked vehicle or object

- Approaching vehicle passing at speeds greater than 24 km/h (15 mph)

- Severe weather conditions

- Driving in reverse (R) faster than 5 km/h (3 mph)

- Backing out of an angled parking spot

Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances when the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system alerts the operator, however no object or vehicle (referred to as targets) is present when backing up. This is known as a false alert. False alerts to 5% (5 times out of 100 reversals) are normal. A false alert may occur when backing out of a garage or backing into a parking space and objects or vehicles are very close to the radar sensors. False alerts are temporary and self-correct.

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system can be turned off by selecting the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system on/off function in the message center. The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system is turned off in the message center by selecting the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system with the message center switches. The message CROSS TRAFFIC OFF is displayed in the message center. The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system cannot be deactivated in the message center when the transaxle is in reverse. The system is reactivated on the next ignition cycle.

The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system can be disabled permanently (even after an ignition cycle) by using a scan tool. When using the scan tool disable function in the programmable parameters menu, the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system remains disabled until it is reactivated using the scan tool. When the system is disabled the message center displays CROSS TRAFFIC DISABLED. A system fault occurs if the CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system is not disabled in both the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) and the SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right).

There are some system faults that set DTCs which are logged in the SOD-L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Left) or SOD-R (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module - Right). These DTCs that are logged can set a message in the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) message center that displays CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAULT. There are also some symptom based faults that do not set a DTC. GO to Symptom Chart Blind Spot Monitoring.

Blocked Sensor

NOTE: The CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system faults may not occur until the transaxle is placed in reverse.

An excessive build up of materials on the left and/or right rear bumper sides, such as mud or snow, can cause the BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) or CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system functionality to degrade. Heavy rain can have the same effect. If the system is in a blocked state, the radar misses targets, but still counts them. After approximately 4 counted/missed targets, the system sends a blocked sensor message over the MS-CAN (Medium Speed Controller Area Network) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). The message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED message. If the blocked condition is determined by either system the message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE or CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE and the appropriate left and/or right exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LED illuminates.

The message center warning can be cleared by the driver but the exterior mirror BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) /CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) LED remains illuminated. Once the blockage is removed, the system requires some drive time and a system detection of at least two vehicle objects prior to realizing it is unblocked. The ignition key can also be cycled off to clear the blocked state. However, if the blockage is still present after the key cycle and after some drive time, the system detects again that it is blocked. The blocked message is displayed again in the message center.

Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blocked sensor warning without the radar sensor being blocked. This is rare and is known as a false blockage warning. A false blocked condition either self-clears or clears after an ignition cycle.

There are several conditions that cause the BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System) or CTA (Cross Traffic Alert) system to not operate correctly. These conditions include:

- Ice, snow or soil adhering to the rear quarter panel surface around the radar sensor.

- Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or heavy snow or under conditions where water is sprayed.

The rear quarter panels and rear bumper cover should be cleaned of mud, snow, ice or any obstruction to restore normal operation.