Theory Of Operation

Vehicles equipped with the blind spot detection feature have an independent radar sensor/blind spot sensor mounted in the rear bumper fascia on both sides. The Left Blind Spot Sensor (LBSS) and Right Blind Spot Sensor (RBSS) communicate directly on the CAN-IHS bus, and control indicators in their perspective side view mirror. The system continuously monitors the rear blind spots on both sides of the vehicle when any forward gear is engaged and the speed is higher than approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The blind spot detection system switches into standby mode if the Park position is selected.

The system will warn the driver by lighting specific icons on the side view mirrors if the relative speed is slower than approximately 50 km/h (31 mph). This includes objects which start moving in this area, such as adjacent vehicles when the traffic lights turn green moving the same direction when 10 km/h (6 mph) is reached. The warning light on the side view mirror on the corresponding side will light up if another vehicle is overtaken slowly at a speed slower than approximately 24 km/h (15 mph) and the vehicle stays in the blind spot for about 1.5 seconds. The warning light will not light up if the difference in speed between the two vehicles is greater than approximately 24 km/h (15 mph).

The system monitors for vehicles/objects in the rear area of the vehicle. If the vehicle/objects approach the rear of the car in a perpendicular path while Reverse gear is engaged, the driver will be notified by a noise and indicators in the respective side view mirror. The vehicle or objects must be approaching at a speed of lower than 35 km/h (22 mph). When the appropriate conditions exist, the LBSS/RBSS controller energize the sensor to generate a 25 Gigahertz radar pulse through the blind spot zone on that side of the vehicle. The sensor receives and filters the radar signals being returned from any objects detected within the zone, then transmits the appropriate data identifying the position and speed to the controller.

The LBSS/RBSS controller analyzes the sensor data to determine whether any detected objects should be reported. When it is determined that an object should be reported, the microcontroller sends electronic request messages over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to the Body Control Module (BCM) and the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) to generate chime tones as an audible alert. The LBSS/RBSS controller also sends electronic messages to the Entertainment Telematics Module (ETM) to mute any current output through the sound system speakers.