Buick Regal: Side Blind Zone Alert Description and Operation

B218R - B218R Side Object Sensor Module - Right
A9B - A9B Outside Rearview Mirror - Passenger
A11 - A11 Radio
B218L - B218L Side Object Sensor Module - Left
A9A - A9A Outside Rearview Mirror - Driver
K40 - K40 Seat Memory Control Module
P45LR - Seat Haptic Movement Motor - Driver Left Rear
P45RR - Seat Haptic Movement Motor - Driver Right Rear

NOTE: Not all items in block diagram may apply to specific vehicle. Refer to wiring schematics for specific vehicle wiring diagrams.

Description and Operation

The side blind zone alert system shall detect and report "objects of interest" on either side of the vehicle, within a specified "blind spot" zone. The system is designed to alert the driver, with a visual display placed on the side view mirror, to the presence of objects of interest that may not be visible in the inside rearview mirror and outside rear view mirrors. Although this system is intended to help drivers avoid lane change crashes, it does not replace driver vision and therefore should be considered a lane change aid. Even with the side blind zone alert system, the driver must check carefully for objects outside of the reporting zone (e.g., a fast approaching vehicle) before changing lanes. In the event that the system senses a malfunction through its diagnostic routines, the system will be disabled and the driver will be visually notified.

When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone while driving forward, an amber warning symbol will light up in the appropriate outside mirror. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the amber warning symbol starts flashing as an extra warning not to change lanes.

Side blind zone alert is active when the vehicle is out of park or the parking brake is off on manual transmission vehicles and at speeds up to approximately 140 km/h (87 MPH). If a vehicle is detected in the blind zone, the warning symbols will turn illuminate on the appropriate side. When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays will briefly come on to indicate that the system is operating. The warning symbols will vary brightness based on the ambient light conditions.

Side Blind Zone Alert System Components

The side blind zone alert system is made up of the following components:

• Left side object sensor module (also used for rear cross traffic alert)
• Right side object sensor module (also used for rear cross traffic alert)
• Driver outside rearview mirror
• Passenger outside rearview mirror

Side Object Sensor Modules

The side object sensor modules are located on each side of the vehicle behind the rear fascia and are not directly visible from outside the vehicle. The sensors use radar to determine the presence of objects nearby. When an object is detected in the side blind zone, the side object sensor module supplies voltage to illuminate the visual indicator on the appropriate side rear view mirror. Each sensor is supplied B+ and ground. The right sensor receives an additional ground. Both sensors communicate independently on the serial data line. The serial data enters the left sensor in a pass-thru configuration, that connects to the right sensor. The scan tool is able to individually communicate with each sensor.

Outside Rearview Mirrors

The outside rearview mirrors contain an icon that is backlit with high intensity, amber-colored LED's located on the mirror surface. The display brightness adapts to day/night conditions. The side blind zone alert indicator icon in the left or right outside rearview mirror is illuminated if the left or right side object sensor module detects a vehicle in the side blind zone to inform the driver that there is a vehicle driving in the blind spot zone.

Side Blind Zone Alert Operation

When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays will briefly come on to indicate that the system is operating. The system is designed to detect objects of interest as small as a 125cc motorcycle with rider. The detection zone starts at the outside rearview mirror and extends out to 3.5 m (11 ft) at the back corner of the vehicle and 3 m (10 ft) behind the vehicle at a height of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) to 2.0 m (6 ft) above the ground. The system may light up an indicator due to guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other nonmoving objects. This is normal system operation; the vehicle does not need service.

When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone while driving forward, independent if passing a vehicle or being passed, an amber warning symbol will light up in the appropriate outside mirror. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the amber warning symbol starts flashing as an extra warning not to change lanes.

Foul weather may affect the operation of the side blind zone system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, can completely disable the system.

If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object such as a bicycle rack attached to the rear of the vehicle, the side blind zone system may not function properly and the indicators may illuminate intermittently or remain illuminated all the time.

Side Blind Zone Alert Driver Information Center Messages

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT OFF

This message indicates that the system has been disabled through the driver information center. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for instructions on how to set personalization options on the driver information center.

SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM

This message indicates that the system requires service. When the message is displayed, the indicators will remain illuminated at all times, notifying the driver that the side blind zone system should not be relied upon when changing lanes. Since the sensors are also used for rear cross traffic alert, this feature will also be inoperative.

SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE

This message indicates that the system has been temporarily disabled because the sensor is blocked or can otherwise not accurately detect vehicles or objects. Such instances may be mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, heavy rainfall, excessive road spray, fascia damage or stickers.

The rear cross traffic alert system will read the GPS latitude and longitude on the serial data bus and calculate if the vehicle is within a Radio Astronomy zone. These zones are located in Europe and Japan and require the sensors to be turned off. The "Side Detection System Unavailable" message will be displayed to the driver when this occurs.

Lane Change Alert Operation (if equipped)

Lane Change Alert (LCA) can be disabled in vehicle personalized settings, this will also disable the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system. When disabled, the bulb check of the mirror indicators will also be disabled. A driver information center message will be displayed at start up when the LCA system is disabled. This feature must be enabled prior to trying to diagnose the system.

The lane change alert system shall detect and report objects in the driver's blind zone, or approaching on either side of the vehicle, within a specified lane change zone. The system is designed to alert the driver, with a visual display placed on the side view mirror, to the presence of objects of interest that may not be visible in the inside rearview mirror and outside rear view mirrors. Although this system is intended to help drivers avoid lane change crashes, it does not replace driver vision and therefore should be considered a lane change aid. Even with the lane change alert system, the driver must check carefully for objects outside of the reporting zone before changing lanes. In the event that the system senses a malfunction through its diagnostic routines, the system will be disabled and the driver will be visually notified.

When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays will briefly come on to indicate that the system is operating. The warning symbols will vary brightness based on the ambient light conditions. Lane change alert is active when the vehicle is out of park or the parking brake is off on manual transmission vehicles. When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone or approaching in the lane change alert zone while driving forward, an amber warning symbol will light up in the appropriate outside mirror. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the amber warning symbol starts flashing as an extra warning not to change lanes.

The system is designed to detect objects of interest as small as a 125cc motorcycle with rider. The detection zone starts at the outside rearview mirror and extends out to 3.5 m (11 ft) at the back corner of the vehicle and 70 m (230 ft) behind the vehicle at a height between 0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2.0 m (6 ft) above the ground. The system may light up an indicator due to guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other nonmoving objects. This is normal system operation; the vehicle does not need service.

If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object such as a bicycle rack attached to the rear of the vehicle, the lane change alert system may not function properly and the indicators may illuminate intermittently or remain illuminated all the time. The driver information center may display "SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE".

Foul weather may affect the operation of the lane change alert system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, can completely disable the system. The warning symbols will vary brightness based on the ambient light conditions.

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