System Lights and Messages
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The BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert systems
illuminate a yellow alert indicator in the
outside mirror on the side of the vehicle
the approaching vehicle is coming from.
Note:The alert indicator dims when
nighttime darkness is detected.
Cross Traffic Alert also sounds a series of
tones and a message appears in the
information display indicating a vehicle is
coming from the right or left. Cross Traffic
Alert works with the reverse sensing
system which sounds its own series of
tones. See Parking Aid (page 150).
System Sensors
WARNING
Just prior to the system recognizing
a blocked condition and alerting the
driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER
use the BLIS as a replacement for using
the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes.
BLIS is not a replacement for careful
driving and only an assist.
Note:It is possible to get a blockage
warning with no blockage present; this is
rare and known as a false blockage warning.
A false blocked condition either
self-corrects or clears after a key cycle.
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The system uses radar sensors which are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow these
areas to become obstructed by mud, snow
or bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor or a message warning
of low visibility will appear in the
information display along with a warning
indicator. The information display warning
can be cleared but the warning indicator
will remain illuminated.
When the blockage is removed, the system
can be reset in two ways:
• when at least two objects are detected
while driving, or
• turn the ignition from on to off, then
back on.
If the blockage is still present after the key
cycle, the system senses again that it is
blocked after driving in traffic.
162
Driving Aids
Reasons for messages being displayed
Clean the fascia area in
front of the radar or remove
the obstruction. The radar
surface is
dirty or
obstructed
Drive normally in traffic for
a few minutes to allow the
radar to detect passing
vehicles so it can clear the
blocked state. The radar
surface is
not dirty or
obstructed
No action required. The
system automatically
resets to an unblocked
state once the rainfall or
snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLIS or
Cross Traffic Alert in these
conditions. Heavy rain-
fall/snow-
fall inter-
feres with
the radar
signals
System Limitations
The BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert systems
do have their limitations; situations such
as severe weather conditions or debris
build-up on the sensor area may limit
vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may
limit the BLIS:
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone
at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a
convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).• Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5
km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:If the vehicle has a factory equipped
tow bar, and it is towing a trailer, the sensors
will detect the trailer and turn the BLIS and
Cross Traffic Alert off to avoid false alerts.
For non-factory equipped tow bars you may
want to turn the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when
either the BLIS or Cross Traffic Alert
systems illuminate the alert indicator with
no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of
false alerts are normal; they are temporary
and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the BLIS telltale
illuminates and remains on and the
following will appear in the information
display:
• BLIS: X sensor fault Service req’d or
• Cross Traffic malfunction Service req’d
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched off
temporarily by using the information
display control. See General Information
(page 88). When the BLIS is switched off,
you will not receive alerts and a telltale
illuminates in the information display. The
system switches back on whenever the
ignition is switched on.
One or both systems can also be switched
off permanently at your authorized dealer.
Once switched off, switching it back on
must also be done at your authorized
dealer.
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Driving Aids
