Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Lincoln MKX and 2013 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When a MyKey™ restricted key is in use, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) 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® or CTA system may detect the trailer and cause a false alert.

NOTE: The BLIS® and CTA 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®/CTA LEDs.

The BLIS® and CTA 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 and SOD-R, are hardwired to the exterior mirrors to illuminate the LEDs. The SOD-L and SOD-R run a self-diagnostic check on each vehicle start cycle and illuminate the exterior mirror BLIS®/CTA amber LED for approximately 3 seconds indicating the BLIS® and CTA is operational. For BLIS®, the exterior mirror BLIS®/CTA 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 system, the exterior mirror BLIS®/CTA LED is always at 85 percent illumination.

The SOD-L and SOD-R 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).