Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Side Object Sensor Malfunction



Side Object Sensor Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

The side object detection (SOD) sensors monitor and detect objects of interest in the vehicle blind spots or blind zones on each side of the vehicle. The detection zone is the vehicle blind spot that may not be visible in the inside or outside rearview mirrors. The SOD sensors uses radar to detect objects of interest within the detection zones. There is one SOD sensor on each side of the vehicle, the right and left sensor. Each SOD sensor monitors and reports objects of interest within a specified detection zone. The SOD system uses visual indicators located on both the right and left side rearview mirrors to alert the driver to the presence of an object of interest in the detection zone. The SOD indicators are controlled by the driver and passenger door modules. The SOD system sends status information and indication requests to the door modules via the serial data circuit. The door modules monitor the SOD system and illuminates the SOD indicators when there is a loss of serial data communication with the SOD sensors. Communication between the SOD system and the door module is via the master SOD sensor. On powering up the vehicle, both SOD outside rearview mirror indicator should come on briefly for a bulb check. The SOD system consists of these main components:

* Left SOD Sensor
* Right SOD Sensor
* Driver and Passenger Door Modules
* Left and Right Rearview Mirror
* Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or Navigation Radio



Diagnostic Aids

* The SOD system has a diagnostic function that is capable of detecting when either sensors is severely blocked by mud, snow, water or ice build up in front of the sensor. When both sensors are blocked, the SOD indicator in the left and right side mirrors are turned ON and the driver information center (DIC) displays CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT. The SOD system transitions back to the normal operating state when the blockage is removed. This message may also activate during extended driving in isolated areas with little infrastructure (guardrails, road signs, trees, etc.) and light traffic.
* Prior to performing diagnostics, clean both sides of the fascia and sensor of any contamination (mud, dirt, bumper stickers, labels, etc.). The SOD system will not operate if blocked by mud, snow ice slush or water from heavy rain storms.
* The SOD system is disabled if any of the following occurs:

- The SOD indicator is reported failed by the door modules.
- There is a loss of serial data communication or a SOD system DTC is set.
- The SOD system is disabled by the driver from the DIC.

* The SOD sensors maintain a history buffer of up to 16 SOD events which can be accessed using the scan tool.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Object Detection Schematics ([1][2]Collision Avoidance and Parking Assist Systems)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Object Detection Description and Operation (Rear Park Assist) (Object Detection Description and Operation (Rear Park Assist))Object Detection Description and Operation (VDAAW) (Object Detection Description and Operation (VDAAW))Object Detection Description and Operation (SOD) (Object Detection Description and Operation (SOD))
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, verify that the side object detection (SOD) system indicators located in the outside rearview mirrors illuminate briefly and turn OFF for a system self test.

If both SOD indicators do not come ON briefly for a system self test and the driver information center (DIC) displays SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF, the SOD system has been disabled from the DIC by the driver and is operating normally.


If both SOD indicators come ON and stay ON after the system self test and the DIC displays CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM, check for contamination on the fascia and sensor surface making sure they are clean.


If one or both SOD indicators stay on after the system self test and the DIC displays SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM, refer to SOD Indicator(s) Stay On After Self Test.


If the SOD indicator(s) do not illuminate briefly for a self test, refer to Right or Left Indicator Malfunction.




Circuit/System Testing


Right SOD Indicator Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the right SOD sensor.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the right SOD ground circuits terminals 5 and 6 and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuits for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 and X7 harness connector at the right front door module.
5. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the SOD indicator low reference circuit connector X3 terminal 8 and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

6. Ignition OFF, test for greater than 1.0 ohm between the SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and ground.

If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.

7. Ignition ON, test for less than 1.0 volt between the SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and ground.

If the greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.

8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector X2 at the right outside rearview mirror.
9. Test for less than 1.0 ohm along the right SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and the right outside rearview mirror terminal.

If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the right side rearview mirror.

10. If all circuits test normal, replace the right door module.



Left SOD Indicator Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the left SOD sensor.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the left SOD sensor ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.

If greater than the specified, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 and X7 harness connector at the left front door module.
5. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the left SOD indicator low reference circuit connector X3 terminal 8 and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

6. Ignition OFF, test for greater than 1.0 ohm between the left SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and ground.

If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.

7. Ignition ON, test for less than 1.0 volt between the left SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and ground.

If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.

8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector X2 at the left outside rearview mirror.
9. Test for less than 1.0 ohm along the left SOD indicator signal circuit connector X7 terminal 8 and the left outside rearview mirror terminal.

If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the left side rearview mirror.

10. If all circuits test normal, replace the left door module.



SOD Indicators Stay On After Self Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the left and right side SOD sensor.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminals listed below and ground.

* Right SOD Sensor Terminal 5
* Right SOD Sensor Terminal 6
* Left SOD Sensor Terminal 5


If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminals listed below and ground.

* Left SOD Sensor Terminal 2
* Right SOD Sensor Terminal 2


If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

4. If all circuits test normal, replace the right or left SOD sensor.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for the left door module, the right door module and the SOD sensor replacement, setup, and programming
* Power Mirror Replacement (Power Mirror Replacement)