Object Detection Description and Operation (SOD)
Object Detection Description and Operation (SOD)
The side object detection (SOD) system detect objects of interest in the vehicle blind spots or blind zones on each side of the vehicle. The SOD sensors are located within the rear fascia sides. Each SOD sensor monitors its own detection zone. The SOD system uses visual indicators located on both the right and left side rear view mirrors to alert the driver to the presence of an object of interest. The detection zones cover areas that may not be visible in the inside or outside rear view mirrors. Side blind zone alert (SBZA) is an alternate name sometimes used for this system.
The SOD sensors use radar to detect objects of interest within the detection zones. The rear integration module (RIM) provides battery power to the SOD system. The two SOD sensors are identical and interchangeable, but an additional harness ground connection to the right sensor configures it for operation on that side. Communication between the SOD system and the door module is via the left (master) SOD sensor. The door modules control the SOD indicators via hard wire circuits. The SOD system can be turned ON and OFF using either the driver information center (DIC) or navigation radio. The SOD system operates when the vehicle is in drive and the park brake is not engaged.
When the SOD system detects an object of interest on any side of the vehicle, the master SOD sensor sends a serial data message to the appropriate door module to turn the corresponding SOD indicator ON. If a SOD indicator is ON and the turn signal is activated in that direction, the SOD indicator flashes to heighten the alert. With the exception of the initial bulb check when the vehicle is started, solid illumination of both SOD indicators means there is a system error or malfunction.
The SOD system will not operate if blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush or water from heavy rainstorms. Prior to performing diagnostic, clean both sides of the fascia and sensor of any contamination (mud, dirt, bumper stickers, labels, etc.). However, under normal circumstances (dry weather and clean fascia), if the SOD indicators do not light up consistently when the system is ON and vehicles are in the blind zone, the system may need service.
Occasional missed alerts can occur even under normal circumstances (dry weather and clean fascia). The SOD system does not need to be serviced due to an occasional single missed alert (i.e., when the SOD indicators do not activate with the system ON and a vehicle is in the blind zone). It is important to note that the number of missed alerts increases with increased rainfall and/or road spray due to water sheeting on the fascia. This may happen when rain and road mist conditions cause water sheeting to block the sensor transmission and does not mean that the sensors need to be serviced.
The SOD sensors maintain a history buffer of up to 16 SOD events which can be accessed using the scan tool. The history buffer captures sensor interactions with the driver and messages displayed in the DIC.
The SOD system consists of these main components:
* Left SOD Sensor
* Right SOD Sensor
* Door Modules (Driver and Passenger)
* Left and Right Outside Rear View Mirror
* Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or Navigation Radio
The SOD system commands the DIC to display the following messages to alert the driver of a system concern or status information:
* SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM
* SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF
* CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM