Buick Regal: Side Blind Zone Alert System Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check prior to using this diagnostic procedure: Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
• Review the description of Strategy Based Diagnosis: Strategy Based Diagnosis
• An overview of each diagnostic category can be found here: Diagnostic Procedure Instructions

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit/System Description

Diagnostic Aids

• Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. For an overview of the component/system, refer to: Side Blind Zone Alert Description and Operation
• The side blind zone system can be disabled if any off the following occur:
  • Disabled by Driver Personalization
  • There is a loss of serial data communication with a sensor or between modules.
• The side blind zone may be temporarily unavailable due to the following:
  • A blockage condition exists (i.e. mud/snow buildup in front of the sensor). A driver information message "Side Detection System Unavailable" will be displayed. The side blind zone system transitions back to the normal operating state when the blockage is removed.

    Bumper sticks, fascia damage, labels, and heavy rain storms may also cause this condition.

    The blockage determination is performed with the vehicle in a drive gear.

  • The side blind zone 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.
• Because the sensors are identical, they may be swapped from one side of the vehicle to the other in an attempt to isolate a concern. Sensors should NOT be swapped from one vehicle to another.
• The side blind zone system is designed to ignore stationary objects; however, the system may occasionally detect guard rails, signs, trees, shrubs, or other stationary objects as an object in the blind zone. This is normal system operation and does not require service.
• The side blind zone system may indicate an object in the blind zone if a trailer is attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or object is extending out to either side of the vehicle. This is normal operation and does not require service.
• 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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Driver Assistance Systems Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Side Blind Zone Alert Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition/Vehicle - Off.

2. Ignition - On/Vehicle - In Service Mode.

3. Verify the component turns On and Off:

• Side Blind Zone Alert Indicator @ A9A Outside Rearview Mirror - Driver
• Side Blind Zone Alert Indicator @ A9B Outside Rearview Mirror - Passenger
• If the component does not turn On and Off

Refer to: DTC B094D or B094E

• Go to next step: If the component turns On and Off

4. Verify that no DTCs are set.

• If any DTC is set

Refer to: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC List - Vehicle

• Go to next step: If no DTC is set

5. Verify the following control modules contain the latest software: B218L Side Object Sensor Module - Left

• If not the latest software is contained

Program the control module: B218L Side Object Sensor Module - Left

• Go to next step: If the latest software is contained

6. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair: Diagnostic Repair Verification

• Outside Rearview Mirror Glass Replacement
• For control module replacement, programming, and setup refer to: Control Module References

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