Side Blind Zone System Unavailable?
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CF Beginner
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18
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From: Georgia
Side Blind Zone System Unavailable?
At random times driving down the road I will get a "Side Blind Zone System Unavailable" message on the DIC in my 09 Suburban LTZ. The weather has always been clear and the sensors are clean. The message will stay up for random times as well usually around 3-5 minutes. Anyone else experience this and if so is there a known solution? The dealership was unable to diagnose and no codes were present. Is it a sensor going bad?
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Here is what I could find... might want to make sure all sensors are in good working order, even the rear ones...
You might want to do a physical check of the sensors connectors and wiring
Service Information
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1986901
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Object Detection Description and Operation (Side Blind Zone Alert)
The side blind zone alert (SBZA) system is designed to detect vehicles or other objects that may be located in the vehicles blind spots. This detection is performed by two side object sensors, located behind the rear fascia on each side of the vehicle. When an object is detected in a blind spot, an indicator in the outside rearview mirror will illuminate, notifying the driver that it is unsafe to change lanes.
The SBZA system is made up of the following components:
• Left side object sensor
• Right side object sensor
• Driver door module
• Passenger door module
• Driver outside rearview mirror
• Passenger outside rearview mirror
Side Object Sensors
The side object sensors are each located behind the rear fascia, positioned so that the sensor is pointing out toward the opposite lane. Each sensor is supplied B+ and ground. The right sensor receives an additional ground. Both sensors communicate independently on the serial data line. The serial data enters the right sensor in a pass-thru configuration, the connects to the left sensor. The scan tool is able to individually communicate with each sensor.
When a vehicle or object is detected by a side object sensor, a serial data message is sent to the appropriate door module to illuminate the indicator located in the outside rearview mirror.
Door Modules
The driver and passenger receive serial data messages from the side object sensors. When a message is received indicating that a vehicle or object is in the blind spot, the appropriate door module will apply voltage to the indicator located in the outside rearview mirror, illuminating the indicator. The door module provides a continuous low reference circuit for the indicator.
Outside Rearview Mirror
The outside rearview mirrors each contain an indicator that is controlled by the appropriate door module. This indicator is illuminated when a vehicle or object is position in the vehicle's blind spot.
Side Blind Zone Alert Operation
When the vehicle is started, the indicators located in the outside rearview mirror will briefly illuminate to indicate that the system is operating. The side object sensors cover a zone of approximately one lane over from both sides of the vehicle, 11 ft. or 3.5 m. This zone starts at each side mirror and goes back approximately 16 ft. (5.0 m). The height of the zone is approximately between 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) and 6 ft. (2.0 m) off the ground. When a vehicle or object is detected in this area, the appropriate indicator will be illuminated, indicating to the driver that it is unsafe to change lanes. If a turn signal is activated while the indicator is illuminated, the indicator will flash as a more urgent warning that a lane change may be unsafe.
Foul weather may affect the operation of the SBZA system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, will completely disable the system.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object, such as a bicycle rack, attached to the rear of the vehicle, the SBZA system may not function properly and the indicators will remain illuminated at all time.
Side Blind Zone Alert DIC Messages
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF
This message indicates that the system has been disabled through the DIC. Refer to the vehicle owners manual for instructions on how to set personalization options on the DIC.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that the system has been disabled because the sensor is blocked or can otherwise not accurately detect vehicles or objects. Such instances may be mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, heavy rainfall, or excessive road spray.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM
This message indicates that the system requires service. When the message is displayed, the indicators will remain illuminated at all times, notifying the driver that the SBZA system should not be relied upon when changing lanes.
You might want to do a physical check of the sensors connectors and wiring
Service Information
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1986901
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Object Detection Description and Operation (Side Blind Zone Alert)
The side blind zone alert (SBZA) system is designed to detect vehicles or other objects that may be located in the vehicles blind spots. This detection is performed by two side object sensors, located behind the rear fascia on each side of the vehicle. When an object is detected in a blind spot, an indicator in the outside rearview mirror will illuminate, notifying the driver that it is unsafe to change lanes.
The SBZA system is made up of the following components:
• Left side object sensor
• Right side object sensor
• Driver door module
• Passenger door module
• Driver outside rearview mirror
• Passenger outside rearview mirror
Side Object Sensors
The side object sensors are each located behind the rear fascia, positioned so that the sensor is pointing out toward the opposite lane. Each sensor is supplied B+ and ground. The right sensor receives an additional ground. Both sensors communicate independently on the serial data line. The serial data enters the right sensor in a pass-thru configuration, the connects to the left sensor. The scan tool is able to individually communicate with each sensor.
When a vehicle or object is detected by a side object sensor, a serial data message is sent to the appropriate door module to illuminate the indicator located in the outside rearview mirror.
Door Modules
The driver and passenger receive serial data messages from the side object sensors. When a message is received indicating that a vehicle or object is in the blind spot, the appropriate door module will apply voltage to the indicator located in the outside rearview mirror, illuminating the indicator. The door module provides a continuous low reference circuit for the indicator.
Outside Rearview Mirror
The outside rearview mirrors each contain an indicator that is controlled by the appropriate door module. This indicator is illuminated when a vehicle or object is position in the vehicle's blind spot.
Side Blind Zone Alert Operation
When the vehicle is started, the indicators located in the outside rearview mirror will briefly illuminate to indicate that the system is operating. The side object sensors cover a zone of approximately one lane over from both sides of the vehicle, 11 ft. or 3.5 m. This zone starts at each side mirror and goes back approximately 16 ft. (5.0 m). The height of the zone is approximately between 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) and 6 ft. (2.0 m) off the ground. When a vehicle or object is detected in this area, the appropriate indicator will be illuminated, indicating to the driver that it is unsafe to change lanes. If a turn signal is activated while the indicator is illuminated, the indicator will flash as a more urgent warning that a lane change may be unsafe.
Foul weather may affect the operation of the SBZA system. Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances and will increase in wet conditions. The number of missed alerts will increase with increased rainfall or road spray. Heavy rainfall, as well as mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, will completely disable the system.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer or has an object, such as a bicycle rack, attached to the rear of the vehicle, the SBZA system may not function properly and the indicators will remain illuminated at all time.
Side Blind Zone Alert DIC Messages
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF
This message indicates that the system has been disabled through the DIC. Refer to the vehicle owners manual for instructions on how to set personalization options on the DIC.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that the system has been disabled because the sensor is blocked or can otherwise not accurately detect vehicles or objects. Such instances may be mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush build-up on the rear fascia, heavy rainfall, or excessive road spray.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM
This message indicates that the system requires service. When the message is displayed, the indicators will remain illuminated at all times, notifying the driver that the SBZA system should not be relied upon when changing lanes.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
and just a bit more info...
Circuit/System Description
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system uses side object sensors located behind the fascia at each of the vehicle's rear corners. Visual indicators located in the right and left outside rearview mirrors alert the driver to the presence of objects of interest within the corresponding blind spots, or zones, on each side of the vehicle. The system is controlled by the driver information center (DIC) which can also communicate its status.
Each sensor receives battery power, ground, as well as serial data communications. The left and right sensors are identical, however an additional ground circuit is required to configure the sensor for operation on the right side. Communication is via a serial data and each sensor shares the serial data circuit in parallel, allowing continuation of communication between the sensors. The scan tool is able to communicate with each sensor independently. The side object sensors control corresponding mirror icons by sending messages to the door modules which in turn switch power to the LED indicators.
Diagnostic Aids
• The side object sensors are capable of detecting when they are blocked by mud, snow, or ice build up on the fascia. When a sensor is blocked, the driver information center (DIC) will display SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. The SBZA system transitions back to the normal operating state when the blockage is removed. Bumper sticks, labels, and heavy rain storms may also cause this condition.
• The SBZA 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 SBZA 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.
• The SBZA system is disabled if any of the following occurs:
- The door modules determine that a malfunction exists in the side object indicator.
- There is a loss of serial data communication or a SBZA system DTC is set.
- The SBZA system is manually disabled by the driver through the DIC.
• Each side object sensor maintains a history buffer of the previous 16 SBZA events which can be accessed using the scan tool. These parameters may be used to help diagnose a system malfunction or an intermittent concern.
• 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.
Circuit/System Description
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system uses side object sensors located behind the fascia at each of the vehicle's rear corners. Visual indicators located in the right and left outside rearview mirrors alert the driver to the presence of objects of interest within the corresponding blind spots, or zones, on each side of the vehicle. The system is controlled by the driver information center (DIC) which can also communicate its status.
Each sensor receives battery power, ground, as well as serial data communications. The left and right sensors are identical, however an additional ground circuit is required to configure the sensor for operation on the right side. Communication is via a serial data and each sensor shares the serial data circuit in parallel, allowing continuation of communication between the sensors. The scan tool is able to communicate with each sensor independently. The side object sensors control corresponding mirror icons by sending messages to the door modules which in turn switch power to the LED indicators.
Diagnostic Aids
• The side object sensors are capable of detecting when they are blocked by mud, snow, or ice build up on the fascia. When a sensor is blocked, the driver information center (DIC) will display SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE. The SBZA system transitions back to the normal operating state when the blockage is removed. Bumper sticks, labels, and heavy rain storms may also cause this condition.
• The SBZA 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 SBZA 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.
• The SBZA system is disabled if any of the following occurs:
- The door modules determine that a malfunction exists in the side object indicator.
- There is a loss of serial data communication or a SBZA system DTC is set.
- The SBZA system is manually disabled by the driver through the DIC.
• Each side object sensor maintains a history buffer of the previous 16 SBZA events which can be accessed using the scan tool. These parameters may be used to help diagnose a system malfunction or an intermittent concern.
• 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.
Official GM Rep
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,163
Likes: 27
From: Global Headquarters in Detroit, MI
riggz,
I see you have received some great information. If you need assistance locating a part or need to speak with a dealership, please reach out to us for assistance.
Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care
I see you have received some great information. If you need assistance locating a part or need to speak with a dealership, please reach out to us for assistance.
Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
so i noticed the other morning while driving to work it happened again. It was dark out, 2 lane road in a wooded area. I noticed warning light illuminate on the right side mirror for about 2-3 seconds then went out. About a minute later the system went unavailable for a few minutes. Then all returned to normal.
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Administrator
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Might try walking the sensors to the other side of the vehicle one at a time and see when the error walks to the other side, you'll have your culprit...
If the error stays on the right after moving all sensors, you may need to look into the door module...
If the error stays on the right after moving all sensors, you may need to look into the door module...
CF Beginner
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1
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Problem after I removed power running boards
My power running boards had stopped working so I replaced them with the factory permanent boards. The removal and installation went smoothly. However, now my Blind Spot System is no longer working. I took the truck to my dealer and my technician said he could not communicate with the Blind Spot Modules. Did I do something? When I removed the boards, I had to remove the running board module. I just couldn't imagine these 2 features are related. The dealer said it may need both modules - almost $2K!!! Please help!! I also can't imagine both modules are bad at the same time.