How to Service Side Blind Zone Alert System?

Modern-day cars are equipped with a sleeve of sophisticated safety features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, side assist, parking assist, automatic braking, side blind zone alert, etc. All of these are designed to keep you and your passengers safe in an event of an accident or to simply stop it from taking place.

Blind zone alert system is rather essential as it protects you while doing lane changes on the highway, a place where accidents tend to be the worst. If your blind spot assist system starts failing, you will have to service it as soon as possible So, how to service side blind zone alert system?

How to Service Side Blind Zone Alert System?

Servicing the side blind zone alert system requires technical knowledge and proper tools which means that this is sadly not a DIY project. As such, it is recommended that you take your car to an experienced mechanic who will be able to diagnose the issue and fix whatever may be causing it.

Be that as it may, the best way to service side blind zone alert system is to first diagnose it, inspect it visually, replace what needs replacing, calibrate the sensors, align everything, update the software, check the wires, and reset any error codes that might pop up.

Today we'll focus on:

• What is Side Blind Zone Alert System?
• A Guide to How to Service Side Blind Zone Alert System
• Is Side Blind Zone Alert System Worth It?
• Should I Buy a Car With Side Blind Zone Alert System?

What is Side Blind Zone Alert System?

The side blind zone alert system (SBZA) works by utilizing sensors, radars, and cameras in various configurations to recognize whenever a car enters your blind spot. SBZA is intended to warn you that a car is in your blind spot so you can be more cautious when wanting to lane change.

These warning indicators include either visual or auditory alerts such as icons, bleeps, flashing lights, or even steering wheel vibrations to let the driver know to check its blind spot. More advanced systems that use cameras can also sometimes project a live video feed onto the dashboard display for even greater situational awareness.

SBZA is usually part of additional equipment which means that this is something you will have to pay for on top of the price of your car. You can sometimes get it as part of a technology/safety/premium package and it's highly advisable that you do so if you spend a lot of time on the highway.

A Guide to How to Service Side Blind Zone Alert System

• Tools Needed
• Diagnostics and Error Code Retrieval
• Visual Inspections and Cleaning
• Software Updates
• Hardware Replacements
• Sensor Calibration and Alignment
• Final Touches

Which Tools Do I Need to Service Side Blind Zone Alert System?

First and foremost, you will need an advanced diagnostics tool, an essential piece of kit needed to scan the car for any codes that might give you insight into what is exactly wrong. Hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, and wrenches are also a good idea.

Furthermore, be sure to gather safety equipment such as gloves and goggles as well. To top it all off, you are also likely going to need trip removal tools, a multimeter, sensor cleaning products, a dedicated manufacturer service manual, and a torque wrench.

How To Diagnose the Side Blind Zone Alert System?

Take your diagnostics tool, connect it to your car's OBD port, and boot up the program you are using on your phone or your laptop.

It's advisable to perform a full system check to retrieve all error codes that might be hampering your driving experience. After the system check is finished, write down all the codes, and Google them to see what they are about and what you can do to clear them.

How To Inspect the Side Blind Zone Alert System?

It's also a good idea to visually inspect all the pieces of hardware as that can allow you to see if there is anything damaged or if something needs replacing. Be sure to check the cameras, the sensors, the wires, and the connectors for any signs of damage, wear, or other imperfections.

This would also be a good time to clean them all with a dedicated electrical cleaning solution, just so you can check in more detail if everything is indeed okay while also making sure there are no obstructions on any of these (stickers, accessories, dirt, grime...).

How To Update Side Blind Zone Alert Software?

While wanting to service your SBZA, you should also give your dealer a call to see if there are any associated recalls of software updates available for your specific SBZA. If so, apply all software updates however you can as they are likely going to fix any standing issues or errors.

How To Replace Side Blind Zone Alert Components?

After diagnosing your SBZA, doing a visual inspection, updating it, and clearing all of the obstructions, you should have a pretty good idea if some of the parts are faulty and need replacing.

First of all, disconnect your battery as that is always the safest thing to do when replacing electrical components. Proceed to disassemble the associated body panels that need to go off in order to reach the component, you can check where and how via a dedicated manufacturer servicing guideline.

Once the component is off, clean it, and check all of the connections and wires. If everything seems to be in perfect order, you can install the new components and assemble everything back together.

How To Calibrate the Side Blind Zone Alert System Sensors?

If one of the sensors or cameras needs replacing, you will have to unplug the old ones and connect the new ones. Even if all of your sensors and cameras are fine, it is still advisable to recalibrate them while servicing.

To do so, it's best to consult a dedicated manufacturer servicing guideline as not all automakers use the same systems. Once again, this is not something you should do if you are not 100% aware of what you are doing.

Servicing Side Blind Zone Alert Final Checks

When you finish all of the previous steps, it's time to perform a final check over to see if the process was successful. To do so, be sure to follow these steps:

• Perform a Visual Inspection - Once again, it's always good to check everything visually to see if everything is properly connected, fastened, and secured in place as you don't want anything to rattle once you start driving the car.
• Clear the Codes - You also need to verify that all of the error codes have been successfully cleared after completing all replacements, calibrations, and repairs.
• Test the System - Go ahead and test it all out and try to verify that all of the components are indeed working using a multimeter.

Is Side Blind Zone Alert System Worth It?

The SBZA system sure is a clever piece of technology designed to give you an additional pair of eyes. With SBZA, you will have a much greater level of situational awareness which is indeed worth it.

However, we do need to mention that you shouldn't think of SBZA as a replacement for your sentient eyes. Therefore, this is merely an assistance system designed to complement you, not to replace you. So, always be sure to look over your shoulder, even if the system believes no one is there.

No one can deny the usefulness of these systems as they truly can be the difference between an accident and a normal traffic maneuver. Be that as it may, they are not perfect and you should always be the one determining if there are any obstacles in your blind spot.

Should I Buy a Car With Side Blind Zone Alert System?

Yes, if you have the means, you should most definitely go ahead and buy a car with SBZA as this is one of the best new modern Advanced Driver Assitance Systems (ADAS) on the market.

Moreover, having SBZA is also a good way to make sure your car retains its value better on the second-hand market as the popularity of these systems is growing exponentially.

This means that upcoming generations are likely going to deem some of these safety systems essential, so it's a good thing to have them once you decide to sell the car as a higher selling price can often justify higher costs when buying.

Conclusion

If you've ever wondered how to service side blind zone alert system, this article has everything you need to do exactly that. Even so, it would still be a good idea to take your car to an experienced mechanic once you are done, just you so can be 100% sure everything is okay with your car.

To sum it up all, a proper SBZA service requires a multi-level effort that includes visual inspections, software updates, hardware replacements or repairs, cleaning, car diagnostics, error code retrieval, code clearing, and a few useful tips and tricks on how to make sure you've done enough.