What does BLIS mean? How to use Ford cross traffic alert?

What does BLIS mean? The Ford Blind Spot Information System helps to keep you aware of road conditions and other vehicles when you’re driving.

But what should you do if the system indicates that it has a fault? To help you have a safe drive, we’ve researched this question and have answers.

The most common reason for a malfunctioning Ford Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is severe weather or a blockage. But if fixing those issues doesn’t work, the module should be repaired or replaced.

Table of Contents

What does BLIS mean?

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) is a function designed for providing support for the driver when driving in dense traffic on roads with several lanes in the same direction.

How do BLIS work?

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) can alert you to a vehicle detected alongside and difficult to see in a blind spot. The system uses radar sensors on both sides near the rear of the vehicle. When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, you are alerted with an indicator light in the sideview mirror.

The Cross-Traffic Alert feature also uses this radar to help detect traffic behind your vehicle when you’re slowly backing out of a parking spot or driveway.

When it detects a vehicle approaching from either side, it flashes an indicator light in the sideview mirrors (same as BLIS) and emits an audible warning. Also, a visual display in the message center indicates from which direction the vehicle is coming.

Get to know the Ford BLIS

With the Ford Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), drivers are assured of less worry to look around their car simultaneously because their system has sensors that flash a light signaling a warning.

BLIS activates when you are driving faster than six miles per hour. The light sensor in the rear will send a signal, and you can see it blinking from both side mirrors.

The detection area is from 13 feet and can extend to 59 feet, with a speed higher than 30 mph above the rear bumper.

Also, it is accessible on both sides of the car. This will send an alert that there is a nearly incoming car at high speed.

The unique trait of BLIS is that it will only light up when the other vehicle has been away from your car.

Aside from that, it also signals when there is traffic whenever you are in reverse or backing out. This feature is called the Cross Traffic Alert (CTA).

The signal will start to alert you within 145 feet. Its light blinks three times, and the light is visible to your side mirrors as well.

Aside from that, a chime and a message will send you an alert. You can wait until it tells you when the road is finally clear from the traffic.

When there is something that could block the light signal, it is usually the weather. It could be heavy rain, snow, or ice. You will also get a chime and a message alert on your device.

Note that the BLIS only detects motorized vehicles. This means that it cannot identify things like bicycles or pedestrians.

What should you do when there’s a BLIS fault?

The orange light must pass out once your car is already free from any near vehicle. This is an indication that your car’s BLIS is normal.

If you change lanes, and the other vehicles are already passing through near you, but the signal lights are not blinking at all then it is confirmed that your BLIS is not properly working.

As mentioned, if the BLIS is not working, the module must be repaired. To do so, follow these basic steps.

Locate which module side is not working through test driving.
Once you located the malfunctioning module, remove the wheel from the side where the module has to be removed.
If you do not want to remove the wheels, you can open the seal cover towards the module directly.
Once you have pulled out the module, reprogram it using VCM or launch a scanning tool.
Return the module to its location and check the information system. Usually, it will function again by this quick method.

When do blind spots happen?

A blind spot happens when your car’s side mirrors cannot glimpse any sign or reflection of other vehicles nearby when you are backing up or changing lanes.

This issue must be taken seriously because it can endanger the lives of other drivers.

The things that create a blind spot could be the following:

It could be blocked by the side mirror, pillar, and even the vehicle’s cargo.
Height could be a factor as well, especially when the driver is tall, and the side mirror isn’t accessible to the eyes.

How to use Ford BLIS

System Turning On

The BLIS will only start when the engine is already on and shifted into drive. It will also work when your car accelerates higher than 6 mph.

Remember that it does not work when the car is in park or reverse mode.

Keeping the Sensor Functioning Well

Since the weather is the main problem of a faulty BLIS, keep it free from rain or snow. Aside from that, do not cover the sensors with anything because it will not send you a signal.

Also, the sensors are sensitive, so you might want to turn them off when carrying cargo.

How to use Ford cross traffic alert?

Switching On and Off

The system starts when you start the engine and shift to reverse. It will only turn off when you are finally out of reverse.

Cross Traffic Alert Sensor

Keep the CTA sensor free from blockage and turn it off if you have cargo in your car. The system will alert you if sensors are blocked when you reverse.

Indicator of an Approaching Vehicle

If an incoming vehicle is near you, the CTA system will flash on the mirrors outside and an arrow will appear on the information display. The arrow indicates which side the approaching car is coming from.

The CTA will also activate when you attach a trailer to your car so you may switch it off to remove confusion when it suddenly signals.

FAQs

What is the BLIS system in cars?

BLIS is designed to detect vehicles that may have entered the blind spot zone. The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft (4 m) beyond the rear bumper.

Can you turn off BLIS on Ford?

BLIS operates in D (Drive) S (Sport) or N (Neutral) and if the car is going faster than 3mph. The system can be turned off, but will always revert to on with every key cycle.

Where is the BLIS sensor on a Ford?

BLIS uses radar sensors on both sides near the rear of the vehicle. When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, you are alerted with an indicator light in the side view mirror.

Above is information about What does BLIS mean? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of How do BLIS work? Thank you for reading our post.