Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Description
The side object detection (SOD) sensors monitor and detect objects of interest in the vehicle blind spots or blind zones on each side of the vehicle. The detection zone is the vehicle blind spot that may not be visible in the inside or outside rearview mirrors. The SOD sensors uses radar to detect objects of interest within the detection zones. There is one SOD sensor on each side of the vehicle, the right and left sensor. Each SOD sensor monitors and reports objects of interest within a specified detection zone. The SOD system uses visual indicators located on both the right and left side rearview mirrors to alert the driver to the presence of an object of interest in the detection zone. The SOD indicators are controlled by the driver and passenger door modules. The SOD system sends status information and indication requests to the door modules via the serial data circuit. The door modules monitor the SOD system and illuminates the SOD indicators when there is a loss of serial data communication with the SOD sensors. Communication between the SOD system and the door module is via the master SOD sensor. On powering up the vehicle, both SOD outside rearview mirror indicator should come on briefly for a bulb check. The SOD system consists of these main components:
- Left SOD Sensor
- Right SOD Sensor
- Driver and Passenger Door Modules
- Left and Right Rearview Mirror
- Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or Navigation Radio
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.