Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The BLIS™ and CTA system both utilize the SOD-L, SOD-R and the exterior mirror BLIS™/CTA LEDs.

NOTE: The CTA system faults may not occur until the transaxle is placed in REVERSE (R).

The CTA system is an alert feature that assists the driver in backing out of a front-in parking space. When the transaxle is in REVERSE (R) the CTA system is active. The driver is warned of an approaching vehicle when an audio alert chime from the parking aid speaker sounds, the right or left exterior mirror BLIS™/CTA amber LED flashes, and the message center displays VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT or VEHICLE COMING FROM LEFT to warn the driver from which direction vehicles are approaching.

The CTA system detects a vehicle approaching up to 14 m (45 ft) away (approximately the width of 5 parking spaces). Backing out of parking spots slowly increases the radar sensor coverage in close proximity situations. The CTA system coverage also decreases when parking at shallow angles, which is described in the Owner's Literature.

The CTA system utilizes the same SOD-L and SOD-R as BLIS™.

The CTA system cannot normally detect stationary vehicles, humans, animals or objects such as fences, guard rails or trees. The system does not function when the transaxle is not in REVERSE (R).

The CTA system has detection limitations due to the nature of the radar technology for the SOD-L and SOD-R. There can be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the blind spot zone may not be detected. The circumstances that may cause non-detection are:

Debris build up on the rear quarter panel fascias
The rear quarter panel of the vehicle is obstructed or partially obstructed by an adjacently parked vehicle or object
Approaching vehicle passing at speeds greater than 24 km/h (15 mph)
Severe weather conditions
Driving in reverse (R) faster than 5 km/h (3 mph)
Backing out of an angled parking spot

Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances when the CTA system alerts the operator, however no objects or vehicles are present when backing up. This is known as a false alert. False alert rate of up to 5% (5 times out of 100 reversals) is normal. Circumstances that may cause a false alert when backing up are backing out of a garage, backing into a parking space and objects or vehicles that are very close to the radar sensors. False alerts are temporary and self-correct.

NOTE: The CTA system customer ON/OFF feature is not available on early build hybrid vehicles.

The CTA system can be turned off by selecting the CTA system ON/OFF function in the message center. The CTA system is turned off in the message center by selecting the CTA system with the SETUP switch for the message center and selecting the system on or off with the RESET switch. The message CTA SYSTEM OFF is displayed in the message center. The CTA system cannot be deactivated in the message center when the transaxle is in REVERSE (R). The system is reactivated on the next ignition cycle.

The CTA system can be disabled permanently (even after an ignition cycle) by using a scan tool. When using the scan tool disable function in the programmable parameters menu, the CTA system remains disabled until it is reactivated using the scan tool. When the system is disabled the message center displays CTA DISABLED. A system fault occurs if the CTA system is not disabled in both the SOD-L and the SOD-R.

There are some system faults that set DTCs which are logged in the SOD-L or SOD-R. These DTCs that are logged can set a message in the message center that displays CTA SYSTEM FAULT. There are also some symptom based faults that do not set a DTC. GO to SYMPTOM CHART .