Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

BLIS® becomes active the first time the transaxle is placed in DRIVE (D) after starting the engine and driving forward at a vehicle speed greater than 4.8 kmh (3 mph). Upon that initial sequence, BLIS® remains active for all speeds including 0 kmh (0 mph). BLIS® is also active if the transaxle is placed in NEUTRAL (N). If the transaxle is selected out of DRIVE (D) or NEUTRAL (N), the system has entered the CTA mode. When the transaxle is shifted back into DRIVE (D), BLIS® is activated once the vehicle is driven above 4.8 kmh (3 mph).

BLIS® can trigger an alert for vehicles that enter the blind zone from the rear or merge into the blind zone from the side. The exterior mirror BLIS®/Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) amber LED illuminates in the right and/or left exterior mirror. For vehicles that are being passed or enter the blind zone from the front, the system can trigger an alert only after the vehicle is present in the blind zone for more than 2 seconds. For vehicles that pass through the blind zone quickly, typically less than 2 seconds, BLIS® cannot trigger an alert.

For correct operation of BLIS®, the rear side bumper cover should be free of obstructions such as a large build up of mud, snow or ice. Small build up of debris and materials does not hinder the operation of the system. There should be no bumper stickers of any type placed in this area of the bumper cover.

NOTE: BLIS® does not normally detect parked vehicles, pedestrians or objects such as fences, guard rails, trees, etc. The BLIS® does not provide any additional warning when the turn signal is activated.

Due to the nature of radar technology, false alerts and missed vehicles or objects (referred to as targets) may occur under certain circumstances. False alerts occur when the LED illuminates with no target present. False alerts up to 3% (3 out of 100 targets) is normal operation. Circumstances that cause false alerts are:

freeway dividers
concrete walls
fencing
sharp turns around a pole or building
coming to a stop with a vehicle directly behind and very close

False alerts are temporary and self-correct.

Missed targets occur when a target is present and the LED does not illuminate. Missed targets up to 1% (1 out of 100 targets) are normal operation. Circumstances that cause missed targets are:

debris build up on the rear bumper sides
certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone
vehicles passing through the blind zone at high rates of speed
severe weather conditions
when several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone