Ford Explorer: Side and Rear Vision / Description and Operation - Blind Spot Information System - Overview

BLIS®

The BLIS® aids the driver in assessing whether another vehicle is present within a specific area (blind spot) to either side of the vehicle, extending rearward approximately 6 m (20 ft) beyond the rear bumper while driving on roads and highways. The system is not designed to prevent contact with other vehicles or objects. The BLIS® uses the exterior mirror BLIS® Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to alert the driver that a vehicle has been detected. The BLIS® provides alerts when the vehicle is in forward gear and the vehicle speed is greater than 10 km/h (6 mph).

CTA

When the vehicle is in REVERSE (R), the CTA system alerts the driver of vehicles that are approaching from the side when backing out of a front-in parking space or backing towards the road. The system can detect a vehicle approaching from 14 m (45 ft) away at a speed up to 64 km/h (40 mph) from the left or right side of the vehicle. The CTA system uses the exterior mirror BLIS® Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a warning chime from the audio speakers and a message in the IPC message center to notify the driver of approaching vehicles.

NOTE: If a MyKey® restricted key is in use, the BLIS® and CTA system cannot be turned off in the IPC.

NOTE: If the vehicle is towing a trailer the BLIS® or CTA system may detect the trailer and cause a false alert.

Reverse Brake Assist

The reverse brake assist is a software feature that provides automatic coarse (harsh) braking for detected obstacles behind a vehicle if audible and visual alerts are not heeded by the driver. The reverse brake assist is a software feature that utilizes the rear parking aid system, rear parking aid camera, BLIS and ABS to reduce the impact damage or assist in avoiding a collision. When the vehicle is in reverse traveling at a speed above 1 mph (1.5 km/h) and below 7 mph (12 km/h), if the systems detects an obstacle behind the vehicle, the vehicle is brought to a stop at a safe distance from the obstacle. The brakes are only held for a short period of time allowing the driver to take control. Upon braking, a warning graphic is displayed on the center stack FDIM and a notification appears in the IPC message center. These graphics are displayed momentarily.

For more information on the reverse brake assist feature, refer to the owners literature.