Calibration Research Tips: 2017 Buick Encore Blind Spot False Alerts

Posted on 26 August 2022 Print

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures, events, or bulletins. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at General Motors 2017-2020 Buick Encore.

The 2017-2020 Buick Encores may experience false blind spot alerts in the side mirrors. While searching through the Buick Encore service manual, you may notice that the diagnostic information does not identify false signal issues when nothing is present in the blind spot detection zone. Some symptom diagnostic charts instruct you to look for bulletins pertaining to the issue.

GM Bulletin #18-NA-056: Driver Side Object Sensing Alert Module Not Working Correctly and/or Incorrect Side Mirror Notification (Document ID #4975987) covers the issue of “side mirror indicates there is a vehicle present when there is not.” According to the bulletin, these false alerts come from the radar reflections that are detected by the blind spot sensors.

The bulletin provides a procedure and part number on how to prevent these radar reflections from happening using butyl tape. It is important to note that further diagnostics using the service information may be necessary if the blind spot sensors are still not operating properly after the procedure.

Always remember to refer to the OEM vehicle-specific repair procedures for ADAS calibration events and procedures. Calibration and diagnostics are important aspects of a complete, safe, and quality repair.

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