Today, the number of pedestrians and cyclists dragging to use the road with auto owners and car drivers is increasing. This is largely due to the increased cost of fuel and improved awareness of health. Everyone wants to save costs while improving their fitness level. The implication is that you’ll need to equip your car with the Service Side Detection technology.
But what is this Service Side Detection system? If it gets bad, how can you fix it? These questions will get full attention in this article. There are other things to learn. Let’s journey together.
What is Service Side Detection System and How Does it Work?
As you’re about to turn left, a cyclist pops out from nowhere. You maneuver the car rightwards. Oops, you hit an unnoticed pedestrian, hurrying to cross over the zebra crossing. Your inability to detect these other road users earlier is due to the lack of certain sensors and indicator lights. Truth is, your car side mirrors can’t see everything lying behind or by the side of the car. You need some more advanced technology to help you out.
A service side detection system comes in handy. This is the technology designed in a car to alert the driver about invisible potential hazards. SSDS provides a tip-off to drivers about hidden persons, objects, and items that could cause danger. In some instances, you can be in a blind spot at any time when driving. The SSDS tool will notify you about objects hidden in this spot.
The technology relies on indicator lights and radar to warn drivers about the hidden dangers that they can’t detect or see with the mirrors. The functionality and features of this technology differ. While some only alert drivers, others are designed to support the vehicle to automatically change direction and lanes. Some will also inform drivers when he’s encroached on others’ lanes. Depending on the vehicles, the service side detection system can be located on the mirror or dash.
In some vehicles, the system will start with beeping, using indicator lights, before showing any audio notification.In other words, the mechanism of the system varies, depending on the vehicle. But because this is a new innovation, its function in all vehicles is the same as its mode of operation.
The SSDS basically alerts drivers about dangers not visible to them. It uses radar that helps warns drivers. The service side detection system also deploys orange indicator lights. These lights show on the passenger mirror, side mirror, and driver’s mirror. The GMC Denali comes with radio display indicators. What if the side detection system fails?
How to Fix Service Side Detection System
Fixing the service side detection system simply means resetting it. Although the process can be tricky, it’s worth your time than having to deal with the dash’s indicator lights or audio alerts. The thing is that you can reset the SSDS for a wide range of reasons. But, let me guide you through the methods or steps to reset your vehicle’s SSDS.
As a rule of thumb, ensure you turn off the car before starting any work on fixing the faulty service side detection system. Don’t forget to remove the ignition key and disconnect the battery. Allow the engine to cool off for some hours.
Technique 1: Use OBD Diagnostic device to Read SSDS error codes
The first thing to say is that you should use this method only if the sensors are working properly but the dashboard-bound indicator light won’t go off. Start fixing a failing SSDS by scanning the system using an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) device. Connect the device to your vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). You’ll notice an error code light indicating on the dash sent from the ECU. The OBD scanner will help clear the error code and remove the indicator light that comes on.
Technique 2: Unclog damaged sensors
There’s a chance that the sensors are blocked, causing the service side detection system not to work properly. Water or debris is the most common clog that damages sensor modules. The mirror may have been clogged if the indicator light appears on the dash alongside the reset side detection system.
This clog can cause the SSDS not to respond as it should. To fix the poor responsiveness of the SSDS, start by removing the thick layer of mud or debris splattered on the mirror’s surface. You can disconnect the mirror and clean the inside of dirt or moisture. Dry it before reinstalling. If it side detection system fails to work, you may need to replace some components.
Technique 3: Replace Defective Mirror Sensors
You may be unlucky that after unclogging the blocked sensors, they still don’t work. At this point, what you’ll need to do is to replace any completely damaged sensors.
Don’t forget, the failure of the mirror sensors causes your service side detection system not to communicate or work optimally. After all, the SSDS receives signals from the radar the sensors use to sense potential hazards. As a result, you should replace the sensors in both side mirrors.
Technique 4: Reset the Side Detection System
Now, it’s time you reset the Side detection system. Start by replacing all the damaged sensors before connecting the battery. Allow your car engine to run for a few minutes, 5-10 minutes to be exact. Some older vehicle models may require you to drive the car at higher speeds on the highway.
Nonetheless, whether you use old or new car models, I‘ll recommend you run the engine on the highway. This way, you can test to see that the SSDS is functioning and that the indicator lights show on the two side mirrors. If it’s in order, you’ll see the indicator light go off; otherwise, it’ll illuminate.
Technique 5: Check for Vehicle Recalls
Sometimes the techniques used above may not give the expected results. Another step you can take to fix service side detection system is to check for recalls. Some auto manufacturers do not install top-notch service side detection systems. As a result, you can use the recall option by logging on to recalls.gov and following up on recall options on your vehicle.
FAQ
How Can I know if the SSDS is Faulty?
Like any technology, the SSDS can fail or become faulty anytime. When this happens, what signs should you be on the lookout for? Here are some of the symptoms of a failing service side detection system:
- Illuminating reset side detection system light
- Service side detection system constantly beeps
- Warning lights don’t beep or alert in the event of danger
- Reset side detection goes on and off
What causes Service side detection to damage?
There are a lot of reasons the side detection technology can have issues. The following are the commonest causes of side detection system problems.
- Faulty sensors
- Damaged mirrors
- Water or debris buildup in the mirror
- Lack of updated Software
A Wrap
You’ll need to drive with great caution while in traffic or in a crowded place. You never can tell even with the side mirror what’s danger-portending objects hiding behind your moving car. The service side detection system comes to the rescue at these dangerous moments. What audio alerts and indicator lights can’t do, the SSDS will detect hassle-free.
