Night Vision Operation

WARNING: Do not stare at the image while driving as this might cause important objects ahead not to be seen. You could crash and you or others could be injured.

WARNING: The system does not detect all objects or the vehicle distance from objects. The system may not provide a warning with enough time to help avoid a crash.

Detections

Fig 1: Night Vision Detections

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Detections are outlined in yellow
Warnings are red
People or Pedestrians are yellow
Animals are orange

If equipped, this system can help the driver see pedestrians or large animals ahead of the vehicle beyond the area lit by the headlights. A thermal heat image of the view ahead is displayed when it is dark enough outside. If a pedestrian or large animal is detected more than 25 m (82 ft) away, an amber pedestrian or animal icon displays and a box appears around the pedestrian or animal. When the system detects that the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian ahead much too quickly, the box changes to red.

Warm objects, such as pedestrians, animals and other moving vehicles, should appear whiter on the Night Vision display. Cold objects, such as the sky, signs and parked vehicles, should appear darker. Night Vision only shows objects that are warmer or colder than the surroundings. It does not detect brake lamps, turn signals, emergency flashers, traffic lights or sign information.

With the Front Pedestrian Braking system turned on, Night Vision provides a red Head-Up Display (HUD) alert when the system detects that the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian ahead much too quickly.

By selecting a view on the instrument cluster, the night vision image can be displayed. See Instrument Cluster. The Night Vision system can operate only if:

The ignition is on.
The vehicle is in P (Park) or a forward gear.
It is dark enough outside.
The headlamps are on.

Adjust the instrument panel brightness to make the image no brighter than necessary. Turn the image off by selecting another view on the instrument cluster.

When a pedestrian or large animal is detected, an amber box displays around the pedestrian or animal on the Night Vision display and an amber pedestrian icon or animal icon displays on the instrument cluster. This pedestrian icon is also shown on the Head-Up Display (HUD). When the system detects the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian much too quickly, the amber box turns red and a red flashing icon displays on the Head-Up Display with rapid beeping or pulsing of the Safety Alert Seat, if equipped.

The system may not detect pedestrians, object or animals:

If they are less than 82 ft (25 m) away.
If they are not directly ahead in the sensor coverage area, fully visible, standing upright or part of a group.
If the pedestrian or animal is moving too quickly through the field of view, such as a bicyclist.
If the pedestrian is wearing certain types of clothing.
If headlamps are off, except when parked.
If the outside temperature is higher than 86°F (30°C).
Due to poor visibility, including in heavy fog, rain or snow.
If the sensor is blocked by dirt, snow, rain or ice.

The Night Vision System may be disabled and or a "Night Vision Temporarily Unavailable" message if:

In rain, snow or fog the image may not be clear and the direction of the road ahead may not be seen. In more severe weather conditions, the image may be unclear and unusable.
The camera lens is physically blocked or broken.
The NV camera internal temperature may be too high.

The Night Vision System may have a poor camera image if:

Ice, snow or mud build up on the camera lens
Damage to the front fascia or camera lens
High ambient temperatures - the camera will not operate above outside temperatures higher than 86°F (30°C)