Description And Operation: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Chrysler Voyager and 2022 Chrysler Pacifica. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) smart sensors are also referred to as the Left Blind Spot Sensor (LBSS) and the Right Blind Spot Sensor (RBSS), respectively. The LBSS is a master node, while the RBSS is a slave node. The two nodes communicate with each other over the Controller Area Network (CAN) - Interior High Speed (IHS) data bus. The master node then communicates with other electronic modules in the vehicle including the Body Control Module (BCM) over the CAN-IHS data bus. In the Powernet network architecture the BCM is also a CAN bus gateway.

The LBSS sends CAN messages to the Driver Door Module (DDM) and the Passenger Door Module/PDM. The DDM and PDM each control the BSM display on their respective door through a hard wired output. The LBSS also sends electronic request messages over the CAN-IHS data bus to the Radio Receiver Module (RRM) to generate chime tones as an audible alert. To communicate with the Instrument Cluster (IC), the LBSS sends an electronic message to the BCM. The BCM, which is a CAN-C gateway, relays the message to the IC over the CAN-C data bus.

The LBSS sends a CAN message to the DDM and PDM to perform a bulb test by illuminating the left or right triangle icons for 0.6 seconds each time the status of the ignition switch transitions to On. Each sensor also continually monitors the BSM system and the sensor circuits and will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is detected. Both smart sensors can communicate with a diagnostic scan tool connected to the 16-way Data Link Connector (DLC) beneath the driver side end of the instrument panel.

The hard wired circuits between the sensors may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the smart sensors or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the BSM system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the smart sensors or the electronic controls and communication related to LBSS or RBSS operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.