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How do I turn off side blind zone alert?

You can typically disable Side Blind Zone Alert from your vehicle’s Driver Assistance or Safety settings in the infotainment system, or with a dedicated toggle on the dash or steering column. The exact steps depend on the make and model, so consult your owner’s manual or the on-screen prompts for your specific car.


What SBZA is and why you might want to disable it


Side Blind Zone Alert is a safety feature that warns you when a vehicle is in your blind spots during lane changes. Some drivers choose to turn it off temporarily for certain maneuvers or if alerts are bothersome in heavy traffic or when towing. Disabling SBZA can reduce situational awareness in busy roads, so consider re-enabling it when you’re back on regular driving conditions.


How to turn off SBZA: general methods


Below are common approaches you’ll see across many vehicles. The exact wording and path can vary by model year and brand.



  • Infotainment/system menu: Open Settings or Driver Assistance in the central display, find Blind Spot Information System or Side Blind Zone Alert, and toggle Off. Labels may include Blind Spot Monitor, BLIS, or SBZA.

  • Physical control: Look for a dedicated button on the dash, center console, or near the steering wheel with a car/side-view icon or “SBZA”/“BLIS” label. Press to toggle Off; the indicator may stay lit or turn off.

  • Steering wheel or stalk controls: Some models let you disable SBZA through steering wheel menus or a stalk control by navigating to Driver Assist settings and selecting Off.

  • Temporary vs. permanent disablement: In many cars you can mute the audible alert while keeping the indicator active, or you can fully disable SBZA. Some systems revert to the previous state after restarting the engine, so check how your vehicle behaves.


If you can’t locate the option, check for a “Safety” or “Driver Assist” submenu in the infotainment system, or search for terms like “Blind Spot,” “Side Blind Zone Alert,” or “BLIS.” A quick consult with the owner’s manual or dealership can also clarify the exact steps for your model.


Brand-specific quick guidance


Note: Menu labels differ by year and trim. The following paths are common references for major brands.



  • GM (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac): Settings → Driver Assistance → Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) or Blind Spot Monitor → Off. Some models may require turning off a related Rear Cross Traffic Alert option as well.

  • Ford: Settings → Vehicle → Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) → Off. A dedicated BLIS Off button may also exist on the dash or near the steering column in some models.

  • Toyota/Lexus: Settings → Safety or Driver Assist → Blind Spot Monitor → Off. You may be able to disable per-side alerts on certain trims.

  • Honda/Acura: Settings → Driver Assist or Blind Spot Information System → Off. Some models allow adjusting warnings or temporarily muting alerts.

  • Hyundai/Kia: Settings → Vehicle → Blind Spot Monitor → Off. Some vehicles offer a quick toggle on the center console.

  • Nissan/Infiniti: Settings → Safety Shield/Blind Spot Warning → Off. In some models you can toggle via the steering wheel menu as well.


Remember: disabling SBZA may also reduce awareness of vehicles approaching from the side, and in some cases other related safety features (like rear cross-traffic alerts) may be affected. If you rely on these systems, consider leaving them enabled and using the controls only temporarily for specific tasks.


What to do if you still can’t find the option


If the option isn’t obvious in your vehicle’s menus, try a few steps: search the owner’s manual for “blind spot,” “SBZA,” or “BLIS”; check for software updates from the manufacturer; or contact your dealer for model-specific instructions. Some vehicles restrict disabling SBZA on certain trims or require a service visit for configuration.


Summary


Turning off Side Blind Zone Alert is generally possible through either a settings menu or a physical toggle, but the route depends on the vehicle’s brand and year. Always weigh safety implications, and re-enable SBZA when safe driving conditions return. If in doubt, call your dealership or refer to the manual for step-by-step guidance tailored to your car.

How do I turn off the BCW system?


After your initial selection of active assist or warning only, you can turn the system on and off using the BCW switch on the instrument panel. It's located below and to the left of the steering wheel. The system is active if the switch's indicator light is on.



How to turn on side blind zone alert on Chevy?


To turn on the Side Blind Zone Alert on a Chevy, navigate to the "Settings" or "Vehicle Personalization" menu on your infotainment screen, and enable the "Lane Change Alert" or "Side Blind Zone Alert" feature. Once enabled, the system will activate when the vehicle is in gear, and you'll see a brief light-up in the side mirrors to confirm it is working.
 
This video shows how to access the settings menu on a Chevy infotainment system to turn on the Side Blind Zone Alert: 50sConsumer Reviews and DIYsYouTube · Dec 11, 2024
Step-by-step instructions

  1. Start your Chevrolet.
  2. Go to the center display or infotainment screen.
  3. Navigate to the "Settings" or "Vehicle Personalization" menu.
  4. Find and select "Driver Assistance," "Driving Safety," or a similar option.
  5. Find "Lane Change Alert," "Side Blind Zone Alert," or "Blind Zone Steering Assist".
  6. Select the option to turn the feature "On". 

Important notes
  • The system is designed to be "always on" from the previous ignition cycle, so if it's already enabled, it will remain on. 
  • For certain features like "Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert," the normal "Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert" will be disabled when a trailer is attached. 
  • If the system still doesn't seem to work, clean the sensors located on the rear bumper, as dirt or snow can obstruct them. 



How to reset blind spot warning system?


To reset a blind spot warning system, first try a simple ignition cycle: turn the car off, wait 30 seconds, then start it again and drive above 10 mph. If that fails, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes to reset the control modules. For more complex issues, a calibration may be required through the vehicle's infotainment settings, or it may need to be performed with a specialized scan tool. 
Simple reset steps

  • Cycle the ignition: Turn your car completely off, wait about 30 seconds, and then restart it.
  • Drive the vehicle: Drive for a few minutes at speeds above 10 mph to allow the system to reinitialize.
  • Disconnect the battery: If the simple reset doesn't work, disconnect the negative battery terminal for approximately 10 minutes. Then, reconnect it and try driving again. 

Calibration and advanced resets 
  • Using vehicle settings: Some vehicles allow for calibration through the infotainment system or dashboard controls. Look for a "Blind Spot Monitoring" or "BSD" option in the settings menu and follow the on-screen prompts to recalibrate. 
  • Using an OBD2 scanner: You can use an OBD2 scanner to check for error codes and reset the system. Plug the scanner into the port under the steering wheel and follow the scanner's instructions to clear any related codes. 
  • Professional calibration: If the problem persists, the system may require a more advanced calibration. This is often performed by a dealership or a qualified mechanic using a specialized scan tool and specific calibration targets. 

When to seek professional help
  • If the warning light stays on after trying the simple resets, or if the system continues to malfunction. 
  • If there has been recent work done on the vehicle, especially on the rear bumper or side mirrors. 
  • If the system is warning about blocked sensors, especially in severe weather, or if there is any physical damage to the sensors. 



How to turn off side blind zone alert buick enclave?


You can turn Side Blind Zone Alert off through the Vehicle Personalization menu of your infotainment system. Feature settings stay the same from the previous ignition cycle, so if Side Blind Zone Alert was turned off and you want to use it again, you need to turn it back on.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.