Volvo S80 Quiz
Driver assistance

BLIS* - Operation

In this manual: Driver assistance
Introduction — 9Safety — 9Instruments and controls — 29Climate control — 12Loading and storage. Storage compartments. Center console. Glove compartment. Center console 12 V socket — 1Loading and storage. Loading. Loading - ski hatch. Roof load. Cargo tie-down eyes — 1Loading and storage. Loading - shopping bag holder*. 12 V socket in luggage compartment* — 1Locks and Alarm System — 14Driver assistance — 33Starting and driving — 29Wheels and tires — 15Care and Service — 24Technical data. Type designations. Weights. Towing weight and nose weight. Engine technical data — 1Technical data. Engine oil - severe operating conditions. Engine oil - quality and capacity. Coolant - quality and capacity. Transmission fluid - quality and capacity — 1Technical Data. Technical data for the air conditioning system. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Tires - approved tire pressure — 1
~4min read

The BLIS system in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) helps the driver when changing lanes by means of warning lamps in the exterior mirror. This section describes activation, deactivation and the system's response during overtaking maneuvers. It also explains how BLIS works under different lighting and traffic conditions. Information on the system's limitations and on the meaning of warning messages contributes to safe use.

BLIS (Blind Spot Information) is a function designed to give the driver support in heavy traffic on roads with multiple lanes running in the same direction.

Activating/deactivating BLIS

BLIS is activated when the engine is started.

The indicator lamps in the door trim panels flash three times when BLIS is activated.

Taste zur Aktivierung/Deaktivierung.
Activation/deactivation button.

After the engine has been started, the system can be activated/deactivated by pressing the BLIS button.

Certain combinations of optional equipment leave no free space for a button in the center console. In this case, the function is operated via the MY CAR menu system.

When BLIS is deactivated, the lamp in the button goes out and a message appears in the instrument cluster.

When BLIS is activated, the lamp in the button lights up, a new text message appears in the instrument cluster and the indicator lamps in the door trim panels flash 3 times. Press the OK button on the left steering wheel lever to clear the text message.

When BLIS works

A = ca. 9,5 m und B = ca. 3,0 m.
A = approx. 9.5 m and B = approx. 3.0 m.

The system works when your vehicle is travelling at a speed above 10 km/h.

As soon as a camera (1) has detected a vehicle in the blind spot area, an indicator lamp (2) lights up continuously, see overview illustration.

BLIS informs the driver with a message if a fault occurs in the system. For example, if the system cameras are blocked, the BLIS indicator lamp flashes and a message appears in the instrument cluster.

Check and clean the lenses if necessary.

If necessary, the system can be temporarily switched off, see "Activating/deactivating BLIS" above.

Overtaking maneuvers

The system responds when:

  • You overtake another vehicle while driving up to 10 km/h faster than the other vehicle
  • You are overtaken by a vehicle travelling up to 70 km/h faster than you.
WARNING

BLIS does not work in tight bends.

BLIS does not work when reversing the vehicle.

A wide trailer attached to the vehicle may obscure other vehicles in adjacent lanes. As a result, vehicles in this shadow area may not be detected by BLIS.

Daylight and darkness

In daylight, the system responds to the shape of the vehicles surrounding your vehicle.

The system is designed to detect motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles.

In darkness, the system responds to the headlights of the vehicles surrounding your vehicle. If the headlights of the surrounding vehicles are not switched on, the system does not detect these vehicles. For example, the system does not respond to a trailer without lights being towed by a car or truck.

WARNING

The system does not respond to cyclists and motorcyclists.

The BLIS cameras have limitations similar to the human eye, i.e. they "see" less well, for example in heavy snowfall, strong backlight or dense fog.

Limitations

In certain situations, the BLIS indicator lamp may light up even though there is no other vehicle in the blind spot.

CAUTION

If the BLIS indicator lamp occasionally lights up although there is no other vehicle in the blind spot, this does not mean that a fault has occurred.

If there is a fault in BLIS, the text BLIS service required appears in the display.

The following illustrations show examples of situations in which the BLIS indicator lamp may light up even though there is no other vehicle in the blind spot.

Reflektionen von der nassen, glänzenden Fahrbahn.
Reflections from the wet, shiny road surface.


Shadow of your own vehicle on a large, bright, flat surface, such as a noise barrier or concrete road surface.

Niedrig stehende Sonne scheint in die Kamera.
Low sun shining into the camera.

IMPORTANT

Repairs to the components of the BLIS system may only be carried out by a workshop. A Volvo authorized workshop is recommended.

Related information

  • BLIS*
  • BLIS - Symbols and messages

The BLIS system of the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) operates from a speed of 10 km/h and reliably informs you about vehicles in the blind spot. It is activated automatically when the engine starts, but can also be activated manually using a button or the menu system.

The system has its limitations, for example in heavy snowfall, backlight or when trailers obscure the view. Regular cleaning of the lenses is important to maintain function.

FAQ

Why does the BLIS indicator lamp sometimes light up for no reason?
Reflections, strong sunshine or smooth surfaces can cause false alarms. This does not indicate a system fault.

Does BLIS respond to motorcycles and bicycles?
The system is designed primarily for cars, trucks and buses. Bicycles and motorcycles may not be reliably detected.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.