The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) on your 2023 Ascent watches your face to ensure you're alert while using driver assistance features. When it throws errors or won't work, the safety benefits are compromised. Let's troubleshoot this modern safety feature.
How Driver Monitoring Works
A camera mounted on the dashboard watches your face, tracking:
- Eye position and gaze direction
- Head position and movement
- Signs of drowsiness or distraction
When combined with EyeSight, it warns you if you're not watching the road while assistance features are active.
Common Error Messages
- "Driver Monitoring System Error"
- "Driver Monitoring Temporarily Unavailable"
- DMS warning light illuminated
- System frequently asks you to watch the road even when you are
Common Causes
- Camera obstructed - Something blocking the view
- Lighting conditions - Very bright or very dark
- Sunglasses - Certain lenses block IR tracking
- Face covering - Masks or head coverings
- Camera misalignment - After dash work or accidents
- Software glitch - Needs system reset
- Camera failure - Hardware malfunction
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check for obstructions - Ensure nothing blocks the camera on the dash
- Remove sunglasses - Some lenses prevent eye tracking
- Adjust driving position - Ensure your face is in camera view
- System reset - Turn off vehicle, wait 10 minutes
- Check settings - Verify DMS is enabled
Sunglasses and DMS
The camera uses infrared light to track your eyes. Polarized sunglasses or certain lens coatings can block this. If DMS works without sunglasses but not with them, your eyewear is the issue.
Repair Costs
- Settings adjustment: Free
- Software update: Often free under warranty
- Camera calibration: $150-$300
- DMS camera replacement: $500-$1,200