The blind spot monitor system is an important safety feature in Toyota vehicles. This system helps to prevent accidents by detecting objects in the vehicle’s blind spot and providing a warning to the driver.
In this article, we will discuss how the blind spot monitor system works, the symptoms of its malfunction, and how to prevent it from malfunctioning.
Table of Contents
What is Blind Spot Monitor System?
A blind spot monitor is a vehicle safety system designed to alert the driver when someone or something is in their blind spot. This blind spot monitor function can be extremely helpful when changing lanes or turning on a busy highway.
A vehicle’s blind spot is the area around the car that cannot be seen by the driver, either through the windshield or in the side mirrors. This can be dangerous if another vehicle is in the blind spot, as the driver may not see it and could cause an accident.
Blind spot accidents are unfortunately all too common, so it is important to be aware of your vehicle’s blind spots and to take steps to avoid them.
Blind spot monitors use sensors to detect when someone or something is in your blind spot and will typically give you a warning via a light on your outside rear-view mirror or dashboard.
Some systems will also give you an audible warning. Some of the latest systems will even brake for you if they sense that you are about to collide with someone in your blind spot.
While blind spot monitors can be extremely helpful, it’s important to remember that they are not perfect. They can sometimes give false warnings, so it’s important to do a shoulder check before changing lanes.
How Does Blind Spot Monitor System Detect Vehicles?
The Toyota Blind Spot Monitor System uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you with an indicator light on the corresponding side mirror. The science behind it is actually pretty simple.
The sensors are mounted near the mirrors on the sides of the vehicle. They emit radio waves that bounce off objects and are reflected back to the sensor. The sensor then calculates the object’s distance based on how long it took for the waves to return.
If a car is in your blind spot, the sensor will pick up on it and send a signal to the indicator light. The light will then come on, alerting you to the fact that there is a car in your blind spot.
The range of the sensor varies from vehicle to vehicle. Some cars might have a shorter range, while others might have a longer range. The Toyota Blind Spot Monitor System has a range of about 3 meters on either side, which is pretty standard for most systems.
It has an even better range of 5 meters from the rear bumper. This is important because it can detect cars coming from behind you, even when they’re not in your direct line of sight.
You can easily turn the Toyota Blind Spot Monitor System on and off with a switch near the mirror on the corresponding side.
The system is turned on by default, but you can turn it off if you want. For example, if you’re parallel parking and don’t want the system to be constantly going off, you can turn it off until you’re done parking.
Symptoms of Blind Spot Monitor Error in Toyota:
If you’re experiencing a blind spot monitor error in your Toyota, you are likely to observe the following symptoms:
1. BSM Warning Light:
The warning light on the dash is the first sign of an issue with your Blind Spot Monitor. Various warning lights will illuminate on the center console to indicate a problem with the BSM system. The most common warning light is the exclamation point within a triangle.
If this light is illuminated, it means that the BSM system has been turned off and isn’t functioning. Other warning lights include a yellow triangle with an exclamation point.
This light indicates a potential obstacle in the BSM field of view, and a red BSM light means that the system has detected an obstacle and is active.
2. Vehicle Veers Out of Lane:
If the Blind Spot Monitor sensors detect an obstacle in your blind spot, the system will activate and cause your vehicle to veer out of its lane. This is intended to prevent you from changing lanes into oncoming traffic or hitting another object.
The system will automatically steer your vehicle back into its adjacent lane once the obstacle has been cleared. If you find that your car starts to veer out of its lane unexpectedly, it could be due to a malfunctioning Blind Spot Monitor.
3. False Collision Warning:
The Blind Spot Monitor system is also equipped with a collision warning feature. If an obstacle is detected in your blind spot and you attempt to change lanes, the system will emit a loud warning sound and display a red light on the side mirror.
This is intended to prevent you from changing lanes into oncoming traffic or hitting another object. If you find that your vehicle is regularly emitting a collision warning, it could be due to a malfunctioning Blind Spot Monitor.
4. Unexpected Automatic Braking:
In some cases, the Blind Spot Monitor system may automatically apply the brakes if it detects an obstacle in your blind spot and you attempt to change lanes.
This is intended to prevent you from changing lanes into oncoming traffic or hitting another object. If you find that your vehicle is automatically braking for no reason, it could be due to a malfunctioning Blind Spot Monitor.
What Causes Blind Spot Monitor Error in Toyota Vehicles?
Following are some of the most common causes for a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system to stop working:
1. Loose or Damaged Wiring:
One of the most common causes of a Blind Spot Monitor error is loose or damaged wiring. This can cause the system to malfunction and display an error message.
2. Faulty Sensor:
One potential cause of a Blind Spot Monitor error in a Toyota vehicle is a problem with the system’s radar sensors.
These sensors are located on the back of the car and may become blocked by dirt or debris. If this happens, the system will not be able to detect vehicles in your blind spot properly, and it will trigger an error message.
3. Software Error:
Another possibility is that there is a software error in the system. This can be caused by an issue with the programming or by a corruption of the data.
4. Wrong Vehicle Speed:
If you are driving under 20 kph and get a Blind Spot Monitor error, it could be because the system is not designed to work under that speed.
5. Obstacles Blocking Sensor:
There may be an obstacle blocking one of the sensors, such as a piece of dirt or debris. This can cause the system to malfunction and display an error message.
6. Damaged Sensor:
If a sensor is damaged, it can also cause the Blind Spot Monitor to display an error message. The damage could be from a collision or something else, such as a rock hitting the sensor.
7. Out of Range:
The Blind Spot Monitor system has a limited range, and if you are too far away from another vehicle, it will not be able to detect it and will display an error message.
8. Interference:
There may be interference from another electronic device that is causing the Blind Spot Monitor to malfunction.
9. Low Battery:
If the battery in the vehicle is discharged, it can cause the Blind Spot Monitor to display an error message.
These are some of the most common causes of a Blind Spot Monitor error.
If you are experiencing this issue, check to see if any of these apply to your situation. If not, then take your vehicle to a qualified technician to have it diagnosed.
Under What Condition BSM Won’t Function
Several conditions can disable the blind spot monitor system:
- Small objects close to the vehicle: If a small object is close to the side of the car, such as a bicycle or a motorcycle, the blind spot monitor may be unable to detect it.
- Bad weather: Heavy rain, snow, or fog can all interfere with the operation of the blind spot monitor system.
- Dirty sensors: If the sensors are dirty or obstructed in any way, they may not be able to detect objects in the blind spot properly.
- High speed of interfering objects: If the object in the blind spot is moving very fast, the sensor may not be able to properly detect it.
- Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction: If there is a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, the blind spot monitor may not be able to detect it.
- Dirty rear bumper: If the rear bumper is dirty, it can interfere with the sensor’s ability to properly detect objects in the blind spot.
- Walls, signs, and stationary objects: If there is a wall, sign, or other stationary objects close to the side of the vehicle, the blind spot monitor may not be able to detect it.
- Misaligned sensor: If the sensor is not properly aligned, it will not be able to detect objects in the blind spot properly.
- Multiple lanes: If there are multiple lanes next to the vehicle, the blind spot monitor may not be able to properly detect all of them.
- Wet Road: If the road is wet, it can interfere with the sensor’s ability to properly detect objects in the blind spot.
- Steep inclines and sharp curves: If the vehicle is on a steep slope or sharp curve, the blind spot monitor may not be able to detect objects in the blind spot properly.
- If you’re accelerating too quickly: If you’re accelerating too quickly, the blind spot monitor may not be able to properly detect objects in the blind spot.
How to Reset BSM System in Toyota?
If your Toyota is equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor System, you may need to know how to reset it. Here are the steps:
- Park your vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Locate the Blind Spot Monitor System button. This is typically located on the console near the steering wheel and the turn signal lever.
- Press and hold the Blind Spot Monitor System button for approximately 5 seconds or until you hear a beep.
- The system will automatically reset itself and should be ready to use again.
Tips to Prevent BSM Malfunction
Even though the Blind Spot Monitor is a very reliable system, there are still ways that it can malfunction. Here are some tips to help prevent that from happening:
- Make sure the sensors are clean: If the sensors are dirty or obstructed, they may not be able to detect objects in the blind spot properly.
- Make sure the rear bumper is clean: If the rear bumper is dirty, it can interfere with the sensor’s ability to properly detect objects in the blind spot.
- Be aware of your surroundings: If you know an object is in your blind spot, be extra cautious when changing lanes.
- Don’t accelerate too quickly: If you’re accelerating too quickly, the blind spot monitor may not be able to properly detect objects in the blind spot.
- Use extra caution in bad weather: Heavy rain, snow, or fog can all interfere with the operation of the blind spot monitor system.
Conclusion
The Blind Spot Monitor System is a great safety feature that can help prevent accidents. However, there are still some ways that it can malfunction. By following the tips above, you can help prevent that from happening. If you do experience any problems with your system, be sure to take it to a qualified technician to have it checked out.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article helped explain everything about Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor System. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BSM mean on the dashboard?
BSM stands for “blind spot monitor.” The system uses sensors to detect when another vehicle is in your blind spot and will notify you with a warning light on the dashboard.
If you try to change lanes while someone is in your blind spot, the system automatically applies the brakes to help prevent an accident.
What is the operating range of BSM in Toyota vehicles?
The operational range of blind spot monitoring systems in Toyota vehicles is approximately 3 meters on either side and 5 meters from the rear bumper.
BSM can be limited by factors such as bad weather, other vehicles, etc. It is important to always check your mirrors and shoulder before changing lanes, even when BSM is active.
Which sensors are used by the BSM system in Toyota?
Two types of sensors are used by the Blind Spot Monitor system in Toyota. The first type is called an ultrasonic sensor, emitting high-frequency sound waves that bounce off objects and return to the sensor.
This allows the system to detect objects in the blind spot area. The second type of sensor is a radar sensor, which uses radio waves to detect objects. Radar sensors are more accurate than ultrasonic sensors but are also more expensive.
How efficient is the BSM system of Toyota models?
The Blind Spot Monitor system of Toyota models is quite efficient. It can help drivers avoid accidents by warning them early about the presence of other vehicles in their blind spots.
One of the benefits of the Blind Spot Monitor system is that it can help drivers stay aware of their surroundings. The system’s sensors are constantly scanning for other vehicles, so it can be a helpful tool for keeping track of traffic conditions.
Additionally, the system can help drivers parallel park or change lanes safely. Overall, the Blind Spot Monitor system can be a valuable addition to any driver’s safety arsenal.
How do I turn off BSM on my Toyota?
The Blind Spot Monitor system can be turned off by pressing the “BSM OFF” button on the dashboard. However, it is not recommended to turn off the system while driving.
If you need to turn off the system for any reason, it is best to do so when you are stopped, and there are no other vehicles around. This will help prevent any accidents that may occur if the system is turned off while driving.
Which Toyota vehicles come with a BSM system?
The Toyota Blind Spot Monitor is available on select Toyota models, including the Toyota Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, and Venza.
This system uses sensors to monitor your vehicle’s blind spot areas and provides a warning if another vehicle enters your blind spot.
What is Toyota’s Safety Sense? What are its different versions?
It is a star safety system of active safety technologies that helps drivers avoid accidents. It includes features like lane departure warning, pre-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. There are different versions of Toyota Safety Sense, each with other features.
- TSS-C: This is the base level of Toyota Safety Sense and includes advanced automotive technology products like lane departure and pre-collision warnings.
- TSS-P: This is the top level of Toyota Safety Sense and includes all of the features from TSS-C, plus additional features like dynamic radar cruise control and a head-up display.
- TSS 2.0: This is an updated version of Toyota Safety Sense and includes six different active safety features, including lane departure warning, pre-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- TSS-2.5+: This is the newest version of Toyota Safety Sense and includes all of the features from the previous versions, plus additional features like lane tracing assist and road sign assist.
What is the difference between BSM and rear cross-traffic alert?
A Blind Spot Monitor is a vehicle safety feature that uses sensors to detect when other vehicles are in your blind spot and alerts you with a visual warning.
A rear cross-traffic alert is another vehicle safety feature that uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the sides as you’re backing up. It too alerts you with a visual warning. So, there isn’t a great deal of difference between the two features.
Both features work together to help make you aware of potential hazards around your vehicle so that you can avoid them.
Are there any objects rear cross-traffic alert cannot detect?
Yes, there are some objects that rear cross-traffic alert cannot detect. These include smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. You will have to use a rear-view mirror for these objects.
Additionally, rear cross-traffic alert may have difficulty detecting vehicles coming from an angle rather than directly behind the car.
