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Driving
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
may not function correctly
In the case of the following conditions, operate the brake pedal (or accelera-
tor pedal, depending on the situation) as necessary.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, the system
may not operate properly.
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly ●When the road curves or when the lanes
are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your
position in the lane is unstable
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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)
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Driving
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
●The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes
●The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated. If the turn
signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear view
mirror indicator flashes.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
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Driving
■The BSM outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.
■Rear Crossing Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.
■When “Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable” is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display
The sensor voltage has become abnormal, water, snow mud, etc., may be
built up in the vicinity of the sensor area of bumper (P. 422). Removing the
water, snow, mud, etc., from the vicinity of the sensor area bumper should
return it to normal. Also, the sensor may not function normally when used in
extremely hot or cold weather.
■When “Blind Spot Monitor System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
shown on the multi-information display
There may be a sensor malfunction or misaligned. Have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
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WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
● Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.
● Do not subject a sensor or its surrounding area on the rear bumper to a
strong impact.
If a sensor is moved even slightly off position, the system may malfunction
and vehicles may not be detected correctly.
In the following situations, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
• A sensor or its surrounding area is subject to a strong impact.
• If the surrounding area of a sensor is scratched or dented, or part of
them has become disconnected.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
● Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
● Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Toyota color.
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is
installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively.
Observe the following to ensure the Blind
Spot Monitor can function correctly.
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Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles
that are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in
the outside rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of
the vehicle’s existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 3.5 m (11.5 ft.)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 3 m (9.8 ft.) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 1 m (3.3 ft.) for-
ward of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
IO55PH029
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Driving
■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function may not func-
tion correctly
●The Blind Spot Monitor function may not detect vehicles correctly in the fol-
lowing situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its
surrounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc. is covering the sensor or surround-
ing area on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet with standing water during bad
weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching with only a small gap between
each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle
is changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same
speed as your vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips
in the road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven
surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and
the vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the
vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the Blind Spot Monitor main switch is turned on
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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)●Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehi-
cle and/or object may increase in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its
surrounding area
• When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that
enters the detection area is short
• When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips
in the road, etc.
• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driving on the edge of a lane,
and a vehicle traveling in a lane other than the adjacent lanes enters the
detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven
surfaces
• When the tires are slipping or spinning
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the
vehicle
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Driving
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in
reverse. It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left
rear of the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other
vehicle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indi-
cators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
IO55PH087
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
WARNING
■ Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a
replacement for careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing
up, even when using the Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function. The driver’s
own visual confirmation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and be
sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before backing up. Failure
to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
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