2016 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

305
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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 t he decision when changing lanes
● The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
The Blind Spot Monitor on/off screen and indicator
The Blind Spot Monitor system can be turned on/off on the multi-informa-
tion display. When the system is set to on, the indicator illuminates on the
multi-information display. The Blind Spot Monitor function and the Rear
Cross Traffic Alert function are turned on/off simultaneously.
∗: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
1

306
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
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 and the out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
Rear Cross 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.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the left-hand rear seat.
Press or of the meter control switches and select on
the multi-information display.
Press or of the meter control switches and select ,
and then press .
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, the
warning messages will be displayed: ( →P. 631, 633)
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Turning the Blind Spot Monitor system on/off
2
3
1
2

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
3074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Certification
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada

308
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
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 system can function correctly.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may mal-
function and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected.\
If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have
the area inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● 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.
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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 b lind spot), and advises the driver of
the vehicles 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 11.5 ft. (3.5 m)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
1
2
3
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 Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the
driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the
Blind Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to change
lanes, therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

310
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
●The Blind Spot Monitor system is set to on
● Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).
■ The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when
●A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
● Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.
■ Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a
vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following types
of vehicles and/or objects:
● Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.
*
●Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi cles and similar stationary objects
*
●Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
●Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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 conditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When ice, mud, etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water,
etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the road, etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each
vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Directly after the Blind Spot Monitor system is set to on
• When towing a trailer
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehi- cle.
● Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehi-
cle and/or object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail,
wall, etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from
your vehicle enters the detection area
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehi- cle

312
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
The Rear Cross 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 vehi-
cle’s existence through fl ashing the outside rear view mirror indicators
and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas12
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 Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-
ment for careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even
when using the Rear Cross 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.