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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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The Blind Spot Monitor on/off screen and indicator
The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
can be switched on and off using the multi-information display. (P. 242)
When switched on, the BSM indicator illuminates on the meter and the
buzzer sounds.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Crossing Traffic Alert func-
tion only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from the driver’s side instrument panel.
RCTA detection display (RCTA function only)
If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is
detected, the RCTA detection display will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert func-
tion can be enabled/disabled on the screen (P. 242) of the
multi-information display.
Once off is selected, the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert
function will not return to on until it is turned to on by the settings display of
multi-information display again. (The system does not automatically return
to on even when the hybrid system is restarted.)
Changing settings of the Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear
Crossing Traffic Alert function
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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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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A89E_(EE)■Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor
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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
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■The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
● The BSM system is set to on (P. 242)
● Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph)
■ 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 vehicles 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.
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 functi on 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.