Page 300 of 672

300
SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The  effectiveness  of  the  EPS  system  is  reduced  to  prevent  the  system  from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control (vehicles with a hill-start
assist control system)
When  the  following  four  conditions  are  met,  the  hill-start  assist  control  will
operate:
●The  shift  lever  is  in  a  position  other  than  P  or  N  (when  starting  off  forward/
backward on an upward incline).
● The vehicle is stopped.
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● The parking brake is not applied.
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-sta rt assist control (vehicles with a
hill-start assist  control system)
The hill-start assist control will turn  off in any of the following situations:
● The shift lever is shifted to P or N.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed.
● The parking brake is applied.
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
WARNING
■ The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The  limits  of  tire  gripping  performance  have  been  exceeded  (such  as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is  operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain  a  safe  distance  from  the  vehicle  in  front  of  you,  especially  in  the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces 
     
        
        Page 309 of 672

309
SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(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 the decision when changing lanes
● The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function 
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
BSM main switch
Pressing  the  switch  turns  the  system  on  or  off.  When  the  switch  is  set  to
on, the switch’s indicator illuminates.  Common switch for Blind Spot Moni-
tor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function.
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in a blind s pot of the outside rear view mirrors
or approaching rapidly from behind into a blind spot, the outside rear view
mirror  indicator  on  the  detected  side  will  illuminate.  If  the  turn  signal  lever
is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear view mirror indicator
will flash.
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.
: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
1
2 
     
        
        Page 314 of 672

314
SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
●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 ar e installed on the rear of the vehi-
cle
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 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 Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-
ment  for  careful  driving.  Driver  must  be  careful  when  backing  up,  even
when using Rear Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confir-
mation  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.
12