Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) – Advanced Driver Assistance

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is an essential driver assistance system that utilizes advanced rear side radar sensors, strategically mounted on the inner sides of both left and right rear bumpers, to detect vehicles in areas not visible through the conventional side mirrors. This system helps ensure that the driver confirms lane safety before making a lane change, thereby enhancing overall driving awareness.

WARNING

Cautions regarding the use of the system

• The ultimate responsibility for safe driving lies with the driver. Always maintain vigilance and continuously observe your surroundings to ensure safe operation, regardless of the support provided by the system.
• The Blind Spot Monitor is designed as a supplementary alert system that notifies the driver when a vehicle is present in the blind spot-areas which lie beyond the view of the exterior rearview mirrors-or when an object is rapidly approaching from behind. However, it does not determine whether a lane change is absolutely safe. Overreliance on this technology can lead to unsafe lane change decisions, potentially resulting in severe accidents. Under conditions where sensor performance might be impaired, it remains imperative that the driver conduct a thorough visual check before changing lanes.

Integrating this sophisticated system into the vehicle's safety suite, modern Blind Spot Monitors also use intelligent filtering algorithms to reduce false alerts caused by minor objects or environmental factors. This ensures that only significant hazards trigger warnings, thereby contributing to a smoother and safer driving experience. In today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape, features such as BSM play a pivotal role in enhancing situational awareness-exemplified in vehicles like the Toyota bZ4X-thus setting a high standard for driver assistance and overall road safety.

System components

1. Meter control switches

Turning the Blind Spot Monitor on/off.

2. Outside rear view mirror indicators

When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot 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 and a buzzer will sound.

3. Driving assist information indicator

Illuminates when the Blind Spot Monitor is turned off. At this time, a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

Outside rear view mirror indicator visibility

In intense sunlight, the indicator on your outside rear view mirror may become difficult to discern. Reduced visibility of these indicators can compromise your ability to quickly notice important alerts, so it’s essential to be extra cautious on bright days.

Buzzer

If the audio system’s volume is set high or if the ambient noise level is elevated (for instance, in a loud urban environment), the buzzer alert may be hard to hear. Ensuring that your audio settings balance comfort and safety is key to effectively receiving critical warnings.

Customization

Several functions of the Blind Spot Monitor system can be personalized. You can adjust parameters such as alert volume, display brightness, and sensor sensitivity so that the system’s notifications blend seamlessly with your driving style and local conditions.

Certification

WARNING

To ensure the system can operate properly

Blind Spot Monitor sensors are meticulously installed on the inner sides of the left and right rear bumpers. For optimal performance, keep both the sensors and their immediate surrounding areas spotless.

• Regularly clean the rear bumper and sensor areas to ensure no dust, debris, or snow interferes with the sensor’s ability to detect vehicles.

If a sensor or its surrounding area becomes covered in snow or is otherwise dirty, the system may fail to detect nearby vehicles and will display a warning message. In such a case, remove the dirt or snow and operate the vehicle under normal driving conditions for about 10 minutes to allow the system to recalibrate. If the warning persists, have your vehicle inspected by your authorized dealer.

• Avoid attaching accessories, stickers (including transparent ones), aluminum tape, or similar items on or around the sensor area on the rear bumper, as they can impair sensor functionality.
• Do not paint the area immediately surrounding a sensor on the rear bumper; excess paint or improper repair jobs may lead to inaccurate sensor readings.
• Do not subject a sensor or its surrounding area to strong impacts. Even a slight shift in its position can cause system malfunctions and incorrect vehicle detection. If any sensor appears displaced or damaged, consult your dealer immediately.

• A sensor or its mounted area must not be exposed to high impact forces.
• Any scratches, dents, or disconnections in the sensor housing can compromise the system’s performance.

• Do not attempt to disassemble the sensor on your own.
• Refrain from modifying the sensor or the surrounding area on the rear bumper in any way.
• If removal, installation, or replacement of a sensor or the rear bumper is necessary, please contact your authorized dealer.
• Paint on the rear bumper can affect sensor functionality. If the bumper is not repaired correctly after a collision or scratch, the Blind Spot Monitor may show warning messages. In such cases, have the repair work inspected by your dealer.

Turning the Blind Spot Monitor on/off

The Blind Spot Monitor can be enabled or disabled via a customizable setting within the vehicle’s system menu. When turned off, an indicator lights up and a message appears on the multi-information display to remind you that the system is not active.

Every time the power switch is turned to ON, the Blind Spot Monitor is automatically enabled, ensuring that this vital safety feature is active during your drive.

By following these guidelines and maintaining proper care of the sensor-equipped areas, you ensure that your Blind Spot Monitor system continues to provide reliable assistance. Such advanced driver-assist technology is an integral part of modern vehicle safety systems, enhancing situational awareness and contributing to safer lane changes-a testament to cutting-edge automotive innovation found in models like the Toyota bZ4X.