The Blind Spot Monitor is a driver-assistance system that uses rear side radar sensors installed behind the left and right sides of the rear bumper. It is designed to support the driver when evaluating surrounding traffic before changing lanes in the Toyota Tacoma.
WARNING
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver remains solely responsible for operating the vehicle safely. Always pay close attention to surrounding traffic and road conditions, and visually confirm that it is safe before changing lanes.
The Blind Spot Monitor is a supplementary assistance function that warns the driver when another vehicle is detected in an area that may be difficult to see through the outside rear view mirrors, or when a vehicle is rapidly approaching from behind toward a blind spot. Do not depend excessively on the Blind Spot Monitor when driving the Toyota Tacoma. The system cannot determine whether a lane change itself is safe, and excessive reliance on its warnings could contribute to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Because the system may not detect vehicles correctly or may not function as expected under certain operating conditions, the driver must always visually check the surrounding area and independently confirm that it is safe to proceed.
System components
- Meter control switches
The meter control switches are used to turn the Blind Spot Monitor on or off, allowing the driver to select whether the BSM function is active.
- Outside rear view mirror indicators
When the system detects a vehicle in a blind spot of either outside rear view mirror, or detects a vehicle rapidly approaching from behind toward a blind spot, the indicator in the outside rear view mirror on the corresponding side illuminates. If the turn signal lever is operated toward the side where a vehicle has been detected, that outside rear view mirror indicator will flash to provide a more noticeable warning.
- Driving assist information indicator
The driving assist information indicator illuminates when the Blind Spot Monitor is turned off. At the same time, a corresponding message is displayed on the multi-information display so the driver can confirm the current status of the system.
Outside rear view mirror indicator visibility
Under strong sunlight or similarly bright conditions, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be more difficult to see. The driver should therefore continue checking the mirrors and surrounding traffic directly rather than relying only on the illuminated indicator.
Customization
Some Blind Spot Monitor functions can be customized according to the available vehicle settings.
WARNING
To ensure the system can operate properly
Blind Spot Monitor sensors are installed behind the left and right sides of the rear bumper. Their position and the condition of the surrounding bumper area are important for proper operation of the Toyota Tacoma BSM system.
Observe the following precautions to help ensure that the Blind Spot Monitor can detect surrounding vehicles correctly and operate as intended.
- Keep the sensors and the surrounding areas of the rear bumper clean at all times. Dirt, snow, ice, or other material covering these areas may interfere with radar sensor operation.
If a sensor or the surrounding portion of the rear bumper becomes dirty or covered with snow, the Blind Spot Monitor may become unavailable and a warning message may appear. In this condition, proper detection of vehicles cannot be assured.
Remove any dirt or snow from the affected area, and then drive the vehicle while the operating conditions required for the BSM function are satisfied for approximately 10 minutes. If the warning message remains displayed after this procedure, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer.
- Do not attach accessories, stickers, including transparent stickers, aluminum tape, or similar items to a radar sensor or to the surrounding area of the rear bumper. Objects attached in these locations may interfere with the sensor's ability to detect nearby vehicles accurately.
- Do not subject a sensor or the surrounding rear bumper area to a strong impact.
If a sensor is displaced even slightly from its correct position, the Blind Spot Monitor may malfunction and surrounding vehicles may not be detected accurately.
In any of the following situations, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer so the sensor position and surrounding components can be checked.
- A sensor or the area surrounding it has been subjected to a strong impact.
- The area surrounding a sensor is scratched or dented, or any portion of the surrounding components has become disconnected.
- Do not disassemble a Blind Spot Monitor sensor. Disassembly can affect sensor alignment or operation and may prevent the system from functioning correctly.
- Do not modify a sensor or the surrounding area of the rear bumper, as changes to these components may interfere with radar detection.
- If a sensor or the rear bumper must be removed, installed, repaired, or replaced, contact your Toyota dealer. Correct sensor positioning is necessary for proper Blind Spot Monitor operation.
- Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Toyota color, because an unsuitable finish may affect the operation of the sensors installed behind the bumper.
