Setting the Blind Spot Monitor
The Blind Spot Monitor can be enabled or disabled through the available customization settings. When the Blind Spot Monitor is switched off, the driving assist information indicator will illuminate and a corresponding message will appear on the multi-information display, allowing the driver to confirm that the function is currently inactive.
Each time the engine switch of the Toyota Tacoma is turned to ON, the Blind Spot Monitor is enabled again automatically, regardless of its previous operating state.
Setting the trailer type
Select "Trailer Settings" on the multi-information display, then follow the on-screen instructions to add and configure a trailer. Correctly selecting the trailer information enables the applicable trailer-related Blind Spot Monitor functions to use the appropriate operating settings.
Auto Trailer Detection (ATD)
Auto Trailer Detection (ATD) determines whether a trailer is attached to the Toyota Tacoma by using information from the Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), if equipped, or from the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) sensors. The detection method depends on the type of trailer and how it is connected to the truck.
- Trailers that use the Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), if equipped, can be detected through the 7-pin trailer brake connector. This connection provides the system with information indicating that a compatible trailer is attached.
- Other trailer types that are not identified through the TBC connection can be detected using the rear Blind Spot Monitor sensors.
- When a trailer is detected through either BSM or TBC, if equipped, the RCTA, PKSB (if equipped), RCD (if equipped), and Intuitive parking assist (if equipped) functions will be disabled while the trailer configuration is active.
- As soon as a trailer is detected through the 7-pin trailer brake connector, if equipped, or when detection is performed through BSM and the driver confirms the trailer by selecting "YES" on the meter pop-up, the monitoring area is extended. The resulting detection range can extend to a maximum length of approximately 50 ft. (15 m) behind the rear bumper of the Toyota Tacoma.
- For automatic trailer detection without use of the 7-pin connector, the vehicle must travel forward at a speed above 6 mph (10 km/h) for at least 10 seconds. This driving period gives the BSM sensors an opportunity to identify the presence of the trailer.
- The ATD function is triggered at every engine switch ON/OFF cycle. It may also be triggered when the vehicle is stopped with the shift lever in P or N, or when the parking brake remains applied for more than 90 seconds.
- Trailer detection through the BSM sensors may take longer in crowded surroundings, such as a busy parking lot, an area surrounded by trees such as a campground, or another location where nearby objects interfere with the sensors' ability to distinguish and sufficiently detect the trailer. In these environments, additional time or vehicle movement may be required before detection is completed.
Trailer Length Detection (TLD)
- After a trailer has been detected, if the trailer length setting on the meter is set to "Auto", the Trailer Length Detection (TLD) function estimates the trailer length using information obtained from the Blind Spot Monitor sensors. The estimated length is then used when establishing the applicable detection area behind the vehicle and trailer.
To allow the TLD function to estimate trailer length and establish the corresponding detection area, make at least two 90-degree turns while driving. These turns provide the system with the movement information needed to estimate how far the trailer extends behind the Toyota Tacoma.
If the trailer length is entered manually through the multi-information display instead of being determined automatically, the detection area is also adjusted so that it extends beyond the entered length of the trailer.
Trailer Merge Warning (TMW)
- When towing a trailer, the Blind Spot Monitor uses information from Auto Trailer Detection (ATD) and Trailer Length Detection (TLD) to modify the normal detection zone according to the detected or entered trailer length. Trailer Merge Warning (TMW) then uses the outside rear view mirror indicators to warn the driver when a vehicle traveling in an adjacent lane enters this extended detection area. This helps the driver account for traffic alongside both the Toyota Tacoma and the attached trailer when preparing to change lanes.
- Trailer Merge Warning performance may be reduced with certain combinations of trailer type, trailer dimensions, and bumper design. Because these physical differences can affect how the sensors detect surrounding vehicles, the driver should continue checking the mirrors and surrounding traffic directly rather than relying exclusively on TMW.
