BSM uses two radar sensors, located inside the taillights, to detect highway licensable vehicles (automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) that enter the blind spot zones from the rear/front/side of the vehicle.
Rear Detection Zones
When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light will momentarily illuminate in both outside rearview mirrors to let the driver know that the system is operational. The BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle is in any forward gear and enters standby mode when the vehicle is in PARK.
The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft (3.8 m). The zone length starts at the outside rearview mirror and extends approximately 10 ft (3 m) beyond the rear fascia/bumper of the vehicle. The BSM system monitors the detection zones on both sides of the vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the driver of vehicles in these areas.
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The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver about rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the detection zones.
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The BSM system may experience dropouts (blinking on and off) of the side mirror warning indicator lights when a motorcycle or any small object remains at the side of the vehicle for extended periods of time (more than a couple of seconds).
The vehicle’s taillights, where the radar sensors are located, must remain free of snow, ice, and dirt/road contamination so that the BSM system can function properly. Do not block the taillights with foreign objects (bumper stickers, bicycle racks, etc.).
The system may also detect blockage if the vehicle is operated in areas with extremely low radar returns such as a desert or parallel to a large elevation drop. If blockage is detected, a “Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, Wipe Rear Corners” message will display in the cluster, both mirror lights will illuminate, and BSM and RCP alerts will not occur. This is normal operation. The system will automatically recover and resume function when the condition clears.
Radar Sensor Locations
If the system detects degraded performance due to contamination or foreign objects, a message will warn you of a blocked sensor and the warning indicators in the side view mirrors will be on. The warning indicators will remain illuminated until blockage clearing conditions are met. First clear the taillights around the sensors of the blockage. After removing the blockage, cycle the ignition from ON to OFF and then back ON.
If the blockage message is still present after cycling the ignition and driving in traffic, check again for a blockage.
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the detection zones by illuminating the BSM Warning Light located in the outside mirrors in addition to sounding an audible (chime) alert and reducing the radio volume Blind Spot Modes.
Warning Light Location
The BSM system monitors the detection zone from three different entry points (side, rear, front) while driving to see if an alert is necessary. The BSM system will issue an alert during these types of zone entries.
Entering From The Side
Vehicles that move into your adjacent lanes from either side of the vehicle.
Side Monitoring
Entering From The Rear
Vehicles that come up from behind your vehicle on either side and enter the rear detection zone with a relative speed of less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Rear Monitoring
Overtaking Traffic
If you pass another vehicle slowly with a relative speed less than 15 mph (24 km/h) and the vehicle remains in the blind spot for approximately 1.5 seconds, the warning light will be illuminated. If the difference in speed between the two vehicles is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h), the warning light will not illuminate.
Overtaking/Approaching
Overtaking/Passing
The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert on stationary objects such as guardrails, posts, walls, foliage, berms, snow banks, car washes, etc. However, occasionally the system may alert on such objects. This is normal operation and your vehicle does not require service.
The BSM system will not alert you of objects that are traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle in adjacent lanes GENERAL INFORMATION.
Opposing Traffic
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid to help detect objects in the blind spot zones. The BSM system is not designed to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the BSM system, always check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use your turn signal before changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.