Toyota Avalon (XX50) 2019-2022 Owners Manual: BSM function

The BSM function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is usually not reflected in the outside rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehicles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.

BSM function detection areas

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

The range of the detection area extends to:

1. Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) from the side of the vehicle
   The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the side of the vehicle is not in the detection area
2. Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from the rear bumper
3. Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) forward of the rear bumper

■The BSM function is operational when

• The BSM function is turned on
• Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).

■The BSM function will detect a vehicle when

• A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
• You overtake a vehicle in adjacent lane slowly.
• Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.

■Conditions under which the BSM function will not detect a vehicle The BSM function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles and/or objects:

• Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*
• Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
• Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
• Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
• Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
• Vehicles which are being overtaken rapidly by your vehicle

*: Depending on the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correctly

• The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following conditions:
  • When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surrounding area
  • During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
  • When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc., is covering the sensor or surrounding area on the rear bumper
  • When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water, snow, etc.
  • When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
  • When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection area as your vehicle accelerates
  • When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the road, etc.
  • When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
  • When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
  • When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from your vehicle
  • When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
  • When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
  • Immediately after the BSM function is turned on
• Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase under the following conditions:
  • When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surrounding area
  • 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 driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
  • When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle