Does your Toyota RAV4 have a green “BSM” light? You’re not the only one who feels this way!
I wrote this article to address that issue. In no time, you’ll understand BSM and be on your way to becoming a BSM expert.
In this tutorial, I’ll answer all your questions about BSM, including what it means, how it works, and how to fix problems with it.
What is BSM Light on Your Toyota RAV4?
It’s possible that you’re not familiar with what the BSM light means on your RAV4’s dashboard. A BSM light does not indicate a problem, but simply an indication that the device has been turned on.
Blind Spot Monitor is an acronym for “Blind Spot Monitor”. Through two orange indicator lights located in each side-view mirror, Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor system helps the driver become more aware of vehicles in their blind spot.
When a car enters the left or right side of the driver’s blind spot, an indicator light will illuminate. Whenever a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot, this warning light should be visible to the driver.
An indicator light will illuminate on the left side-view mirror if a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot on the left side.
In the case of a turning signal being used when a vehicle is entering the driver’s blind spot, the side-view indicator will blink rapidly to attract the driver’s attention.
On the rear bumper of a Toyota RAV4, there are BSM sensors on either side. These sensors will not be visible to you! Behind the bumper is a plastic cover that hides them.
By detecting vehicles entering and leaving the blind spot, these sensors use radar technology.
What is a Blind Spot?
An area around the driver’s vehicle that can’t be seen from the rear view mirror or the side view mirror is referred to as a blind spot.
Blind spots are most commonly found in the rear of a vehicle, on both sides.
In spite of the fact that blind spot monitors help you with blind spot awareness, you shouldn’t rely on them exclusively. Before switching lanes, keep an eye on your surroundings and check over your shoulder.
BSM Dashboard Light
Seeing the dashboard light may seem confusing if you don’t know what BSM is. You should not worry, your car is fine!
If the blind spot monitor light on your RAV4’s dashboard is green, it indicates that the system is working. You will be alerted if an object enters your blind spot if your blind spot monitor is configured properly.
There are two possible reasons why the green “BSM” light isn’t appearing on the dashboard:
What Is The Blind Spot Monitor On Your Toyota RAV4?
The 2013 RAV4 was the first Toyota vehicle to offer BSM as an option. Your vehicle may be older than that, so I’m sorry! Blind spot monitor is not available to you.
Your RAV4 might have BSM if it was made in 2013 or later.
Except for the following model years and trim levels, blind spot monitoring is standard on the Toyota RAV4.
Important notes:
Trying turning on BSM on your RAV4 is a great way to find out if it is equipped with BSM on your vehicle!
What is the process of turning on and off?
Easy steps will guide you through the process of turning on and off your blind spot monitor.
Each model year has a different process. After the 2016 release of the RAV4, Toyota changed the toggle button to a setting on the multi-information display (which can be controlled by the steering wheel arrow pad).
Depending on your model year, follow the steps below to enable and disable BSM.
A 2016-2022 TOYOTA RAV4 is controlled with BSM by the following steps:
The BSM indicator light will be green next to the tachometer if BSM is enabled.
How TO Toggle BSM On or OFF On 2013/2015 Toyota RAV4?
An indicator light will appear on the BSM toggle button if BSM is ON.
Watch this quick video to see how to disable BSM on a 2021 Toyota RAV4:
It’s a good idea to keep your blind spot monitor on! There is no doubt that it is a great safety feature that can reduce the chances of getting into an accident.
What Is The Best Way To Fix A Malfunction?
The blind spot monitor system may not work if you see a warning such as “Blind Spot Monitor System Malfunction” or “Check Blind Spot Monitor System”.
Blind spot monitors are equipped with two sensors, as previously mentioned. Their appearance is similar to small black boxes located on the left and right sides of the rear bumper. The plastic bumper hides these sensors, so you won’t see them.
If your BSM malfunctions, here are some things you can do:
Getting Your BSM System Reset
This guide will show you how to reset your blind spot monitoring system.
It is necessary to turn the car off and back on in order to reset the BSM on a Toyota RAV4.
Proceed to the next step if your BSM continues to malfunction after doing this.
Get in touch with your local mechanic or dealer
In the event that your BSM still doesn’t work, you aren’t able to do much on your own.
You should contact the local Toyota dealer or an independent auto shop if resetting the BSM didn’t solve the problem.
There have been reports of RAV4 owners experiencing BSM sensor failure after hitting the rear bumper on either the right or left side. There is a possibility that even a minor impact could result in a malfunction. When these technologies are tampered with or collided with, they can become uncalibrated or broken.
How Do I Fix a Toyota RAV4 With All Warning Lights On?
One malfunctioning system may trigger multiple warning lights on the Toyota RAV4 dashboard at the same time, although it is rare to see all of them illuminate at the same time. There are many intricate and interdependent systems in your vehicle, so a malfunction in one system is certain to affect the others.
Toyota RAV4s that have all warning lights illuminated are probably not trying to signal a multitude of problems. Most of the time, there’s only one particularly perplexing problem to resolve. The best approach is to err on the side of caution.
What are the speed and distance limitations of the BSM?
In order to detect moving objects, the BSM system needs to be at a certain distance and speed. As long as the auto is in reverse and moving at a constant speed less than or equal to 5 mph, it can easily spot things moving at 5-18 mph.
During installation behind the back bumper, it is estimated that it will pick up at around 3.5 meters on both sides of the vehicle. Using the rear bumper as a starting point, this measurement begins from there.
Is the BSM System Accurate?
There is some precision in the BSM, but it cannot be regarded as completely reliable. You don’t have to ignore it entirely if that’s what you believe. Before crossing lanes or performing similar activities, motorists must use their senses to check for danger everywhere.
The BSM system is limited in its ability to detect objects under certain conditions, such as dense fog. The car would not be able to detect things until they were very close to it, thus having a hard time spotting them.
Moreover, if you have any objects on or around your radar sensors (for example, a plastic bag), it may cause false readings to be recorded if that object is on or around them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which RAV4 trims come equipped with BSM?
In addition to the 2018 RAV4, the 2018 Adventure, 2018 SE, and the 2019-2023 LE/LE Hybrid will not come with the BSM. There is an option to add the BSM to these models. The technology is not available on RAV4s older than 2013.
How does the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system work?
Detecting other vehicles is done by the rear sensors of the car using radar technology. An indicator lights up in the driver’s side mirror when another vehicle enters the blind spot.
What is the purpose of the Blind Spot Monitor?
As the name implies, Blind Spot Monitors warn the driver when another vehicle is in their blind spot. As a result of this alert, accidents can be prevented and safety is enhanced.
Where Is the BSM Button?
The BSM button can be found on the left side of the dashboard, and it has the letters “BSM” etched on it. The Multi-information Display can still be used if your Rav4 model does not have a BSM main button.
How Do I Know If the BSM Is On?
When the BSM is activated, the sideview mirrors’ lights will flash on and off rapidly to indicate that it is functioning. There would also be a low sound.
What Happens If I Accidentally Leave the BSM On?
Upon detecting an extended period of no vehicles approaching from the rear, the system will automatically turn off. There is no need to worry about it going off inconveniently because it is designed to be unobtrusive.
Conclusion
As the name suggests, a blind spot monitor alerts the driver when a vehicle enters his blind spot.
To ensure safety, we recommend leaving it on for the duration of the ride. The multi-information display lets you turn it on and off easily.
Changing lanes and merging onto a highway are two common causes of automobile accidents, so blind spot monitoring has been a great benefit for automobile safety.
Blind spot monitors in the Toyota RAV4 work wonderfully to detect vehicles in your blind spot when you aren’t aware of them!
