Lexus NX: BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

The Blind Spot Monitor uses the sensors installed behind the rear bumper. The system is intended to assist the driver check areas that are not easily visible. The system has the following 2 functions:

• The Blind Spot Monitor function

Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes

• The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

Assists the driver when backing up

These functions use the same sensors.

System components

1. BSM main switch

Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set to on, the switch's indicator illuminates and the buzzer sounds. This switch is for both Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function.

2. BSM outside rear view mirror indicators

Blind Spot Monitor function: When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot of the outside rear view mirrors or approaching rapidly from behind into a blind spot, the outside rear view mirror indicator on the detected side will illuminate.

If the turn signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear view mirror indicator will flash.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert function: When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, both outside rear view mirror indicators will flash.

3. Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function only)

When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the right-hand rear seat.

4. Navigation/multimedia system screen (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function only)

If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert icon for the detected side will be displayed.

■The BSM outside rear view mirror indicators visibility When under strong sunlight, the BSM outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to see.

■Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises such as high audio volume.

■When "Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable" is shown on the multi-information display Water, snow mud, etc., may be built up in the vicinity of the sensor area of bumper.

Removing the water, snow, mud, etc., from the vicinity of the sensor area bumper should return it to normal. Also, the sensor may not function normally when used in extremely hot or cold weather.

■When "Blind Spot Monitor System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" is shown on the multi-information display There may be a sensor malfunction or voltage abnormality. Have the vehicle inspected at a Lexus dealer.

WARNING

■Handling the radar sensor One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of the vehicle rear bumper respectively.

Observe the following to ensure the Blind Spot Monitor system can function correctly.

• Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.

• Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area inspected by your Lexus dealer.
• Do not disassemble the sensor.
• Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
• Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
• Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Lexus color.
• If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.

The Blind Spot Monitor function

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

■ The Blind Spot Monitor 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 Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when

• The BSM main switch is set to on
• Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).

■The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when

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

■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a vehicle The Blind Spot Monitor 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 conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function may not function correctly

• The Blind Spot Monitor function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
  • When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surrounding area
  • 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 with standing water during bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
  • When multiple vehicles are approaching with only a small gap between each vehicle
  • When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
  • When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
  • When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is changing
  • When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
  • As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area
  • When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road, etc.
  • When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
  • When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
  • When towing a trailer (vehicles with towing package)
  • When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle
  • When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
  • Immediately after the Blind Spot Monitor function is turned on
• Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase in the following situations:
  • When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surrounding area
  • When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters the detection area is short
  • When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road, etc.
  • When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and a vehicle traveling in a lane other than the adjacent lanes enters the detection area
  • When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
  • When the tires are slipping or spinning
  • When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
  • When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
  • When towing a trailer (vehicles with towing package)

WARNING

■Cautions regarding the use of the system The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.

According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver's own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function operates when your vehicle is in reverse. It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle's existence through flashing the BSM outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.

1. Approaching vehicles
2. Detection areas

■ Rear Cross Traffic Alert icon display (if equipped) When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, the following will be displayed on the navigation/multimedia system screen.

Lexus parking assist monitor

A vehicle is approaching from the left or right at the rear of the vehicle

Panoramic view monitor

A vehicle is approaching from the left or right at the rear of the vehicle

■ The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster vehicles from farther away.

Example:

■The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when

• The BSM main switch is set to on.
• The shift lever is in R.
• Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph (28 km/h).

■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function will not detect a vehicle The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles and/or objects.

• Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*
• Vehicles approaching from directly behind*
• Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
• Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
• Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
• Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*

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

■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not function correctly The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following conditions:

• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When ice or mud, etc., is attached to the rear bumper
• When multiple vehicles approach continuously
• Shallow angle parking
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
• When backing up on a slope with a sharp change in grade

• When backing out of a sharp angle parking spot

• When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road, etc.
• Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
• Directly after the hybrid system is started with the BSM main switch on
• Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect because of obstacles

• Instances of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function unnecessary detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase in the following situations:

• When a vehicle passes by the side of your vehicle
• When the parking space faces a street and vehicles are being driven on the street

• When the distance between your vehicle and metal objects, such as a guardrail, wall, sigh, or parked vehicle, which may reflect electrical waves toward the rear of the vehicle, is short

WARNING

■Cautions regarding the use of the system The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.

According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver's own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

Driving mode select switch

The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.

Selecting a driving mode

1. Normal mode
   For normal driving.

Press the switch to change the driving mode to Normal mode when selected to Eco mode or Sport mode.

2. Eco mode

In contrast to Normal mode when stepping on the accelerator pedal, torque generation becomes slower, air conditioning operations (heating/cooling) are restrained, and driving is suited for improved fuel consumption.

When not in Eco mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, "Eco" indicator will be shown on the multi-information display.

3. Sport mode

Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system and steering.

Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads.

When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, "Sport" indicator will be shown on the multi-information display and the hybrid system indicator changes to the tachometer.

■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco mode Eco mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco mode.

■When canceling Eco mode/Sport mode

• Select another driving mode. Also, Sport mode will be canceled automatically when the power switch is turned off.
• Normal mode and Eco mode will not be canceled automatically until another driving mode is selected, even if the power switch is turned off.

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