Blind Spot Monitor: Nissan Pathfinder's Visionary Feature

Blind spots are a common problem for drivers, and while there are ways to check them, it's not always easy or reliable. This is where blind spot monitoring systems come in, which can be a huge help in increasing driving awareness and preventing crashes. Nissan offers a Blind Spot Warning system, which is available on some of its vehicles, including the Nissan Pathfinder. This system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides of the driver, alerting them through indicator lights and chimes. It is important to note that while this technology is helpful, it should not be a substitute for proper mirror usage and cautious driving.

Nissan Pathfinder's Blind Spot Warning system

The Nissan Pathfinder is available with a Blind Spot Warning system, which is one of the Nissan Safety Shield technologies. The system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides of the Pathfinder. It can detect vehicles in either lane, from the area covered by the side mirrors to about 10 feet behind the vehicle. When the feature is enabled, an indicator light will illuminate near the side mirror. If the driver signals a lane change and there is a vehicle in the blind spot, a chime will sound and the light will flash. A green light indicates it is safe to change lanes, while a red light means it is not.

The Blind Spot Warning system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding a collision when changing lanes. It is not a substitute for proper lane change procedures, and drivers should not rely solely on the system. It may not detect every object or vehicle around the Pathfinder, and it is important for drivers to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings.

The Nissan Pathfinder's Blind Spot Warning system can be turned on or off using the Driver Assistance settings, which can be accessed via buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The function is listed as Blind Spot or BSW, and its specific location depends on the vehicle model. These safety features are automatically enabled whenever the engine is restarted.

For those with an older model of the Nissan Pathfinder that does not have a built-in Blind Spot Warning system, it is possible to install an aftermarket blind spot monitor.

How Blind Spot Warning works

The Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with Blind Spot Warning (BSW) technology, which assists drivers in avoiding collisions when changing lanes. This advanced driver-assistance system uses radar sensors on the sides of the rear bumper or a rear-mounted camera to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot area. When a vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane, approaching the rear of the driver's vehicle, the system notifies the driver through an indicator light near the side mirror. Additionally, if the driver activates the turn signal to change lanes towards the approaching vehicle, the system responds with a warning chime and continuously flashes the indicator light to alert the driver of the potential hazard.

The Blind Spot Warning system provides valuable assistance in avoiding lane-change collisions, but it is important to remember that it does not replace proper lane change procedures. While the system aids in detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes, it may not identify every object or vehicle in the vicinity. Therefore, drivers should always maintain safe driving practices and not solely rely on the technology.

Nissan's commitment to safety is further demonstrated by the Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) system, which is designed to actively prevent collisions when changing lanes. This advanced feature, available in select models, not only alerts the driver with visual and auditory warnings but also applies slight braking force to help guide the vehicle back to its original lane, avoiding a potential collision.

The Intelligent Rear View Mirror (I-RVM) is another innovative safety feature introduced by Nissan. This technology utilizes a high-performance rear-facing camera integrated with an LCD monitor embedded in the traditional rearview mirror. The I-RVM enhances the driver's visibility by providing an unimpeded view of the conditions and traffic behind the vehicle, even when the rearward view is obstructed by passengers or cargo.

By offering advanced safety features like Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, and the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Nissan demonstrates its dedication to enhancing driver awareness, preventing collisions, and ultimately improving overall road safety. These technologies empower drivers with increased confidence and peace of mind while navigating various driving scenarios.

Benefits of Blind Spot Monitoring systems

The Nissan Pathfinder does offer Blind Spot Warning as an optional feature.

Blind Spot Monitoring systems are a crucial function of the driver assistance system. They provide the following benefits:

Increased Awareness

The system uses a combination of sensors and sometimes side-mounted cameras to monitor the road space behind and on the side of the vehicle, alerting the driver to any vehicles in their blind spot. This helps to prevent accidents and increase the driver's awareness of their surroundings.

Stress Relief

The system can relieve the driver's stress by monitoring areas that are hard to see and providing an early warning, giving the driver more time to respond.

Increased Confidence

The system makes drivers feel safer and more confident, and their passengers too.

Accident Prevention

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that roughly 9% of all reported vehicle crashes each year result from changing lanes or merging. Blind Spot Monitoring systems can help to prevent these types of accidents by alerting the driver to potential dangers and, in some cases, even taking control of the vehicle to avoid a collision.

Comprehensive Protection

When paired with other driver-assistance features such as lane departure warning and parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitoring systems can provide comprehensive protection from side and rear collisions.

Differences between factory-installed and aftermarket systems

The Nissan Pathfinder does offer a Blind Spot Warning system. This system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides of the vehicle. An indicator light near the side mirror illuminates to alert the driver, and a chime sounds when the turn signal is activated.

Now, here is an overview of the differences between factory-installed and aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems:

Factory-installed blind spot monitoring systems are pre-installed in vehicles during manufacturing, whereas aftermarket systems are purchased and installed separately. Aftermarket systems are ideal for older vehicles that lack certain technologies. Factory-installed systems, on the other hand, are usually found in newer, more expensive cars and are tailored to specific models. They are less common and often reserved for higher-end vehicles.

Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems typically offer a wider range of features. They are designed to be universal, meaning they can be used in vehicles of any age, make, and model. This versatility is a significant advantage over factory-installed systems, which are model-specific.

Factory-installed systems generally provide greater accuracy in detecting objects in blind spots. They are designed and calibrated specifically for the vehicle they are installed in, allowing for more precise sensing capabilities.

Aftermarket systems are more accessible to a wider range of drivers due to their compatibility with various vehicles. They are also more affordable, with prices ranging from $250 for basic systems to $500 or more for high-end systems with advanced features and improved accuracy.

In summary, the main differences between factory-installed and aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems lie in their availability, features, accuracy, compatibility, and price. Factory-installed systems are pre-installed in specific models, while aftermarket systems are versatile and accessible but may offer slightly reduced accuracy.

Installation of aftermarket systems

The Nissan Pathfinder is available with a Blind Spot Warning system. This Safety Shield feature uses the rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides of the vehicle. When the feature is enabled, an indicator light will appear near the side mirror, and a chime will sound if you signal for a lane change. The light will flash green if it is safe to change lanes, or red if it is unsafe.

If you are looking to install an aftermarket blind spot monitor on your Nissan Pathfinder, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, while it is possible to install an aftermarket system yourself, professional installation is recommended. Aftermarket blind spot monitors can be purchased as custom-designed kits, which are geared toward a variety of vehicles. These kits typically include sensors, indicators, and adhesives.

• Place measuring tape parallel to the vehicle's wheels. Remove the calibration cloth from your system and place it behind the vehicle, aligning it with the measuring tape at a 90-degree angle.
• Use a level to draw a straight vertical line on the vehicle's rear bumper, which should align with the calibration cloth.
• Remove the rear bumper and, if necessary, the taillights.
• Clean the calibrating positions in the inner rear bumper with a cleaning cloth and rubbing alcohol.
• Place the included magnets on the outside of the vehicle, along the lines you marked, and play around with the placement of the sensors. They should be at a 20-degree angle from the bumper.
• Mark the spot inside the bumper where the magnet rests with a marker.
• Apply adhesive to the sensors and stick them to the inside of the bumper.
• Mount the LED indicators inside the cabin, ensuring they are placed where the driver can easily see them without taking their eyes off the road.
• Adjust the volume of the indicators to ensure they are not too loud or startling.

It is important to note that these guidelines are general and may not be specific to the Nissan Pathfinder. Always refer to your owner's manual or repair guide for specific instructions, and consult a professional service center if you have any questions or issues during the installation process.

Additionally, while aftermarket blind spot monitors can be a great safety feature, they are not a substitute for proper mirror usage and checking your blind spots before changing lanes.

Frequently asked questions