Highlander's Blind Spot Monitor: Beeps Or No Beeps?

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) in the Toyota Highlander does not beep. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear-view mirror indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated, and the outside rear-view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is operated. Some users have expressed disappointment with the lack of an audible alert, while others prefer the absence of beeping.

The Toyota Highlander blind spot monitor does not beep

The blind spot monitor in the Toyota Highlander has two functions: the blind spot monitor function and the rear cross-traffic alert function. The blind spot monitor function assists the driver in making decisions when changing lanes, while the rear cross-traffic alert function assists the driver when backing up. These functions use the same sensors.

When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rearview mirror indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated. If the turn signal lever is operated, the outside rearview mirror indicator flashes. This visual alert is designed to catch the driver's attention and prompt them to physically check their blind spot.

Some drivers have expressed a desire for an additional auditory alert, such as a beep, to accompany the visual indicator. They argue that it would enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. However, others prefer the simplicity of the current system, which relies solely on visual cues.

It is worth noting that Toyota does offer some customization settings for the Highlander, although the options are limited. According to the Highlander's owners manual, there is no extra coding that can be done to enable a beeping feature for the blind spot monitor. While some third-party applications, such as Carista, can be used to make minor adjustments, adding an auditory alert for the blind spot monitor is not one of the available options.

Overall, while the Toyota Highlander blind spot monitor does not include a beeping feature, it is designed to assist drivers in making safe lane changes and navigating traffic. The visual alerts serve as a reminder to physically check blind spots and ensure a clear path before proceeding.

The blind spot monitor uses a light indicator in the mirror

The Toyota Highlander's blind spot monitor (BSM) uses a light indicator in the mirror to alert the driver of vehicles in their blind spot. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear-view mirror indicator comes on. If the driver then operates the turn signal lever, the indicator flashes. This visual alert is designed to assist the driver in making decisions when changing lanes.

The BSM system can be turned on or off by pressing a switch, which is also used to control the rear cross traffic alert function. When the switch is on, the indicator illuminates and a buzzer sounds. The outside rear-view mirror indicators may be difficult to see in strong sunlight, but their brightness can be adjusted.

Some drivers have expressed a preference for an additional auditory alert, such as a beep, to accompany the visual indicator. However, others prefer the absence of a beeping sound, as they find it annoying or unnecessary. Toyota does not currently offer an in-car setting or coding option to enable an auditory alert for the BSM system. While some third-party phone apps and software can change settings in Toyota vehicles, it is unclear if these can add an auditory alert to the BSM system.

Some users have expressed disappointment at the lack of an audio alert

One user pointed out that other car manufacturers, like Mazda, offer both visual and audio alerts for their blind spot monitoring systems, allowing drivers to disable the sound if they find it annoying. They suggested that Toyota could have made it an optional feature in the Highlander, giving drivers the choice to enable or disable it according to their preference.

Another user shared their experience of owning a previous vehicle with an audible blind spot warning, which they found valuable as it caught their attention in situations where they might not have seen a vehicle in their blind spot. They expressed disappointment that the Highlander lacks this feature, noting that it would be a useful backup to the visual indicator.

Some users questioned the absence of an audio alert, given that the Highlander already has sensors, speakers, and other beeping warnings for different functions. They suggested that implementing an audio alert for the blind spot monitor might be a simple software change or customization option.

However, other users disagreed, stating that they preferred the absence of an audio alert. They argued that relying solely on technology without physically checking one's blind spot could lead to dangerous driving habits. Some mentioned that constant beeping, especially in heavy traffic, could become annoying and distracting.

While there are differing opinions among Highlander owners, the discussion highlights a desire for customizable options to cater to individual preferences. Some users suggested potential workarounds, such as designing an add-on device that taps into the light wires to generate a sound or exploring third-party apps that might offer additional adjustments.

Others prefer the absence of a beeping noise

Some drivers prefer the absence of a beeping noise when using the blind spot monitor. They argue that the beeping noise can be annoying and distracting, especially when driving in heavy traffic. One user mentions that they would have looked for a way to disable or break the beeping feature if it were included in their car. Another user states that they are glad their car does not have an audible warning, as they find the light indicator in the mirror sufficient to get their attention.

Some users also express concerns that having an audible warning might make drivers rely too much on the technology and develop bad habits, such as not checking their mirrors or turning their heads to look for vehicles in their blind spots. They argue that the beeping noise is not necessary and that drivers should always physically check their blind spots before changing lanes.

Additionally, some users point out that the beeping noise might not be effective in noisy environments, such as when driving with loud audio volume or in areas with a lot of traffic noise. They suggest that the light indicator in the mirror is more reliable in these situations.

While some users acknowledge the benefits of an audible warning, they also highlight the importance of customisation and user preference. They suggest that Toyota could offer the beeping feature as an option that drivers can choose to enable or disable based on their preferences. This way, those who prefer the absence of a beeping noise can still enjoy the benefits of the blind spot monitor without the annoyance of an extra noise.

Overall, while some drivers appreciate the added safety of an audible warning, others prefer the quieter experience of the current Toyota Highlander blind spot monitor, which relies on visual indicators in the mirror to alert drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.

Some users have suggested ways to add an audio alert

Users on the Toyota Sienna Forum have also discussed the absence of an audio alert for the blind spot monitor in their vehicles. One user suggested that the lack of an audio alert could be due to the 'tech package' vs 'non-tech package' difference in their vehicles. Another user confirmed that their 2021+ Sienna does, in fact, have an audio alert for the blind spot monitor, which they find helpful. This user suggested that the difference could be due to the trim package of the vehicle.

It is important to note that opinions vary on whether an audio alert for the blind spot monitor is desirable. Some users find it annoying or unnecessary, while others appreciate the added safety feature. Ultimately, the decision to include an audio alert for the blind spot monitor is a matter of personal preference.

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