Tacoma Blind Spot Monitor Absence: Where And Why?

Toyota Tacoma owners have reported issues with their blind spot monitor, with some saying that the feature is not available or not working properly. The problem has been observed in different model years, including 2019, 2020, and 2022. Some owners have taken their vehicles to dealerships for diagnostics and repairs, which can be covered under warranty. In some cases, the entire system needed to be replaced. Others have tried cleaning the sensors or resetting the electronics by disconnecting the battery, but with varying levels of success. While some owners find the blind spot monitor useful for driving and reversing, others consider it less effective than traditional mirror checks and prefer similar features in other vehicles.

The blind spot monitor issue on 2020 Tacomas

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has been reported to have issues with its blind spot monitor. Some users have reported that the monitor displays a "not available" message, while others have reported that the monitor does not turn on at all. This issue has also been observed in other Toyota models such as the Highlander and the 4Runner.

There are several potential causes for this issue. One possibility is that the sensors are covered with dirt, snow, or ice, which can prevent the monitor from functioning properly. It is recommended to clean the sensors and check for any obstruction. Additionally, a faulty fuse or a problem with the electrical system, perhaps due to cold weather, could be the reason for the malfunction.

In some cases, the issue may be covered under warranty. Dealerships have been able to resolve the problem by replacing the entire system, which includes the units and labour/calibration. This process can take about a week and can be costly, with the units priced at $1100 each and labour/calibration costing an additional $500.

It is important to note that some users have reported that the issue resolved itself without any apparent explanation. However, given the safety implications of a non-functioning blind spot monitor, it is advisable to have the issue properly diagnosed and addressed by a qualified technician.

To summarise, the blind spot monitor issue on 2020 Toyota Tacomas can be caused by various factors, including sensor obstruction, electrical problems, or faulty fuses. While there have been instances where the issue resolved itself, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle.

Adding a blind spot monitor to 3rd Gen Tacomas

Blind-spot monitoring is a useful feature for drivers, but unfortunately, not all Toyota Tacoma models have it. Some owners of 3rd Gen Tacomas (2016-2023) have reported issues with their blind-spot monitoring systems, and others have enquired about adding it to their vehicles. So, if you're thinking of adding a blind-spot monitor to your 3rd Gen Tacoma, here's some information that might be helpful.

Firstly, it seems that blind-spot monitoring was only available on 3rd Gen Tacomas with the premium technology package. This package included features such as new bumper caps, sensors, mirrors, and a switch for the blind-spot monitoring system. If you didn't opt for this package when you purchased your Tacoma, you might be out of luck.

However, some owners have suggested that it may be possible to add blind-spot monitoring as an aftermarket upgrade. One owner of a 2017 Tacoma Off-Road model speculated that they would need new bumper caps, sensors, mirrors, and hopefully, the necessary wiring. They also suggested that the dealership might be able to provide more information on this.

Another owner recommended a simpler and cheaper solution: buying mirrors with built-in blind-spot mirrors. They stated that these mirrors worked great on their 2nd Gen Tacoma and their 2021 4Runner, providing a significant improvement in visibility.

If you're considering adding blind-spot monitoring to your 3rd Gen Tacoma, your best course of action might be to consult a trusted mechanic or a Toyota dealership. They can advise you on the options available for your specific model and help you make an informed decision. It's important to note that any aftermarket modifications may impact your vehicle's warranty, so be sure to clarify this with your dealer before proceeding.

In conclusion, while adding a blind-spot monitor to a 3rd Gen Tacoma may be possible, it depends on the specific model and features of your vehicle. Consulting a professional is the best way to determine your options and ensure any modifications are safe and effective.

Blind spot monitor not showing on or off

If your Toyota Tacoma's blind spot monitor is not showing "on" or "off", there are several possible reasons for this.

Firstly, it is important to check the sensors for any dirt, debris, or obstructions. The sensors are located on the inside left and right of the rear bumper, and they can get covered with dust, mud, spider webs, or lawn debris. If the sensors are dirty, simply clean them and turn off the vehicle's ignition for a few seconds before turning it back on to recalibrate the sensors. This should restore the blind spot monitor to proper operation.

If cleaning the sensors does not resolve the issue, there are a few other potential causes to consider. One possibility is that the sensors are covered with snow or ice, which can interfere with their functioning. In this case, you may need to wait for the weather to warm up or take measures to remove the snow or ice. Additionally, it is worth checking your vehicle's manual for any tips or troubleshooting steps related to the blind spot monitor system.

Another potential cause could be a short in the BSM equipment, which has been reported in some 2016 Toyota Tacoma models. If this is the case, a dealer visit for warranty work may be necessary to resolve the issue.

In some cases, simply turning off the vehicle's ignition for a few seconds and then turning it back on has been reported to temporarily resolve the issue. However, this solution may not work for everyone.

It is also worth noting that some users have reported issues with the BSM system after their vehicle was involved in a collision or sustained damage. In these cases, it is possible that the BSM sensors or related components may have been damaged and require repair or replacement.

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consult a dealer or mechanic for further diagnostics and repair.

Is the blind spot monitor worth it?

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) designed to increase safety by alerting the driver to vehicles that may have escaped visibility in the side-view mirrors. BSM uses radar or ultrasonic sensors located inside the left and right sides of the rear bumpers, as well as cameras in the side-view mirror housings, to detect vehicles within blind spots. When a passing vehicle approaches and potentially enters a blind spot on either side of the car, BSM advises the driver of the vehicle’s presence through visual, audible, or haptic alerts.

Some users of the Toyota Tacoma have reported issues with the BSM system, with some stating that the system was not available or functioning properly. However, others have found the BSM system to be a valuable safety feature, particularly when backing out of a parking spot or driveway, or when driving on the highway.

"I really like the blind spot monitor, although not so much for driving. I back out of my apartment into the street, but my parking spot is narrow and I can't really see down the street behind me. Blind spot monitoring does a fantastic job of detecting cars/people as I back out of the street. 100% worth it for me for that specific feature."

"The BSM in my Tacoma mirrors is a very small yellow icon that flashes to alert. I've switched it off many times when fumbling for something down there so it's something I have to always check now. Compared to the alerts in my other vehicle which has a large flashing red light and a tone to get your attention, the Tacoma's system is not the best. But it does work, I guess."

"You still have to turn your head to make sure nobody is actually in your blind spot, but having an extra set of electronic eyes helping me watch is one of my favorite features of my Tacoma. This became especially apparent after I was rear-ended and the BSM system was out of commission. I hadn't realized just how useful it truly is."

"I like the blind spot monitor alright but like others have said I love the rear cross traffic alert when backing out of parking spots or driveways. I also really like the lane keep assist, I work 3rd shift sometimes and it’s literally a life saver when I’m tired otw home in the mornings. Keeps me alert and paying attention instead of veering off the road and dying bc I dozed off."

"Tech package is sweet and I’m really glad I have it. If it’s what you want don’t compromise, I shopped around a lot for the exact truck I wanted."

"I don’t have it on my Tacoma but I do have it on my Subaru. I like it but it’s not something I would go out of my way to get. I just added some mini blind spot mirrors onto my side mirrors and it works perfectly fine."

"So far it’s been fine driving without it. The mirrors are pretty good and the over-shoulder turn is always your best bet anyway. But I’ve also never had a vehicle with BSM. I’m sure it’s definitely nice at times but if you can drive normally you won’t really miss it."

In conclusion, while BSM is not a substitute for safe driving practices, it can provide added peace of mind and assist with blind spots, particularly when backing up or driving on the highway. For some drivers, it may be a valuable safety feature worth waiting for or paying extra for, while others may find it unnecessary or less effective than their regular driving practices. Ultimately, the decision to opt for BSM comes down to personal preference and driving habits.

Blind spot monitor issue on 3rd Gen Tacomas

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular truck, and many owners have experienced issues with the blind spot monitor (BSM) on their vehicles. The problem seems to be prevalent in the 3rd Gen Tacomas, with some owners reporting that the BSM doesn't show "on" or "off", while others have found that the system doesn't work at all, displaying a "BSM Not Available" message.

Some owners have tried to resolve the issue by cleaning the sensors, checking for blown fuses, and even resetting the car's electronics by disconnecting the battery, but these attempts have not always been successful. In some cases, the BSM has started working again on its own, with no clear explanation as to why it initially malfunctioned.

For those who have taken their vehicles to the dealership, the issue has sometimes been covered under warranty, with the entire system needing to be replaced. This can be a costly repair, with parts and labour totalling over $1500.

It appears that the BSM issue on 3rd Gen Tacomas is somewhat intermittent and unpredictable, with no clear solution available at this time. Some owners have suggested that the problem may be related to the height of objects in the vehicle's blind spot, or the fact that the driver has already overtaken the object and is therefore assumed to be aware of its presence. While these factors may play a role in the system's functionality, they do not fully explain the persistent BSM issues that some owners are experiencing.

One possible solution that has been suggested is to install aftermarket mirrors with built-in blind spot mirrors, which can provide a similar function to the BSM system without relying on sensors and electronics. However, for those who prefer the convenience and added safety of a fully integrated BSM system, the only option may be to have the system replaced under warranty or pay for the costly repair themselves.

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