Question: How do I reset my Toyota blind spot monitor?
Answer: To reset your Toyota’s blind spot monitor (BSM), you’ll need to take your vehicle to your nearest Toyota dealership or an independent shop with the necessary tools to calibrate your BSM system. If you’ve recently had a side-view mirror replaced, the system should reset itself—if it doesn’t, or if your system is malfunctioning for other reasons, the steps to reset it can be a bit complicated.
How do I reset my Toyota’s blind spot monitor (BSM)?
Before you try resetting your BSM on your own, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause of the malfunction. Common issues include sensor obstruction, electrical problems, or calibration errors.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine if your Toyota’s BSM needs to be reset:
- Check the sensor area: Ensure that the sensors, usually located on the rear bumper, are clean and free from any obstructions like dirt, snow, or ice. Sometimes, cleaning the sensors can solve the issue.
- Perform a soft reset: This is a fancy way to say turn your car off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, restart the car and see if the BSM warning light turns off. This can sometimes reset the system.
- Perform a hard reset: Disconnect the car’s battery for a few minutes, then reconnect it. This may reset the system, but keep in mind that it will also factory reset things like your clock and infotainment system.
If the sensors are clean and the problem persists, it’s best to visit a Toyota dealership or a certified mechanic. They have specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to reset and calibrate the system properly.
Common problems with Toyota blind spot monitors
Understanding and addressing common issues with Toyota’s blind spot monitors can help maintain the system’s effectiveness and ensure a safer driving experience. Here are some of the most frequent problems you might encounter:
- Sensor malfunctions: Sensor issues can arise due to various factors such as environmental conditions, physical damage, or electrical faults. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems.
- Calibration issues: Calibration errors often occur after replacing parts like side mirrors or bumpers. Generally, the system should automatically recalibrate to accommodate the replaced parts—if it doesn’t, professional recalibration is necessary to ensure the system works correctly.
- Electrical issues: Wiring issues or blown fuses can disrupt the functionality of the BSM. A thorough inspection by a professional is recommended to identify and fix these problems
Tips for maintaining your Toyota’s BSM system
Regular maintenance ensures your Toyota’s BSM is reliable and effective. Here are some tips to help you keep your BSM and other electronic safety systems operating in peak conditions:
- Perform regular maintenance: Follow regular maintenance schedules to ensure all sensors and systems are functioning correctly. Maintenance tasks associated with all vehicle systems are listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Schedule professional inspections: Have your vehicle periodically inspected by a professional to catch any potential issues early.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date on known issues or recalls associated with your vehicle.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
