TOYOTA AVALON 2020 Owners Manual (in English)

2614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
● The BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) function
Assists the driver in making a decision when changing lanes
● The RCTA (Rear Cross T raffic Alert) function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
Multi-information display
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off. ( P. 262)
Outside rear view mirror indicators
BSM function:
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 out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal l ever is oper-
ated.
RCTA function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the v ehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
“BSM” indicator/“RCTA” indicator
When the BSM function/RCTA function is turned on, the indicator illumi-
nates.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
1
2
3

2624-5. Using the driving support systems
Audio system screen (RCTA function only)
If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is
detected, the RCTA icon ( P. 268) for the detected side will be displayed.
RCTA
buzzer (RCTA function only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the v ehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.
Press / of the meter control switches, select .
Press
/ of the meter control sw itched, select or .
Press of the meter control switch.
Each time is pressed, t he function changes on/off.
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indica tor may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ RCTA buzzer hearing
RCTA function may be difficult to hear over loud noises such as high audio
volume.
■ When “Blind Spot Monitor Unava ilable” or “Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Unavailable” are shown on the multi-information display
Ice, snow, mud, etc., may be attached to the rear bumper around the sensors.
( P. 264)
The system should return to normal operation after removing the ice, snow,
mud, etc., from the rear bumper. Additionally, the sensors may not operate
normally when driving in extremely hot or cold environments.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, a
warning message will be displayed:
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off
4
5
1
2
3

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada

2644-5. Using the driving support systems
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 can function correctly.
If the warning message does not disappear, have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer
● Do not subject a sensor or its surrounding area on the rear bum per to a
strong impact.
If a sensor is moved even slightly off position, the system may malfunction
and vehicles may not be detected correctly.
In the following situations, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
• A sensor or its surrounding area is subject to a strong impact .
• If the surrounding area of a sensor is scratched or dented, or part of
them has become disconnected.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surround ing 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 Toyota color.
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times. If
a sensor or its surrounding area on the
rear bumper is dirty or covered with
snow, the Blind Spot Monitor may not
operate and a warning message will be
displayed. ( P. 262)
In this situation, clear off the dirt or
snow and drive the vehicle with the
operation conditions of the BSM func-
tion satisfied for approximately 60 min-
utes.

2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The BSM function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are trav-
eling in an adjacent lane in the area that is usually not reflected in the
outside rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driv er of the
vehicles existence vi a the outside rear vie w mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to: 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
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper
■The BSM function is operational when
●The BSM function is turned on
● Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).
■ The BSM function will detect a vehicle when
●A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
● You overtake a vehicle in adjacent lane slowly.
● Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes .
BSM function
BSM function detection areas
1
2
3
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.
The BSM function is a supplementary function which alerts the d river that a
vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the BSM function.
The function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, theref ore over reli-
ance could cause an accident resulting in death or serious inju ry.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the BSM function will not detect a vehic le
The BSM 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 stationar y 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 the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or obj ect may
occur.
■ Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correc tly
● The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following condi-
tions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc., is covering the sensor o r surround-
ing area on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standi ng water,
snow, etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your v ehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip
in the road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven
surfaces
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far
away from your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling a t about the
same speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM function is turned on

2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
●Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or
object may increase under the following conditions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail,
wall, etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following
vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes ac ross from
your vehicle enters the detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven
surfaces
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehi-
cle
The RCTA functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can dete ct
other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the v ehicle. It
uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence
through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators and so unding
a buzzer.
RCTA function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas12

2684-5. Using the driving support systems
■RCTA icon display
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear o f the
vehicle is detected, the following will be displayed on the aud io sys-
tem screen.
: The RCTA function i s malfunctioning (P. 262)
Toyota parking
assist monitorPanoramic view monitorContent
A vehicle is approaching from the
left or right at the rear of the vehicle
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.
The RCTA function is only an assist and is not a replacement fo r careful
driving. Driver must be careful when backing up, even when usin g RCTA
function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you an d your vehi-
cle is necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other ve hicles, etc.,
before backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or seriou s injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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 RCTA function is operational when
●The RCTA function is turned 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).
RCTA function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
1

2704-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the RCTA function will not detect a vehicle
The RCTA 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 stationar y objects
*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
● Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehic le
*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending on the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or obj ect may
occur.
■ Conditions under which the RCTA function may not function corre ctly
● The RCTA function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following condi-
tions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc., is covering the sensor o r surround-
ing area on the rear bumper
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach continuously
• Shallow angle parking
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
• When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the r oad, etc.
• Immediately after the RCTA function is turned on
• Immediately after the engine is started with the RCTA function on.
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehi-
cle
●
Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
due to obstructions
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
due to obstructions