Blind Spot Monitor
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
Depending on vehicle equipment, the vehicle may be equipped with the Blind Spot Monitor system.
The Blind Spot Monitor assists the driver by using radar sensors to monitor the traffic in the blind spot detection area as well as traffic behind the vehicle.
The Blind Spot Monitor is only designed for use on paved roads.
WARNING
The Blind Spot Monitor technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and limits of the system. Careless or unintentional use of the Blind Spot Monitor may result in accidents and serious injuries.
- The Blind Spot Monitor is not a substitute for careful and attentive driving.
- Always adjust your driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.
- Always keep both hands on the steering wheel so that you are prepared to steer at any time.
- Pay attention to and heed the indicator lights in the outside mirrors and in the instrument cluster display.
- The Blind Spot Monitor may react to certain equipment installed on the side of the road, such as high or offset guardrails. False warnings may result.
- Never use the Blind Spot Monitor on unpaved roads. The Blind Spot Monitor was designed only for paved roads.
- Always pay attention to the area surrounding your vehicle.
- Never use the Blind Spot Monitor if the radar sensors are dirty, obstructed, or damaged; the function of the system may be impaired.
- Sunlight may reduce the visibility of the indicator light in the outside mirror.
NOTE
- The radar sensors in the rear bumper can be damaged or become misaligned in low-speed impacts and parking maneuvers. The system can switch itself off or may be impaired as a result.
- Always keep the rear bumper clean and free of snow and ice so that the radar sensors can function properly. Do not cover the radar sensor area.
- The rear bumper may only be painted with vehicle paint that is approved by Volkswagen. Other paints may impair the function of the Blind Spot Monitor or cause it to malfunction.
If the system does not work as described in this chapter or if your vehicle was involved in a collision, do not use the Blind Spot Monitor. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the system checked.
Indicator lights
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Indicator light in the instrument cluster display:
| Lights up | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor malfunction, including Rear Traffic Alert. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. |
Indicator light in the outside mirror:
| Lights up | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Lights up briefly: The Blind Spot Monitor is active and ready. | |
| Lights up and stays on: The Blind Spot Monitor detects a vehicle in the blind spot. |
| Flashes | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| A vehicle is detected in the blind spot, and the turn signal on that side of the vehicle is switched on . |
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
If the indicator light in the outside mirror does not light up, the Blind Spot Monitor does not currently detect a vehicle in the monitored area around your vehicle .
The brightness of the indicator lights in the outside mirrors are dimmed when the headlights are switched on (night mode).
WARNING
Failure to heed warning and indicator lights and instrument cluster text messages can result in a collision and serious personal injury.
- Never ignore warning and indicator lights or text WARNINGS.
- Always heed warning and indicator lights and take action where necessary.
NOTE
Failure to heed warning and indicator lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
How Blind Spot Monitor works
Fig. 109 In the outside mirrors: Indicator lights for the Blind Spot Monitor.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
The Blind Spot Monitor uses sensors to monitor the blind spot detection area and the area behind your vehicle and informs you via indicator lights in the outside mirrors. The system measures the distance to other vehicles and the difference in speed between your vehicle and other vehicles. The Blind Spot Monitor only works at speeds above about 9 mph (15 km/h).
The Blind Spot Monitor automatically deactivates when driving through tight curves in the road. In this situation, the deactivation occurs without a driver information message. No warnings appear in the mirror glass or in the instrument cluster display. After driving through the curve, the Blind Spot Monitor automatically reactivates and the system is available again.
Indicator lights in the outside mirrors
The indicator light in the glass for the respective outside mirror informs you about traffic to the rear, if the system interprets the situation as critical. The indicator light in the driver side outside mirror informs you about traffic to the left, and the indicator light in the passenger side outside mirror informs you about traffic to the right of your vehicle.
Tinting on the side windows or aftermarket tinting films can interfere with the indicator lights in the outside mirrors or cause false readings.
Keep the glass in the outside mirrors clean and free of snow and ice, and do not cover the mirrors with stickers or other objects.
Radar sensors
The radar sensors are behind the rear bumper on the left and right. They are not visible from outside the vehicle. They monitor an area about 21 yards (20 meters) behind the vehicle as well as the blind spots on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The monitored area next to the vehicle is about one lane wide.
The width of the lane is not detected individually on each road, but is preprogrammed into the system. Because of this, the indicators may be incorrect when driving on narrow roads or driving in the center of two lanes. Vehicles that are two lanes away from you or stationary objects such as guard rails may also be detected and cause a false warning.
Driving situations
Fig. 110 Driving situation when passing with traffic behind your vehicle. Arrow: Blind Spot Monitor indicator light in the driver side mirror.
Fig. 111 Driving situation when passing and merging into the lane. Arrow: Blind Spot Monitor indicator light in the passenger side mirror.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
The following situations result in a signal in the outside mirror (arrow) or (arrow):
- If your vehicle is being passed by another vehicle .
- When passing another vehicle , and the difference in speed between the two vehicles is no more than about 6 mph (10 km/h). There is no signal if the passing speed is clearly faster.
The faster another vehicle approaches, the earlier the signal in the outside mirror appears, because the Blind Spot Monitor reacts to the difference in speed between your vehicle and other vehicles. Therefore, the signals may be triggered for different vehicles at different times, even when the distance to those vehicles is the same.
The Blind Spot Monitor only works at speeds above about 9 mph (15 km/h). The system switches off automatically when the vehicle speed drops below about 6 mph (10 km/h).
Physical and system limitations
In certain situations, the Blind Spot Monitor may not interpret the traffic situation correctly. These situations may include:
- When driving in tight curves.
- When the width of the lanes differs.
- When there is a bump in the road surface.
- When the weather conditions are poor.
- When certain types of equipment are on the side of the road, such as high or offset guard rails.
Using the Blind Spot Monitor
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Switching the Blind Spot Monitor on and off
On appropriately equipped vehicles, you can turn the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert on and off in the Assistants main menu in the Volkswagen Information System .
Push buttons or
on the multi-function steering wheel to open the Assistants main menu.
Blind Spot
When the box next to the option is checked , the function will turn on automatically when the ignition is switched on.
The indicator lights in the outside mirrors will turn on briefly to confirm that the Blind Spot Monitor is ready.
The indicator light in the instrument cluster informs you about the status of the system.
The last system setting is stored when the ignition is switched off/on.
If the Blind Spot Monitor was deactivated automatically, the system can only be activated again after switching the ignition off/on.
Automatic deactivation of the Blind Spot Monitor
The radar sensors for the Blind Spot Monitor turn off automatically if the system detects an obstruction over a radar sensor. This could occur if the radar sensor area is covered by ice or snow, for example.
A text message appears in the instrument cluster display when the system turns off automatically.
Download Manual