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 monitors the area next to and behind your vehicle with the help of radar sensors behind the rear bumper on the left and right . The system measures the distance and the speed difference to the other vehicles around you. If the Blind Spot Monitor detects one or more vehicles in the monitored area, indicator lights come on in the outside mirrors.
Physical and system limitations
Use the Blind Spot Monitor only on paved roads.
In certain situations, the Blind Spot Monitor may not interpret the traffic situation correctly. These situations may include:
- When driving around sharp curves.
- When driving between two lanes.
- When the width of the lanes is not the same.
- When there is a bump in the road surface.
- When the weather conditions are poor.
- When certain things are on the side of the road, such as high or offset guard rails.
WARNING
The Blind Spot Monitor technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the 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 things 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, covered, or damaged; the system may not work properly.
- Sunlight may reduce the visibility of the indicator light in the outside mirror.
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.
Certain settings are automatically saved by the driver personalization feature .
A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is on .
Driving with the Blind Spot Monitor
Fig. 117 In the outside mirrors: Indicator lights for the Blind Spot Monitor.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Switching the Blind Spot Monitor on and off
- You can turn the Blind Spot Monitor on and off in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system .
- OR: In the Assist systems menu in the instrument cluster display .
- OR: Press the driver assistance systems button on the multi-function steering wheel to open the Assist systems menu .
When the Blind Spot Monitor is switched on, the indicator lights in the outside mirrors light up to confirm that the Blind Spot Monitor is ready.
The last system setting is stored when the ignition is switched off/on.
Blind Spot Monitor function
When switched on, the Blind Spot Monitor works at speeds above about 10 mph (15 km/h). The system switches off automatically at speeds below about 5 mph (10 km/h).
In the following situations, the yellow indicator light lights up in the respective outside mirror :
- 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 5 mph (10 km/h). There is no signal if the passing speed is clearly faster.
If you switch on the turn signal and the yellow indicator light flashes, the system detects a possible critical situation on the corresponding side of the vehicle.
The faster another vehicle approaches, the earlier the signal in the outside mirror appears.
When driving around a sharp curve in the road, the Blind Spot Monitor is not active and does not issue warnings to the driver. The system resumes automatically after driving around the curve.
Active Blind Spot Monitor
For vehicles with the Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist): When Lane Assist and the Blind Spot Monitor are active and the systems detect a possible critical situation during a lane change, the yellow indicator light flashes in the corresponding outside mirror and there is a steering correction to warn the driver, even if the turn signal is not switched on. The steering correction happens even if the turn signal is switched on. On some models, if the driver ignores the steering correction, the steering wheel can vibrate as an additional warning.
Blind Spot Monitor automatic deactivation
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.
If a Blind Spot Monitor sensor has been automatically deactivated, the system cannot be reactivated until the ignition has been switched off and back on again.
Tips and troubleshooting
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
If there is no sensor visibility, an error message, or the system switches itself off
- Clean the sensors or remove stickers or accessories from the sensors, mirrors, and bumper .
- Check for any visible damage.
If the system is not responding as expected
- The sensors are dirty. The sensors may not work properly if blocked by dirt and snow or residue from abrasive cleaning agents or coatings.
- The conditions for system operation are not met .
- The sensors are covered by water.
- The sensors have been damaged or misaligned in low speed impacts or parking maneuvers .
- The system function is impaired by an aftermarket component such as a bicycle rack.
- A sensor area has been repainted or structural modifications have been made .
- The side windows have been tinted.
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 work 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 make the Blind Spot Monitor work improperly 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 system. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the system checked.
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