2016 Prius Touring - Blind Spot Monitor Error

If the “Blind Spot Monitor System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” message is appearing, the reason has almost certainly been stored in one of the blind spot monitor sensors, which are also the computers that control the BSM system, as a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or as an entry in the BSM abnormality history.

To retrieve this information, you’ll need a Toyota Techstream diagnostic system or equivalent, discussed at length in other PriusChat threads. Inexpensive OBD II scan tools made for engine and emissions diagnosis wouldn’t be able to communicate with the BSM sensors, which Toyota designates as “Master” or “LH” on the left side and “Slave” or “RH” on the right side.

Once you know why the message is appearing, turn to the Repair Manual (more info) for troubleshooting procedures. A loose connector or wiring problem might be easy to fix yourself—but to replace a BSM sensor or do the beam axis confirmation procedure, you’d need special service tools, Reflector C (09870-60040) and the Base Stand (09870-60010), which may be too costly to buy for one-time use.

The BSM sensors, part number 88162-0W270 (wrongly described on parts.toyota.com as a “Liftgate Object Sensor”) for either the left or right side, have a list price of $865.56 each, but I wouldn’t buy one until you know that the problem isn’t just in the wiring to the side mirrors or buzzer, for example.

 

Wow, really ? $865.56 each ?? Those will be the next parts that are shamelessly pilfered from our vehicles.

EDIT: Ah, the rear left and right side radar detectors. Looked it up in my owners manual. I thought we were talking about the parking assist sensors. I'll bet they are a pretty penny also.

 

I had a similar problem.

I didn't see a low concrete bollard in a parking lot and sideswiped the side of the car where the right-hand sensor is located.

The bodywork didn't look significantly damaged, just scraped a bit, as the panel just sprang back into place. However, a few weeks later I started getting a similar error message about the BMS.

I took it to the dealer and they gave a similar response about misalignment. After repairing the bodywork they attempted to recalibrate the radar without success and eventually had to replace it for about $1,000 (plus body shop repairs).

Overall a rather expensive loss of attention for a couple of seconds.

kevin

 

Yes. The round objects seen in your photos are ultrasonic sensors for the intelligent clearance sonar system. As seen in Google Image Search results, the blind spot monitor sensors, which use 24 GHz radar, are rectangular units, normally hidden by the bumper cover.

If you’ve tried clearing the DTCs, but the DTC returns immediately, then the problem most likely still exists, and you’ll need to follow the troubleshooting procedure in the Repair Manual.