We’ve all been there: you know you have a specific feature but you’re not quite sure how to turn it on. Maybe it was never turned on for you in the first place but you know it’s there or maybe it was once turned on but unexpectantly got turned off by a guest driver. Whatever the reason, you just want to know how to turn it on. For our first installment in this new series, we’ll tell you how to turn on Blind Spot Monitor in your Lexus here.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
What exactly is Blind Spot Monitor and how does it work? Lexus explains:
Radar sensors in the rear quarters of the vehicle are designed to detect vehicles approaching from adjacent lanes. If it detects an approaching vehicle entering the Lexus’ blind spot, a solid light appears in the side-view mirror to increase the driver’s awareness. If the driver signals to change lanes while a vehicle is in the blind spot, the solid light flashes a warning. The radar sensors can alter their detection range based on signals from the steering angle sensor, which helps the system detect vehicles even when driving on curving roads. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert uses the same sensors to detect oncoming vehicles when a Lexus is backing from a parking spot or when backing from a driveway into a cross-street. A visual and audible warning occurs if cross-traffic is detected. The Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can be turned off with the push of a button—a benefit for certain driving conditions or when the vehicle is towing a trailer.
To sum it up, Blind Spot Monitor alerts the driver if a vehicle is approaching in an adjacent lane, while the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert assists the driver when backing up from a parking spot or pulling out of a driveway.
How to Turn On Blind Spot Monitor
You’ll find Blind Spot Monitor as a standard and common feature on most of the new Lexus models including the Lexus GS, LX, RX, ES, GX, LS, NX, RC, and LC. Here’s how to turn it on for each model.
Lexus GS
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is turned on and off using the steering wheel controls and multi-information display. Use your steering wheel controls to toggle over to the settings menu in your MID (looks like a gear). Use your up and down arrows on your meter control switch and select “BSM”. Each time the “.” is selected on the meter control switch, BSM is either turned on or off. Make sure BSM is on by looking for the green BSM indicator light on the dash. If you see that, then you know Blind Spot Monitor is turned on in your Lexus GS.
Lexus LX
To turn on Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus LX, you need to do perform the same operation – use your steering wheel controls and MID. On the steering wheel, use the left and right arrows on the meter control switches and select the gear icon (settings). Then use the up and down arrows on the meter control switches to select BSM then select the “.” to turn it on.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX also requires the use of your steering wheel meter controls and MID to turn on Blind Spot Monitor.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is much easier. All you have to do to turn on Blind Spot Monitor is push the BSM button that is located right under the outside mirror controls or your left knee if you’re sitting inside the Lexus ES.
Lexus GX
We have a detailed how-to on turning on Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus GX in another post but you can also reference these pictures to find out how to turn BSM on in your GX 460.
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is another model that makes turning on and off the Blind Spot Monitor feature super easy. Just push the BSM button in and when you see the green light, you’ll know it is turned on.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS also has easy access to the Blind Spot Monitor on and off button. Located conveniently inside the driver’s door to the left of the steering wheel. Just press the button and when you see the green light, you’ll know it is on.
Lexus NX
You can turn on or off Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus NX by pressing the BSM button inside the driver’s door. You’ll know it is on when you see the green light.
Lexus RC
Turn on Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus RC the same easy way as the Lexus NX, IS and ES. Just press the BSM button that is located right inside the driver’s door.
Check back for our next edition of “How to Turn it On” where we explain how to turn on other useful features in your Lexus. Email questions or requests for specific feature explanations by emailing us at sales@lexusdominion.com. Safe driving!
North Park Lexus at Dominion Blog 
I have a 2018 rcf 350 how can I adjust my mirrors when backing up you can’t see backing in garage
LikeLike
If you want to reset how your mirrors move (their position) when you put your RC in reverse, you can adjust the mirrors when in reverse then put your RC back in park. The next time you reverse, your mirrors will tilt down to that last position.
LikeLike
I have ES 350 2014
But it has no BSM switch
How I can on this function
LikeLike