The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system is a crucial aspect of the latest vehicles’ safety features. Utilizing sensors, this system detects any objects in the driver’s blind spot and alerts the driver if it’s not safe to switch lanes.
However, several car owners have reported an annoying error message that they’ve spotted in the dashboard – “Blind Spot Monitor Not Available”.
This error message could raise concerns about the vehicle’s safety. I will explain today the five possible reasons for this error message and its solutions.
Contents
Reasons Behind the Blind Spot Monitor Not Available Error
1. Blown Fuses
The most frequent cause of the error message is a blown fuse, and one of the simplest to fix
The BSM system functions with multiple fuses, and if one fuse blows, the system will stop working, leading to the appearance of an error message. It’s worth looking for multiple damaged fuses if replacing one does not fix the issue.
Replacing the blown fuse is a logical and inexpensive solution, costing around $100 to $200, depending on the location and severity of the issue.
2. Sensor Problems
The BSM system is dependent on sensors to identify objects in the driver’s blind spot. In case these sensors become damaged or stop functioning properly, an error message appears.
In this case, replacing the sensors is a more complex and expensive solution, costing between $500 and $1,000, with some more or less additional costs regarding the repair shop and sensor price.
3. Wiring Issues
A complex network of wiring is required for the BSM system to function properly. Any damage to the wiring or improper connections results in an error message.
Repairing or replacing the wiring is the solution. In any case, it’s not an easy job and requires the good skills of a car electrician costing between $500 and $1,000, depending on the location and severity of the issue.
4. Control Module Issues
The BSM system is controlled by a control module or electronic control unit (ECU) that processes sensor data and sends signals to the display.
If the control module becomes damaged or stops functioning, it triggers that message in the dash. You could repair the control module, however, this is a risky bet.
Replacing the control module is the recommended solution here, the only downside is that it’s expensive surging between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the location and severity of the issue.
5. Software Problems
Finally, software issues could also result in the Blind Spot Monitor Not Available error message.
Updating or reinstalling the software is the solution in case the software in the vehicle’s computer becomes corrupted or stops functioning correctly and it is the easiest and least expensive solution, costing around $100 to $200, depending on the location and severity of the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Blind Spot Monitor Not Available” error message could appear because of those 5 causes discussed above, in short, blown fuses, sensor problems, wiring issues, control module problems, and software problems.
The solution to the error message varies based on its cause, with replacing the blown fuse being the simplest and least expensive, while replacing the damaged control module being the most complex and expensive.
Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to immediately begin to search for the culprit. A quick scan can indicate the cause quickly.
It’s also important to remember that the BSM system became an important safety feature that should not be ignored when it goes bad, and seeking professional help from a dealership or an auto repair shop is the best option if you’re unsure about the cause of the error message or its solution.
