In one of my recent articles, I told you why your Tesla may have its phone key disconnected. And in the feedback for this article, you answered about the issues with the blind spot detection system for different Tesla models. Well, here's the answer!
Blind spot detection not working message highlights
- Common reasons:radars are blocked, software problem
- How to fix:clean the radar areas, take it in for inspection
- Possible consequences:several smart functions won't be working
- Priority level:Low
- Can you drive?Yes
- DIY repair:Yes
- Repair price range:$0-$550
Why does your Tesla blind spot detection fail to work?
There are three common reasons why you may consider your blind spot detection system not working in a Tesla vehicle:
1) The Lane Assist is deactivated. The blind spot detection system in your Tesla is a part of the Lane Assist feature. If you deactivate it or change the settings, you may eventually get no proper signal from your side traffic sensors.
2) The software is glitchy. If you haven't installed the latest updates, do this now. Old software can have all kinds of glitches, so it may stop working properly at any moment. Fortunately, all major updates are free for Tesla owners.
3) Radars are malfunctioning. Usually, if this happens, you can get an error message or code saying about this. But sometimes, the radar just stops sending signals. This may happen after an accident or if the radar is just damaged by water or anything else.
Also, one of the possible reasons is that you may not be using the Lane Assist correctly, so it doesn't allow you to use all the needed functions of the blind spot detection or you may just expect something else from this system.
By the way, in the latest updates, you may enable the camera view of the blind spots when you turn on the blinkers. This is a good function but be careful when using it because it doesn't cover the entire turning zone and it may be even worse than relying on what you see without the camera.
How to use the blond spot detection system?
On its official website and in its manuals, Tesla clearly says that you shouldn't rely completely on the blond spot detection system when driving your vehicle. This is gold. Use your eyes and turn your head sometimes to make sure there are no cars around you. No one will pay you any kind of compensation if you hit a car on the road just because you were relying completely on the blind spot detection system.
So, here's how the blind spot is working in Tesla vehicles:
- the radars and cameras detect potentially dangerous objects around the vehicle;
- if they are in potential blind zones, you will see warning lines around the car pictogram on the dash;
- there will be no red or orange alert lights on the side mirror or near it like in many other cars;
- the line may be of different colors and the red color means that the object is too close to the vehicle;
- there are no sound alerts or something to let you know you shouldn't turn now;
- also, the blind spot detection will not work at speeds less than 8 MPH and higher than 90 MPH.
Why can the blind spot detection be deactivated completely?
Well, the blind spot detection system in your vehicle is part of the Lane Assist. This assist may be deactivated when something is wrong with the cameras, sensors, or software. So, even though blind spot detection uses mainly radar readings, it will be deactivated if the camera is broken or Lane Assist software malfunctions.
So, it's completely unreliable to only look at the blind spot detection readings and make decisions as to turning on the road. You may easily get into an accident and spend a lot of your time and money without initially planning to do so.
Final thoughts
Although all Teslas are equipped with blind spot detection systems, they are part of the Lane Assist. This means that these systems may be deactivated once something is wrong with the pretty unreliable assist in your vehicle.
Also, you need to know the limitations of blind spot monitoring and understand how to use it. I strongly recommend reading the manual for your vehicle and learning more about your car before you go to the dealership. Even if everything works fine and your blind spot detection works in accordance with the factory's plan, you will need to pay for diagnostics.
Be careful and never rely completely on the blind spot detection system!
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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