How to Troubleshoot BMW Active Blind Spot Detection Malfunction?

Does your BMW steering wheel vibrate when taking turns or changing lanes? Because, if so, don't panic. This is not something that is happening because of a mechanical error in the system. This is your BMW's "active blind spot detection system" in action. What is an 'active blind spot detection system', you want to know? Well, read on and you will know everything about this state-of-the-art technology.

This article will help you to understand a few basic things about BMW's active blind spot detection system like- what is it and how it works. We will also discuss some of the other useful things like- the reasons why this helpful system of your BMW may go bad and what you can do to keep it in working order. So let's get started without wasting much time.

An Introduction to BMW Active Blind Spot Detection System

The sole purpose of BMW's Active Blind Spot Detection System or ABSD is to keep an eye around the car and alert the driver about nearby vehicles while driving. Besides, if the system finds out that there is a vehicle just behind your BMW and you are about to take a turn or change the lane, it will shake the steering wheel in an attempt to warn you.

And, to do so, it employs numerous components like- sensors, a control unit, a vibration actuator device, and different types of indicators. Simply put, the employment of the ABSD system makes a BMW much safer to drive. If it stops operating due to some reason, you could end up in an accident.

That's why if you suspect that your BMW ABSD is flawed and it is not working normally, take it to a nearby car service center so that the cause of the problem can be identified and taken care of. Below we have gathered some of the common causes and signs of active blind spot detection system malfunction in a car.

BMW ABSD System Malfunction- Possible Causes

Power supply disruption

To alert you about the vehicles in the vicinity of your BMW, the ABSD system takes the help of numerous components. These components require a constant supply of electricity to perform their respective functions. Obstruction in the power supply due to a defective battery, a faulty alternator, or a bad wire can put your BMW ABSD system in jeopardy. Also, if left unaddressed, interruption in the power supply can give rise to numerous other problems.

Defective sensors

Another obvious cause of ABSD system malfunction in a BMW is a faulty sensor. As you may have read earlier, ABSD System employs several sensors at crucial locations to keep an eye on your BMW's surroundings. If any of these sensors go out due to some reason, your ABSD system will stop working. If you want to resolve the issue, you have to identify and repair the defective sensor.

Flawed control unit

The control unit, as the name implies, is a device that is tasked with the job of regulating different aspects of the ABSD system operation in your BMW. It takes the help of multiple sensors located in different locations to monitor the surroundings of your vehicle. Besides, if it finds out that there is a vehicle at the rear end of your car, it will alert you by turning on the indicators and activating the steering wheel vibration actuator device. If it malfunctions due to some technical errors, your ABSD system will likely stop working.

Apart from the reasons listed above, many things can cause an ABSD system failure in a BMW like- a blown fuse, flaws with the steering column switch cluster, defective footwell module, damaged integrated chassis management control unit, and flaws within the junction box electronics.

BMW ABSD System Malfunction- Recognizable Signs

If your BMW ABSD system stops working for some reason, the first thing you will notice is the appearance of the "Active Blind Spot Detection Malfunction" message on the iDrive. The emergence of such warning messages on the screen of your BMW should not be neglected. The exact reason behind the appearance of this message needs to be identified and repaired.

Closing remarks

Active Blind Spot Detection or ABSD system is a vital safety feature. It is responsible for alerting you about the vehicles in the vicinity of your BMW. By doing so, it reduces the possibility of having a collision when you are taking a turn or changing a lane. Failure of such a crucial safety feature can put your safety in jeopardy.

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