Lexus ES: RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function

The RCTA function uses the BSM rear side radar sensors installed on the inner side of the rear bumper.

This function is intended to assist the driver in checking areas that are not easily visible when backing up.

System components

1. Meter control switches
   Turn the RCTA function on/off.

   When the RCTA function is disabled, the RCTA OFF indicator illuminates.

2. Outside rear view mirror indicators
   When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, both outside rear view mirror indicators will flash.
3. Center Display
   If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, the RCTA icon for the detected side will be displayed on the Center Display.

   This illustration shows an example of a vehicle approaching from both sides of the vehicle.

4. RCTA buzzer
   If a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, a buzzer will sound.

Turning the RCTA function on/off

Use the meter control switches to enable/disable the RCTA function.

Vehicles without the Intuitive parking assist

1. Press or to select .

2. Press or to select "RCTA" and then press "OK".

Vehicles with the Intuitive parking assist

1. Press or to select .

2. Press or to select "PKSA" and then press "OK".

3. Press or to select "RCTA" and then press "OK".

When the RCTA function is disabled, the RCTA OFF indicator illuminates on the multi-information display. (Each time the power switch is turned off then changed to ON mode, the RCTA function will be enabled automatically.)

WARNING

■Cautions regarding the use of the function The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.

The RCTA function is only a supplementary function which alerts the driver that a vehicle is approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle. As the RCTA function may not function correctly under certain conditions, the driver's own visual confirmation of safety is necessary. Over reliance on this function may lead to an accident resulting death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■Before using the RCTA function Do not place obstacles near the sensors.

■Outside rear view mirror indicator visibility In strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to see.

■Hearing the RCTA buzzer The RCTA buzzer may be difficult to hear over loud noises, such as if the audio system volume is high.

■When "Rear Cross Traffic Alert Unavailable" is shown on the multi-information display Ice, snow, mud, etc., may be attached to the rear bumper around the sensors.

Remove the ice, snow, mud, etc., attached to the rear bumper around the sensors to return the function to normal. Additionally, the sensors may not operate normally when driving in extremely hot or cold environments.

RCTA function

■ Operation of the RCTA function The RCTA function uses rear side radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle and alerts the driver of the presence of such vehicles by flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.

1. Approaching vehicles
2. Detection areas of approaching vehicles

■ RCTA icon display When a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, the following will be displayed on the Center Display.

Example (Lexus parking assist monitor) (if equipped): Vehicles are approaching from both sides of the vehicle

■ RCTA function detection areas The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

The buzzer can alert the driver of faster vehicles approaching from farther away.

Example:

■The RCTA function is operational when The RCTA function operates when all of the following conditions are met:

• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The RCTA function is on.
• The shift lever is in R.
• The vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
• The approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph (28 km/h).

■Setting the buzzer volume The buzzer volume can be adjusted on the multi-information display.

Use the meter control switches to change settings.

Vehicles without the Intuitive parking assist

1. Press or to select .

2. Press or to select "Vehicle Settings", then press "OK".

3. Press or to select.

  and then press "OK".

Each time the switch is pressed, the volume level will change between 1, 2 and 3.

■Muting a buzzer temporarily

Vehicles without the Intuitive parking assist

A mute button will be displayed on the multi-information display when an object is detected. To mute the buzzer, press "OK".

• When the shift lever is changed.

• When the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed.

• When the operating function is temporarily canceled.

• When the operating function is disabled manually.

• When the power switch is turned off.

■Conditions under which the RCTA function will not detect a vehicle The RCTA function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles and/or objects:

• Vehicles approaching from directly behind

• Vehicles backing up in a parking space next to your vehicle

• Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect due to obstructions

• Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
• Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.*
• Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
• Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*

*: Depending on the conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■Conditions under which the RCTA function may not function correctly

• The RCTA function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:

• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surrounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet with standing water during bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching with only a small gap between each vehicle
• If a vehicle is approaching the rear of your vehicle rapidly
• When a towing eyelet is installed to the rear of the vehicle.
• When backing up on a slope with a sharp change in grade

• When backing out of a shallow angle parking spot

• Immediately after the RCTA function is turned on
• Immediately after the hybrid system is started with the RCTA function on
• When the sensors cannot detect a vehicle due to obstructions

• Instances of the RCTA function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may increase in the following situations:

• When a vehicle passes by the side of your vehicle
• When the parking space faces a street and vehicles are being driven on the street

• When the distance between your vehicle and metal objects, such as a guardrail, wall, sign, or parked vehicle, which may reflect electrical waves toward the rear of the vehicle, is short
• When a towing eyelet is installed to the rear of the vehicle

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