UPDATED 1.4.10 @ 1800
I did a post previously on our long-term 2009 Mazda 6's Blind Spot Monitor system.
But that was before youtube, or more accurately, before I got an account and figured out how to use it.
The Mazda 6's blind spot detection is radar-based with the sensors both in the mirror housing and at the leading edge of the rear bumper. The mirror housing sensors help locate target vehicles as they pull alongside. The icon in either of the side mirrors lights up when there's a car in your blindspot. If you flip the turn signal when a vehicle has been acquired, the icon flashes with an auditory alert.
It works fine, and I like knowing if a vehicle is in my blindspot, but the auditory alert can get a little annoying if you're cutting in and out of traffic.
The Audi blind spot detection in our long-term S5 has no auditory alert, which I prefer.
Albert Austria, Senior Engineer @ 23,560 miles
creeper says:
11:50 AM, 01/ 4/10
perhaps it's annoying enough to discourage such poor driving behavior
adamb1 says:
11:58 AM, 01/ 4/10
"The Mazda 6's blind spot detection is radar-based with the sensors in the mirror housing. "
This is not correct. According to the owner's manual, the sensors are behind the rear bumper cover just aft of the rear wheels. In fact, the owners manual states that the system may malfunction if this area of the car becomes very dirty. This might include the build up of ice behind the rear tires under the right conditions.
I read another article claiming the sensors were behind the black trim piece near the C-pillar on the back doors.
If you look under the car in the place I have indicated, you will see the "radar boxes." Perhaps you could post a picture.
jstandefer says:
01:00 PM, 01/ 4/10
creeper: Well said!
If you are annoyed by the alert, try pressing the BSM Off button. Sure, it also turns off the visual warning, but if you're cutting in and out of traffic, I want you looking over your shoulder anyway!
SnakeDoctor says:
01:08 PM, 01/ 4/10
adamb1 -
Let me verify that -- someone at Mazda told me.
Regards,
Albert
lvgti says:
01:18 PM, 01/ 4/10
I've been using 3" spot mirrors for many years, never a problem! The only time I shoulder check is when it's raining or foggy, and since I'm in Vegas, that's about 10 times a year.
adamb1 says:
02:17 PM, 01/ 4/10
Check the owner's manual to confirm location of radar units. This is what I remember reading 6 months ago and observing looking under the car. I doubt it makes a difference but mine is a 6S, GT.
joliveira says:
04:42 PM, 01/ 4/10
I still believe that this gizmos just make drivers worst, less focused on driving, and aware of the other dangers in the road.
DBM89 says:
05:59 PM, 01/ 4/10
the alert only sounds when you press the turn signal to the left in this case
adamb1 says:
02:18 PM, 01/ 7/10
Albert,
Ever confirm where the radar sensors are actually located?
Adam.
626gt says:
11:53 AM, 01/21/10
17 days and no updates on the 6 - did it burst into flames or is it just not "exciting" enough among current long term crop to to warrant an update. Curious 6 owners need to know "where's the love"?
adamb1 says:
01:34 PM, 02/ 8/10
It's now in the "past cars" section. I guess its time is up.