If you are like most drivers, you probably rely on your car’s pre-collision system to minimize the damage caused by the accident. You can keep your collision system activated as no one wants to be in a collision, and injury or death is always a concern. What if your car’s pre-collision system failed to detect an oncoming vehicle, and you crashed into it?
Pre-collision system malfunction happens when the sensors may be covered with snow, ice, or debris. Additionally, strong sunlight or lighting conditions can interfere with the sensors. If such a situation occurs, clear sensors from any debris or try driving in a different direction to see if that clears the problem.
This blog will highlight the importance of a pre-collision system for car safety and how to deal with its malfunction. Let’s get started!
What Is Pre-Collision Assist?
Pre-collision assist is a driver assistance feature that uses sensors to monitor the surrounding area for potential hazards. If the system detects hindrance, it will provide visual and audible warnings to alert the driver. In some cases, the system may automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision.
Pre-collision assist is just one of many driver-assistance features that are becoming increasingly common in today’s vehicles. Other examples include lane departure assist and keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
While these systems are not perfect, they can help make the roads safer for everyone by reducing the incidence of accidents.
How Does the Pre-Collision System Work?
When the vehicle is in drive and approaching another car or object, the pre-collision sensor uses radar to detect if a collision is imminent. If a collision is detected, the sensor will activate the pre-collision system, which can help to reduce the severity of the collision or even avoid it altogether.
Most pre-collision systems are automatic, and most accidents are unpredictable. The technology behind a pre-collision system is highly sophisticated. Pre-collision systems are not perfect, but they can help make the roads safer for everyone by reducing the incidence of accidents.
If you are interested in learning more about pre-collision systems or other driver assistance features, ask your dealership or automotive service provider. They can tell you more about how these systems work and whether they are available on the vehicles you are considering.
Check Out Pre-Collision System Malfunctions: Is It Serious?:
What Causes Pre-Collision System Malfunctions?
There are several potential causes of a pre-collision system malfunction. One common cause is that the sensors or cameras that the system relies upon become dirty or obstructed. It prevents them from properly detecting obstacles.
Another possibility is that the system itself may become damaged or malfunctioning. If you suspect that you have a pre-collision system malfunction, it is crucial to have it checked by a qualified automotive technician as soon as possible.
Ignoring a problem with your pre-collision system could result in an accident that could have been avoided. So, do not take chances for your safety on the road.
Device Has Filthy Radar
Dirty radar sensors are among the most common causes of pre-collision system malfunctions. The radar sensor is located behind the vehicle’s front grille and can become obstructed by bugs, dirt, snow, or ice.
If the radar sensor becomes obstructed, it will not be able to detect obstacles on the road properly. If you live in an area where bugs are common, it is important to clean your radar sensor regularly to prevent this problem.
System Is Unprotected From Rodents
Another potential problem that can cause your pre-collision system to malfunction is damage from rodents. If rodents can chew on the wires or other components of the system, it can cause severe damage. This type of damage is often not covered by a warranty, so it is important to take steps to prevent it.
Tow Hitch Installed
If you have a tow hitch installed on your vehicle, it is important to ensure that it is installed correctly. If the tow hitch is not installed properly, it can obstruct the radar sensor and cause the pre collision system malfunction.
When installing a tow hitch, be sure to use a qualified automotive technician. They will be able to install the tow hitch correctly and ensure that it does not obstruct the radar sensor.
Faulty Airbag Sensor
One potential cause of pre-collision system malfunctions is a faulty airbag sensor. The airbag sensor is located in the front of the vehicle. It is used to detect when an accident has occurred. If it is faulty, it may not let your pre-collision sensors work properly.
Tinted Rear Windshield
Another problem that can cause your pre-collision system to malfunction is a tinted rear windshield. If the rear windshield is too darkly tinted, it can prevent the radar sensor from properly detecting obstacles.
Check Out Toyota Pre-collision System Failure: Ideas of What Might Be the Problem (English & Español):
Pre-Collision System: Fixing It
When a pre-collision system malfunctions, it is important to take the necessary steps to fix the problem as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the malfunction, different steps may need to be taken to get the system back up and running smoothly.
- If you have a minor malfunction with your pre-collision system, you may be able to fix the problem by resetting the system. You can do this by disconnecting the battery for a short period and then reconnecting it. This will often clear any minor glitches that may have caused the system to malfunction.
- If you have a more serious malfunction with your pre-collision system, you will likely need to take it to a qualified technician to have it repaired. This is because more serious malfunctions can often be caused by electrical issues that are best resolved by someone with the proper training and experience.
No matter what type of malfunction you are experiencing with your pre-collision system, it is essential to take action to fix the problem as soon as possible.
How To Reset Pre-Collision System Malfunction?
If your pre-collision system is malfunctioning, you can do a few things to reset it.
- First, check the fuse box and ensure that the fuse for the pre-collision system is not blown. If it is, replace it with a new one.
- Next, disconnect the battery and then reconnect it. This will reset all the electronic systems in your car, including the pre-collision system.
- Finally, take your car to a mechanic or dealer to have it checked out if the problem persists.
Check Out Turning On and Off Pre-Collision System | Toyota:
When To Reset My Pre-Collision System?
While driving, if you observe that:
- Toyota’s pre-collision system is not working properly.
- The vehicle ahead has been driven out of range of the pre-collision system’s sensors.
- There is a problem with the pre-collision system light or laser sensor.
- The pre-collision system has been turned off.
If any of these four conditions exist, it is necessary to reset the pre-collision system. However, you can also check the following list to be sure of resetting your pre-collision system.
system Debris Build Up
One common reason you may need to reset your pre-collision system is debris buildup. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the sensor, causing it to become dirty. This can cause the pre-collision system to fail.
If you think that dirt and debris might be causing the problem, you can try cleaning the sensor. To do this, you will need to disconnect the battery and then clean the sensor.
Marks or Errors On Screen
Another reason why you may need to reset your pre-collision system is if there are marks or errors on the screen. These marks or errors can indicate that the system is not working properly.
FCW Off Error
If you see the FCW off error, it means that the forward-collision warning light system is turned off. This can be caused by various things, such as a dirty sensor or an obstruction in front of the sensor.
If you see this error, you should also check the area in front of the sensor for any obstructions. If there is an obstruction, you must remove it before the system works properly. If you have checked the sensor and there are no obstructions, you may need to reset the system.
Red Lights
Red lights and beeps indicate a system malfunction. To reset the system, do the following:
- Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
- Wait at least 5 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch to the on position.
If the system still does not operate properly, take your vehicle to your car dealer.
Pre-Collision Systems: Which Cars Have It?
As the name suggests, a car with a pre-collision system is equipped with a mechanism that can detect an impending collision and automatically take measures to avoid or mitigate it. This usually involves slowing down or stopping the vehicle and even deploying airbags.
Pre-collision systems are often touted as life-saving features, and indeed, they effectively reduce the severity of accidents. However, like any other piece of complex technology, pre-collision systems are not perfect, and they can sometimes fail.
Pre-collision systems are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles. Many car models now have this feature installed. Here are some cars with PCS features:
- 2019 & 2020 Toyota C-HR
- 2019 & 2020 Highlander
- 2019 & 2020 RAV4 & RAV4 Hybrid
- 2019 & 2020 Camry & Camry Hybrid
- 2019 & 2020 Avalon & Avalon Hybrid
- 2019 & 2020 Prius Prime & Prius C
- 2019 & 2020 Corolla & Corolla Hybrid
- Lexus UX, NX, EX,LS, LC and RC F
Pro Tip: Before deciding to purchase, always ask your dealer about the car’s features including the pre-collision system.
Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Pre Collision System Malfunction
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to reduce the chances of your pre-collision system malfunctioning.
- First and foremost, keep it well-maintained and updated with the latest software.
- Secondly, be aware of its limitations and do not rely on it too heavily – remember that it is just a tool and not a replacement for safe driving habits.
Toyota Pre-collision System Review
Since its inception, Toyota’s pre-collision System (PCS) has been one of its vehicles’ most touted safety features. The system is designed to detect an imminent collision and automatically engage the brakes to avoid or mitigate damage from the crash.
The Toyota pre-collision System is just one example of this commitment to safety. This system uses sensors to detect obstacles in the road ahead and can even apply the brakes automatically if necessary to help avoid a collision.
In addition to helping avoid accidents, the Toyota pre-collision System can also help reduce the severity of a collision if one does occur. This is thanks to features like Brake Assist, which provides additional braking power when needed, and seatbelt pre-tensioners, which tighten the seatbelts automatically in the event of a crash.
Pros
- It can potentially help you avoid a serious or even fatal accident
- It may help to lower your insurance rates, as insurers view it as a safety feature that can help reduce the risk of accidents.
Cons
- One is that, like any other system in your vehicle. If this happens, it could cause your car to brake unexpectedly or even accelerate, which could be very dangerous.
- The system may give false alerts, which can be annoying and lead you to disable it altogether
Overall, the pros of the Toyota pre-collision System seem to outweigh the cons. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before deciding whether or not to install it in your vehicle.
FAQs
How Do I Activate The Pre-Collision System?
The PCS system is designed to apply the brakes automatically. It reduces engine power to help frontal collisions with pedestrians in some cases.
To turn on the pre-collision System:
1. Press the power button to start the engine.
2. Press and hold the camera icon button on the lower right of the steering wheel for more than 2 seconds. The pre-collision System is automatically turned on when the vehicle speed is 25 mph (40 km/h) or higher.
3. To turn off the system, press and hold the camera icon button again for more than 2 seconds.
Where Is a 2020 F350’s Pre-Collision Sensor?
The pre-collision sensor on a 2020 Ford F350 is located in the front of the vehicle. It should be used when there is an obstacle in the road ahead, and you need to brake to avoid a collision. To turn off the pre-collision sensor on a 2020 Ford F350, press the button on the dash.
Final Consideration
When it comes to a pre-collision system, many things can go wrong. The most common problem is with the sensors. There have been a few accidents where the pre-collision system has failed, and people have been seriously injured or even killed. This is why it is important to ensure that your pre-collision system is in good working order.
