Cars today come with very advanced safety systems that can be hard to comprehend if you don’t know what to look for. The FCW System is one example.
In this article, we will help define the FCW system for you and then describe where the sensors are located. We also indicate what are the top reasons why the FCW System sensor fails.
Finally, we discuss driving with a faulty system and resetting or recalibrating the FCW system.
What is the Honda FCW System?
The FCW system is Honda’s forward-collision warning system and features sensors to assess whether a collision is about to occur. These sensors can be a combination of cameras, lasers, and radars.
When the system detects that a crash is imminent it alerts the driver to avoid the collision.
The alert can be an alarm, vibration of the wheel, or a visual warning. If the driver does not respond to the message, the car can brake automatically, depending on the car model.
With this warning, the driver can react to avoid an accident. However, at times the system needs to assist the driver by providing light steering motions or braking to reduce speed.
What does the FCW System Failed message mean?
The “FCW System Failed” message indicates that the forward-collision warning system has failed in your vehicle. A forward-collision warning system is a key safety feature designed to alert you if a collision is imminent. If the system has failed, you won’t be warned of a potential collision.
The Honda Odyssey and Honda Accord are two commonly occurring Honda models that receive the FCW System Failed message. If you see the FCW System Failed message, it can be alarming to think about having to fix it. However, there are a few cases where the repair is straight-forward.
Causes of FCW Sensor Failure
#1. Bad Weather.
Bad weather is a big reason the FCW system fails. If you are driving in heavy rain or snow, it may mistake that for a possible crash and hence malfunction.
In these cases, you have to pull over and wait for the weather to dissipate to try your FCW once again. We also recommend shutting the engine off for a couple of minutes so the system has a chance to reset.
#2. Dirty Sensor or Camera.
If you have driven in muddy conditions or just haven’t washed your car in a long time, the FCW system may stop working.
If either the front camera or the radar sensor cannot see because it is covered in dirt or mud, you will have an error light appear on your dashboard.
With that said, your immediate solution is to clean your car, or at least the area around the sensor or camera.
#3. Normal Wear.
Like any other part of your car, the sensors can wear out with use. This is why it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected regularly and looked at by a certified professional.
You may not see any major damage to the sensors, but they may still need to be replaced sooner than later. A qualified technician that works with these advanced safety systems should know what may be happening to the sensors and camera.
#4. Defective Sensor or Camera.
Sensors or cameras can fail abnormally, and for no reason at all. Even if you take care of the car, the sensor can fail or bad at it.
If the sensor/camera detects collisions that are not there, or it fails and sends a message to your dash, you would want it checked and repaired.
The only way to ensure your safety is to fix it in a timely manner.
#5. Malfunctioning Software.
Sometimes it’s not the sensor, but the variant of software running the sensor. There is software loaded to run the FCW system and the software can malfunction.
Some manufacturers can provide a software update to fix the situation. If not, the sensor will need to be reprogrammed.
#6. Damage.
The FCW system will fail if there is damage. If you have been in an accident, the sensors may be damaged which will require replacement or they may be inoperable due to collision damage.
You should have your vehicle inspected after any collision, even a minor collision. If the mechanic gives you the okay, you are good to go again.
Where is the FCW Sensor Found?
Each make and model is equipped with FCW sensors in different locations. In most cases, you will locate the sensors on the front of the vehicle, since that is where we tend to collide.
You may find the sensors close to the headlights or in the grille of the vehicle. If your system includes cameras, they may be located on or proximate to the windshield. For further detail, you can find information in the owner’s manual.
Can I Drive with the FCW System Failed Message?
We’ve talked about how important the FCW system is to your safety while driving. If it doesn’t work, however, you put yourself and your passengers in danger. You won’t be warned of a possible forward collision, leaving you to choose how you will traverse the roadway.
Although you are capable of continuing to drive with an inoperable FCW system, we suggest that you do not. We prefer that you get it repaired at your convenience for the safety of everyone around you.
We also recognize that you may have to drive some distance to a repair facility. During this time, please take care to drive cautiously as you are driving in an unprotected mode.
Reset/Recalibrate Honda FCW System
Reset FCW System
You’ll need a professional with high-tech scanners in order to reset the advanced safety system. Most code scanners can’t reset advanced safety systems, and, in most cases, you cannot reset a safety system from the vehicle itself.
The mechanic will use their calibrated tools to shut off the warning light. The warning light should stay off after the mechanic diagnosis is performed.
Some people say just reset the ECU, or the calculate the advanced safety system on its own by disconnecting the battery for thirty minutes. We don’t recommend this at all because this may cause nuisance and inconvenience with other systems in your vehicle.
Recalibrate FCW System
If you have a replaced windshield or a new front body part, you may need to recalibrate the front collision warning system camera. The installation of the front collision warning camera will be restored using either dynamic or static camera aiming, but again, this only has to be done by a professional shop.
The cameras will only be aimed at specific targets as defined by factory specifications in the service manual.
When it is time to aim the sensors, the auto repair shop will put on the parking brake and turn both the headlights and DRLs off before they do. In addition, it has to be done in a garage where there are no natural light sources interfering with the procedure.
Cost to Fix FCW System Failure
The repair cost for your FCW system will depend on what is needed to be completed. If the sensor simply needs to be cleaned off, you may only pay about $75. However, if there is a catastrophic failure, the costs can quickly climb to $1,500 or more, and this isn’t an ideal place to be working.
Estimating repair costs is not just based on the work that has caused the problem, but the make and model of your vehicle will also be a factory factor in the price. For example, if you have a cheaper economy car, then you will not pay as much as if you had a luxury version.
Also, some brands must utilize special mechanics to work on the systems. You would have to take your vehicle to a specific dealership or another repair shop that is certified to work on your vehicle.
In some situations, you might be able to complete the repair independently, depending on the equipment you have available. But the premium scanner needed to recalibrate or reset machinery tends to cost a lot, and most home mechanics do not have those scanner tools.
Because of this, it would be easier just to take a trip into your local mechanic.
FAQs.
Why is my FCW light on?
If your FCW light is on, it indicates an issue with your forward collision warning system. The first step in determining what is causing the warning light is to scan the trouble codes with a code scanner and go from there.
Where is the FCW sensor located?
The FCW sensor may simply be a camera positioned atop the car’s windshield or a radar sensor placed behind the lower grille in the front of the car. It depends on the car model you drive and the type of FCW system your car has.
Can you turn off the FCW System?
Yes, you can turn off the FCW (forward collision warning) system if you wish. To do so, simply press and hold the FCW OFF button on the instrument panel for two seconds.
Check your owner’s manual if you cannot find the button. While the FCW system is turned off there will be no visual or audible warnings if there is anything in front of your vehicle.
Which car models use the FCW System?
There are many car brands with different types of radar collision systems, but the FCW (Forward-Collision Warning) System is Honda’s system. This means you will find the FCW system in most Honda cars and also in other brands that use Honda’s system.