Forward Collision Alert Description and Operation: Notes

The forward collision alert system is a convenience feature of the frontview camera module that issues a warning to the driver when a potential collision risk exists. The frontview camera module is located behind the windshield, looking toward the roadway ahead and detecting vehicles within a distance of approximately 60 meters (197 ft). The forward collision alert system is always active and operates at speeds above 40 kph (25 mph).

When the frontview camera module detects a vehicle in the path ahead, the green vehicle ahead indicator in the vehicle direction display is illuminated. When following a vehicle ahead too closely, the amber collision alert indicator will illuminate and stay on until the following distance is increased. The green vehicle ahead indicator will then be illuminated again. When approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the collision alert symbol will flash in the vehicle direction display and an audible alert sounds. The forward collision alert sensitivity can be adjusted using the forward collision alert switch in the left steering wheel controls.

Front Automatic Braking (if equipped) 

When the system detects a vehicle ahead in your path that is traveling in the same direction that you may be about to crash into, it can provide a boost to braking or automatically brake the vehicle. This can help avoid or lessen the severity of crashes when driving in a forward gear. Depending on the situation, the vehicle may automatically brake moderately or hard. This front automatic braking can only occur if a vehicle is detected.

The system works when driving in a forward gear between 5 mph (8 km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). It can detect vehicles up to approximately 197 ft (60 m).

Forward collision does not provide a warning to help avoid a crash unless it detects a vehicle. Forward collision alert may not detect a vehicle ahead if the frontview camera module is blocked by dirt, snow, or ice, or if the windshield is damaged. It may also not detect a vehicle on winding or hilly roads, or in conditions that can limit visibility such as fog, rain, or snow, or if the headlamps or windshield are not cleaned or in proper condition. Ensure the windshield, headlamps, and frontview camera module are clean and in good repair. In some cases the forward collision alert system may provide unnecessary alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes, objects that are not vehicles, or shadows. These alerts are normal operation and the vehicle does not need service.

The forward collision alert system is made up of the following components:

• Frontview camera module
• Forward collision alert switch
• Instrument cluster / Vehicle direction display
• Infotainment system

Frontview Camera Module 

The frontview camera module detects vehicles in front of the host vehicle. The frontview camera module communicates via serial data to the instrument cluster to illuminate the appropriate indicators in the vehicle direction display. The frontview camera module also communicates via serial data with the driver information center to display messages and the radio to request audible alerts.

Forward Collision Alert Switch 

The forward collision alert switch provides an input to the frontview camera module to select between four alert timing sensitivity settings. These setting will change the sensitivity for both the following too closely and forward collision alert indicators. In addition to the sensitivity setting, the alert distance will change based upon vehicle speed. The frontview camera module provides a signal voltage to the normally open switch. When the switch is pressed, the signal circuit is pulled to ground through a resistor, indicating to the frontview camera module that the system has been requested to change the alert timing sensitivity. The first button press shows the current alert timing setting on the driver information center. With every button press, the alert timing sensitivity is changed. The current alert timing setting will be maintained until it is changed. The preset alert timing setting is displayed in the top line of the driver information center. The position of the forward collision alert switch can vary with different vehicles. For the exact position please refer to the owner's manual.

Instrument Cluster 

The vehicle direction display contains the indicators for the collision alert system and are controlled by the instrument cluster via serial data messages from the frontview camera module. The green vehicle ahead indicator indicates to the driver that the frontview camera module system has detected a vehicle in the driving path ahead. The amber collision alert indicator will illuminated continuously if the system determines that the vehicle ahead is too close. When approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the red collision alert symbol will flash.

Infotainment System 

The infotainment system controls the audible alert for the forward collision alert system and is activated via serial data from the frontview camera module. If the host vehicle is approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the infotainment system will command an audible alert to the driver.