The FCW (Forward Collision Warning) system is a crucial safety equipment that aims to alert drivers of potential obstacles detected in the vehicle’s path.
Despite being a standard issue in many modern models, including Honda Accord, Odyssey, and Crosstour, this advanced driver assist feature isn’t without flaws.
In adverse weather conditions like rain or fog, the system may malfunction, affecting its components and leading to incorrect signs on the panel.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the FCW can reduce the risk of a rear-end crash by 27 percent, but issues arise when users face sensor failures, often reported in common cars.
Auto manufacturers like Honda have worked on enhancing these complex safety systems, yet problems persist due to factors like sensor interference or calibration issues.
Regular maintenance, including resetting and recalibrating, is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
This article provides an explanation of causes, outlines the specific role of sensors, and offers a guide for users to identify problems and take necessary corrective measures.
What Is the FCW System?
FCW system is a crucial safety feature that monitors the road ahead of the driver with car sensors. It looks for obstacles like roadblocks, other immovable obstacles, other cars, and even passersby.
The FCW system calculates the speed of your car and determines how close you are to moving or immovable objects.
If your vehicle gets too close to any obstacle where you may efficiently use the emergency brakes, the system will notify you of a probable collision.
Studies have proven that the FCW feature brings down the rate of rear-end collisions by 27%. Some newer cars have automatic emergency braking systems and FCW systems.
I’d recommend you go through your owner’s manual to see and get familiar with the safety systems in your vehicle.
Safety should always be our no.1 priority. Therefore, regardless of your vehicle’s safety features, apply all safety measures when driving.
How Do FCW Systems Work?
The FCW system uses sensors to determine the location of obstacles in front of the vehicle, calculating the speed and distance to predict if an object may be hit. If it detects an impending collision, the system sends an alert to warn the driver.
In some vehicles, the FCW is part of a combined system that can integrate with automatic emergency braking, which helps the car slow down or even stop without needing driver input.
However, a standalone FCW relies on the driver’s quick response to apply the brakes and avoid an imminent collision.
Why is FCW System Important?
Understanding the FCW system’s relevance reveals why this technology has become crucial in today’s vehicles. It acts as a defensive shield, preventing potential forward collisions.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), this technology can substantially reduce rear-end crashes by 27%. Secondly, your vehicle’s FCW system gives you valuable reaction time, reducing the severity if a collision does occur.
In a industry where every second counts, the FCW system proves to be a lifesaver, helping avoid accidents, damage, and even lives.
What Does FCW Failed System Mean?
It indicates that the FCW system no longer works. One or more of the system’s components has failed, requiring repairs or replacement.
Most FCW systems have a warning light on the dashboard or another highly-visible location. When something goes wrong with the FCW, the warning light illuminates.
To better understand what a failed FCW system entails, let’s look at the FCW system on the Honda Accord.
FCW System Types
The FCW system comes in different types, each with unique capabilities. The standard forward-collision warning can search for other vehicles using cameras, lasers, or radar scanners.
It is programmed to recognize and identify common obstacles but may not detect pedestrians, especially when they cross the road.
An advanced version includes pedestrian detection, alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists and even large animals.
Some individual systems offer additional capabilities like scanning the area ahead or the rear for incoming rear-end collisions, making driving on urban roads at low or higher speeds safer.
However, these features may differ based on the exact capabilities of the system. Checking the vehicle’s owner’s manual can help you understand the system better and keep passengers and drivers safe.
FCW Sensor Location
The location of the FCW sensor varies according to the vehicle model. In most models, the FCW sensor is usually located at the front of the car because this is an area where the collision happens.
However, the FCW sensors of some models are located in the grille or near the headlights. If your system also has a camera, it may be located on or near the windshield.
However, you should check your vehicle manual to find the exact location of the FCW sensors and cameras.
Causes of FCW Sensor Failure
#1. Bad Weather.
One of the main reasons that the FCW system fails is because of bad weather. If you are driving in extreme rain or snow, the system might misinterpret this as a possible collision and malfunction as a result.
In this case, the only solution is to pull over and wait for the weather to pass. We recommend turning off the engine for a few minutes to let the system reset.
#2. Dirty Sensor or Camera.
If you have driven on a muddy road or haven’t washed your car for a long time, it can cause the FCW system to fail. If the camera or radar sensor is covered in dirt or mud, it will not work properly and you will see this error on your dashboard.
Clean your car or the area in front of the camera or radar sensor.
#3. Normal Wear.
As with any car part, these sensors can wear down over time. That’s why it’s important to have the vehicle regularly inspected and looked at.
Maybe you can’t see any major damage to the sensors, but they still need to be replaced. Someone qualified to work with these advanced safety systems will know what’s going on.
#4. Defective Sensor or Camera.
It’s possible for the sensors or camera to fail prematurely or for no reason at all. Even if you have taken care of your vehicle, the sensor can die and malfunction all on its own.
If the sensor or camera detects collisions that aren’t there, or it fails and sends you a dashboard message, you want to have it looked at. The only way to remain safe is to fix it promptly.
#5. Software Malfunction.
Sometimes it’s not the sensor that has failed, but the software running it. There is software installed to run the FCW system that is prone to failure.
Some automakers can provide an update to correct the situation. Otherwise, it will need to be reprogrammed.
#6. Damage.
The FCW system can fail if damage has occurred. If you’ve been in an accident, the sensors might have sustained damage that renders them inoperable.
It’s important to have the vehicle looked at after any collision, no matter how small it is. Once you get the okay from a mechanic, you are good to go again.
FCW System Failed Symptoms
Now let’s cover some of the symptoms of the FCW system failed. What are the symptoms that will be present whenever this problem is occurring?
Well, the biggest symptom will probably be the inability of the car to use the forward collision warning system. There will be no alerts for the driver whenever they come dangerously close to a car on the road.
Also, if the problem is caused by a bad ABS control valve solenoid, there will be multiple lights on the dash, including the ABS light.
If you need to learn more, check out our explainer on the meaning of the ABS light, and why is my ABS light turned on. And in most cases, the car will not react to the throttle input that the driver gives.
If you want to learn more about other Honda warning lights, do check out our explainers on the Honda Accord wrench light, the ‘main cruise’ message on a Honda, as well as the ‘check fuel cap’ alert on a Honda Accord, among others.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Failed FCW System?
The answer to this question is nuanced. While you can technically drive your Honda Accord with a failed FCW system, doing so significantly increases your risk of an accident.
The FCW system is designed to provide an early warning of potential collisions, giving you precious seconds to react. Without this safety net, you are more vulnerable to accidents, especially in situations where you might be distracted or driving in heavy traffic.
The Risks of Driving Without a Functional FCW System
Driving with a failed FCW system can lead to several potential risks, including:
- Increased Risk of Rear-End Collisions: The FCW system is particularly effective in preventing rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents. Without this system, you may not be alerted to a vehicle braking suddenly in front of you, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Reduced Reaction Time: The FCW system provides an early warning, allowing you to react quickly to potential hazards. Without this warning, your reaction time is significantly reduced, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Increased Risk of Accidents in Blind Spots: The FCW system can help detect objects in your blind spots, especially when changing lanes. Without a functional system, you are more susceptible to accidents when merging or changing lanes.
FCW system failed and how to fix it
If you get an FCW system failed message, you must bring your car to a certified shop that offers ADAS calibration and repair services.
The mechanics will recalibrate the FCW system during and after the repair process. They will also perform other tasks like updating the software and resetting the repaired system.
Ask the repair shop if they have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle FCW system repair and maintenance. Most shops don’t offer such services because the process requires a large space and prohibitively costly equipment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing FCW System Failure
Honda’s Forward Collision Warning (FCW) detects obstacles and warns to prevent possible collisions and alert the driver. Here is the step-by-step guide to fix this system:
Step 1: Resetting the FCW System
How to Reset the System Using the Car’s Settings
Open your car’s driver assistance settings (usually under “Safety” or “ADAS” in the infotainment menu). Select FCW settings and choose the “Reset” or “Restore Defaults” option.
When to Use the Reset Option
Only this option whenever you see a message showing a temporary failure message.
Step 2: Cleaning the Sensors and Camera
Best Practices for Cleaning the Radar and Front Cameras
You should use a microfiber cloth to clean the grille-mounted radar and windshield-mounted camera. It’s better to clean weekly or soon after driving in mud, rain, or snow.
Step 3: Checking and Replacing Faulty Sensors
How to Inspect and Replace Front Sensors
You can use OBD-II to scan Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), which can tell you about possible faults. With the given error codes, you can replace that specific sensor or camera module as per the vehicle’s service manual.
When to Seek Professional Diagnosis or Repair
If you’ve exhausted the DIY fixes and “FCW System Failed” remains on (or keeps coming back), you should seek professional diagnosis.
The forward collision warning is part of an advanced safety suite, and some issues require specialized tools and expertise to fix. Here’s when to see a professional:
#1. Persistent Warning or Multiple Alerts.
If the FCW failure message persists despite cleaning sensors and resetting, there’s likely an underlying component fault. Also, if it’s accompanied by other warnings (like LDW, ABS, or Check Engine lights), a trained technician should investigate.
They will use an OBD-II scanner or Honda’s diagnostic system to pull error codes from the car’s computer. Those codes can pinpoint if a specific sensor (e.g. the windshield camera) or module (e.g. braking/ADAS control unit) is malfunctioning.
#2. Sensor Replacement or Alignment Needed.
Should the diagnosis reveal a bad camera or radar sensor, it will need replacement. Installing a new FCW camera or radar typically requires calibration with specialized equipment.
A professional shop or Honda dealership has the tools to mount calibration targets at precise distances and angles to recalibrate the camera/radar after replacement.
This is not a DIY task, as it involves computer software and sometimes laser alignment in a large space.
#3. ADAS Calibration and Software Updates.
Modern Honda safety systems (ADAS: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) often require calibration after repairs or even after something like a windshield replacement.
If your windshield was replaced recently, the FCW camera definitely needs recalibration by a professional.
Calibration ensures the camera’s field of view and the radar’s aim are correct. Most general repair shops do not have the equipment for ADAS calibration – it requires expensive tools and plenty of space.
You’ll likely need to go to a Honda dealership or a specialized ADAS calibration center for this service.
They will also check if any software updates are available for the FCW system and apply them during the visit. Professional technicians can update the FCW/LDW module’s firmware to the latest version, which may fix known bugs.
#4. Complex Electrical or Module Issues.
If the root cause is a deeper electrical problem (like a faulty VSA module, brake sensor, or wiring harness short), a professional is best equipped to fix it.
For example, a dealer might find that a brake pressure sensor failure is causing the FCW error (some owners had to replace such a sensor to fix FCW/LDW errors).
These repairs can be complex and expensive – a certified mechanic can properly replace the part and ensure everything is reprogrammed correctly.
#5. Under Warranty or Recall.
If by chance your Honda Accord is still under an extended warranty or there’s an active recall/service bulletin related to the FCW or battery sensor, definitely take it to Honda.
In some cases, Honda issued recalls for the battery sensor (which could indirectly affect FCW) and maybe software updates for the FCW/LDW systems.
It’s worth checking with a dealer using your VIN number to see if any open recalls might address the issue free of charge.
Preventive Measures to Avoid FCW System Failure
- Clean Sensors and Camera: Dirt or snow on the radar sensor or front camera can block detection. Regularly clean the front grille and windshield.
- Update Software: Outdated firmware can cause failures. Get the latest software updates from a Honda dealership.
- Avoid Front Bumper Damage: The radar sensor is behind the grille. Avoid minor impacts that can misalign it.
- Ensure Proper Windshield Replacement: The FCW camera needs recalibration after a windshield change. Use trained technicians.
- Check Battery and Wiring: A weak battery or loose wiring can disrupt the system. Keep the battery charged and connections secure.
- Drive Carefully in Bad Weather: Heavy rain or fog can affect the radar and camera. Reduce speed and allow the system to reset.
- Inspect After Accidents: Even small collisions can misalign sensors. Get the FCW system checked after any impact.
Cost to Fix FCW System Failure
The cost to fix an FCW system failure can vary depending on the requirements of the repair. If the issue is simple, like a dirty sensor, a basic cleaning may only need a $75 budget.
However, more significant problems can cost $1,500 or more, especially if there are complex operation expenses involved.
The price also depends on several factors, such as the vehicle type, make, and the root cause of the issue.
Repairing a low-cost, fuel-efficient vehicle is usually less expensive compared to a high-end model from high-end brands, which often need specialized technicians.
It’s best to visit a dealership or an authorized repair shop that can handle your specific car type properly.
| Issue Type | Estimated Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sensor Cleaning | $75 – $100 | Simple cleaning of dirty sensor |
| Minor Repairs (Wiring Issues) | $150 – $300 | Fixing loose or damaged wires |
| Sensor Replacement | $400 – $800 | Replacing a faulty sensor |
| Control Module Replacement | $800 – $1,200 | Replacing the control module |
| Full System Recalibration | $1,200 – $1,500 | Complete recalibration of the system |
| Major Repairs (Multiple Components) | $1,500 or more | Involves complex repairs for high-end models |
FAQs.
Q: Where is the FCW sensor located?
The FCW location varies from vehicle to vehicle. In any case, it is usually on the front of the vehicle. This can be on the headlights, camera behind the windshield, front bumper, or grill.
However, most of the FCW sense impending obstacles with the camera behind the windscreen, and a few others work with radar. Consult your owner’s manual if you can’t locate this feature on your ride.
Q: What does FCW stand for in a Honda?
FCW stands for forwarding collision warning in Honda cars. In Honda, the FCW uses a video camera behind the windshield and radar sensors on the front bumper to monitor short-range distance. It detects obstacles ahead and notifies the driver of a probable collision.
Q: Can I drive with the FCW system failed?
If an FCW system failed on a Honda Crosstour or any vehicle model, it wouldn’t stop you from driving. However, it is not safe to continue driving with a failed FCW system failure. If you choose to drive with a faulty FCW system, you need to be extra cautious.
Q: Why is my FCW off?
Most vehicles have the option to select how you want the FCW to notify you. You can locate this setting by going to the vehicle settings, then to the Driver Assist or All tab, and selecting the forward collision warning.
You can then choose long, normal, or short. Additionally, you can choose OFF to disable the FCW feature.
However, this process varies from vehicle to vehicle. For instance, you can switch off FCW on the Honda Accord and Odyssey by holding the button on the steering wheel for about two seconds.
So, if this system is off in your vehicle, there are chances that you have mistakenly turned it off.
Q: What does FCW’s unavailable service require to mean?
If you see ‘FCW unavailable service required’ on the instrument cluster, it means certain conditions have temporarily limited the system from functioning. Such conditions can result from poor visibility, especially when driving in rain, snow, mud, or salty areas.
Final Word
The FCW is one of the most important safety features in a car. It notifies the driver of an imminent collision when driving at ten mph or higher. If it fails, it increases the chance of getting into a collision.
You must be extremely careful when an ‘FCW system failed’ error message appears on the dash when driving. If this happens after a collision, visit a hospital for a medical check-up. Also, the error message can appear in extreme temperatures without any obstacles ahead.