Forward Collision Warning
The FCW+ system is only active when the status of the ignition switch is ON and the PRNDL is in D (Drive). The system can be manually disabled and enabled by the vehicle operator using menu options within the radio. The default status of FCW+ is ON. The system state is kept in memory from one key cycle to the next. If the system is turned OFF, it will remain OFF when the vehicle is restarted. The minimum speed for FCW+ activation is 7 km/h (4 mph).
Components that make up the FCW+ system are the Forward Facing Camera (FFC), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Switch Bank and the Adaptive Cruise Control Plus (ACC+) module. The ACC module is the component that is responsible for the FCW+, Lane Departure Warning Plus (LDW+) and ACC+ decision making. The ACC module receives data from the FFC and performs a data fusion with its own sensor data. At this point, the ACC module determines if a FCW+, LDW+ or ACC+ event needs to occur.
Since there are multiple modules involved in the operation of the FCW+ system, all faults or diagnostic trouble codes should be checked during diagnosis. The system utilizes the radar sensor in front of the vehicle, so any alignment or configuration issues may cause the system to be inoperative. If the ACC radar detects incorrect or compromised information from the FFC, the ACC+ and the FCW+ will function in an limited capacity. If the data consistency continues to occur from the FFC, a fault code will set.
The FCW+ does not stop the vehicles automatically, but alerts and assists the driver to help avoid or mitigate a collision. If the driver does not respond to any of the audible, visual, and haptic warnings, the impact may not be avoided.
The FCW+ system uses fusion of the sensor data from the ACC radar and the FFC to detect a probable frontal or forward collision. The following actions will be performed when qualified:
- Pre Fill - The pre-fill process prepares the brakes for emergency braking by engaging the pump and applying a small amount of pressure to the brakes. This allows for immediate braking. Sufficient pressure applied between the brake pads and the discs means that driver intervention has a more immediate impact.
- Audible and Visual Warnings - Audible sounds within the cabin of the vehicle and visual warnings shown within the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) are activated when necessary to notify the driver.
- Brake Jerk - A short deceleration is performed to alert the driver.
- Collision Mitigation System (CMS) - CMS assists braking operation by automatically applying an appropriate amount of braking force to help avoid or minimize the chances of hitting a vehicle. CMS allows up to 1.5 seconds of braking to give the driver additional reaction time. When CMS activates its automatic brake, it also turns the brake lights on.
- Advanced Brake Assist (ABA) - Once the driver presses the brake pedal, Advanced Brake Assist (ABA) will engage if the driver is not applying enough force. ABA will increase the braking force required to avoid or mitigate the accident. If the driver does not react to any of the previous warnings, the collision cannot be avoided.