In August of 2022, six leading organizations that are committed to consumer safety and education — AAA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, National Safety Council, PAVE, and SAE — came together to develop the standardized naming conventions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies. This post addresses Collision Warning and Collision Intervention System and Malfunction Indicators, a subset of ADAS. We address them directly below.
The newly recommended naming conventions are simple, specific, and based on system functionality. We have advocated for these changes for years and welcome them, but we will continue to include the old names where necessary.
Unfortunately the absolutely outlandish number of indicators used are not addressed! And the list continues to grow…
Further, it is important to note that the organizations are only asking automakers to adopt the standardized terminology, a move that would go a long way in reducing reduce consumer confusion about the intent and functionality of these systems. We’ll do our best to help here and in other posts.
These systems, and those that follow, are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020.
Regardless of name or acronym, the systems, if fitted, minimize the risk of injury if a crash becomes unavoidable. The vehicle will alter its suspension and brake settings (apply the brakes) and the front seat belts are tightened. If one of these indicator symbols is shown on your instrument cluster, it indicates a problem with the system and the vehicle should be taken to your dealer or authorized repair facility.
It is important to note that many systems can only warn of a potential collision audibly and take no active measures to protect you. Check your owners manual carefully. And regardless of whether the system is active or not, it should never be relied upon to avoid a collision without the driver’s help!
It will illuminate in yellow/amber when associated with the Active Cruise Control system and a vehicle driving ahead is detected. The indicator will flash if the system is not operating properly. In this case, the active cruise control will be deactivated and the brakes will be applied until the driver resumes control by either pressing on the brake or accelerator pedal.
——————————————————————-
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
These are Emergency Assist Indicator symbols. The emergency assist system monitors the driver and is…
Child Safety Locks These are Child Safety Lock Malfunction Indicator symbols. If the vehicle is…
Rivian Symbols So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the…
Charging EVs While Being Considerate We're not the only ones to speak on this, but…
Who Showed, Who Didn't The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as…
Economy Operation These are Economy Operation Indicator symbols. With the push to improve fuel mileage,…