Tag: automatic braking

Collision Warning and Collision Intervention System and Malfunction Indicators

Collision Warning and Intervention

Collision warning and intervention systems in the news. 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.

Pre_collision_system_indicatorCollision Mitigation Brake System IndicatorForward Collision Warning OffPre-safe Seat BeltPCS stands for Pre Collision, or Crash, System. FCW stands for Forward Collision Warning System. Another is CMBS or Collision Mitigation Brake System. Yet another is the very awkward sounding Pre-safe Seat Belt (PSB) system. This one has a warning image in the message center in gray scale, like the seated figure shown to the right, along with a text warning. How about Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) or Smart Brake Support (SBS)? They play in the same ball park, but don’t have their own text symbols!

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then read on below. 
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Forward collision warningAutomatic emergency braking indicatorFollowing distance warning indicatorThe end result is yet another advanced system that has managed to resist finding a standardized name. The systems discussed here use radar while others use cameras, which can be found here.

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.

Emergency steering warningA more recent addition is this Emergency Steering Warning Light indicator, and is part of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). The system is intended to assist steering — and hence the steering wheel — to aid in avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle from the front or the side or if a pedestrian or other obstacle is detected. It will be seen in yellow/amber/orange when all or part of FCA is disabled or malfunctioning. It will blink in red when steering assistance is required.

Pre collision assist indicatorPre-collision assist malfunctionAnother recent (2024) addition is this Pre-Collision Assist indicator. Pre-collision assist detects and warns of approaching hazards in the road and provides multiple levels of assistance to help avoid a collision if you are rapidly approaching another stationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in the same direction, or a pedestrian or cyclist in your path. The system offers an alert first, then brake support and automatic emergency braking, if needed.

The image with the line drawn through it says that the system is malfunctioning. Continue on for additional information regarding system problems.

Many More Versions

Collision warning activeCollision warning off indicatorThe images here are of a Collision Warning System active and another with the word OFF added, meaning the system has been deactivated. They are seen as a car in a lane with wavy lines radiating away in four directions. And the word OFF in the one case, all in red.

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!

Rear collision warning indicaorThis symbol is a Rear Collision Warning indicator. While it resembles many of the symbols already seen on this post, it is specifically used to warn of a possible collision from behind. The difference is that the car in front is seen in full and the one behind is only partially visible. The roles are reversed in collision warnings with a car in front.

Intersection collision warning leftIntersection collision warning rightThese two are Intersection Collision Warning symbols and warn of a possible collision from the side. They are always seen in red. Oddly, the first image is of the right side of a vehicle and warns of a possible collision on the left. And conversely the second indicator is of the left side of a vehicle and warns of a collision from the right!

Sensor Blocked Indicator SymbolA common problem is dirt on the sensors or cameras in the front of the vehicle and often a simple car wash or cleaning will resolve the issue. The symbol to the left showing an arrow piercing the top side of a car is used by manufacturers for what they call the City Safety System to indicate that sensors mounted in the windshield are blocked by dirt or debris.

Camera blocked indicatorThe first symbol in this set also points to debris blocking the camera at the front of the vehicle, and again a car wash is likely all that is needed. This, and the next two symbols, are the only ones to attempt a representation of seeing. They are also in black and white and will be displayed in the information screen along with a text description of the problem. The image, unlike the next two gives no indication itself of a problem.

Camera fault indicatorCamera unavailable indicatorThese next two do indicate a problem. The first to the left adds an exclamation point and indicates a fault with the forward facing camera. A qualified service shop will be needed. The second, with the line drawn through the car and the radiating lines, indicates that the camera is temporarily unavailable due to its temperature being too high or too low. Camera function will return when the proper temperature range is restored.

Collision WarningForward Collision Warning OffAuto braking off indicatorSmart brake support offThese symbols indicate that the Forward Collision Warning system has been turned off. Some manufacturers use the picture symbol with the word OFF, while others add OFF to the system’s acronym. The image symbols are intended to look like cars crashing into each other, and does the job.

Auto Braking Indicator SymbolThe symbol to the left, which adds the exclamation point in the triangle alert and an arrow indicating the direction of travel, illuminates when the brakes are applied automatically, which would be an obvious distraction to the driver at a clearly bad time.

Forward Collision System Fault IndicatorForward_Collision Warning IndicatorAuto braking fault indicatorAutomatic emergency brakingAutomatic emergency brakingIf any of these lights remain illuminated, it indicates a problem with the system that will require your dealer or authorized service center to resolve. The light to the left is a trouble light only. See your favorite service center. And note that if there are any additional illuminated warning symbols, most likely they will need to be addressed first.

Front End Collision Warning IndicatorAuto emergency brakeThese indicators to the left are Front-end Collision Warning indicators, although the symbols show the back-end of a car. The manufacturers use the same symbol for both a warning that the system has a problem or if a collision is imminent. We’ve shown them d, which is used when a potential collision is detected. It may flash red as the condition worsens and/or when the relative speed between the two vehicles is large.

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.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/11/pre-collission-system-indicator/

Recall Trend Highlights Electronic and Safety Systems

Recall Trend

Pre Collision System OffA disturbing trend appeared in the recalls (2015) we tracked since our last newsletter. Six recalls were issued involving automated electronic systems, including safety systems directly and indirectly. And they simply got more troublesome through the course of the month.

  • First, GM recalled 51,000 Spark, Sonic models for radio, warning glitch. The warning glitch included chimes that would warn of the keys left in the ignition or of a seat belt that is not in use.
  • Next, Nissan recalled 14,595 vehicles for a sticky start/stop button. In hot temperatures, the engine start/stop button in affected vehicles may stick inside the button housing.
  • Ford then recalled 433,000 vehicles for a faulty body control module that can prevent affected vehicles from turning off, even if the key is removed from the ignition or stop/start button has been pressed.
  • Ford followed that up with a 393,623 vehicle recall for electric power steering assist systems that may shut down due to a sensor fault.
  • EyeSight Off Indicator SymbolSubaru then recalled 72,000 cars with its EyeSight active safety system for a brake light switch that can interfere with the software that triggers the automatic braking.
  • And finally, as we were putting this item together, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall to address remote hacking of some of its vehicles – after hackers took control of Jeep remotely!

Right now, manufacturers expect drivers to put their safety in their hands in an ever expanding universe of new electronic systems. Over time, car makers fully expect that drivers will eventually agree to cede all control of their cars to the car itself, and thus to its manufacturer.

Power steering that could shut off? Braking that is to rely on the car “seeing” what is ahead? Cars that can’t be shut off or a start/stop button that is stuck? Cars that fall under the control of hackers??

A Call to Action

The industry had better get this right, and while the recalls in these cases are supposed to set things right, things need to be a whole lot righter than they are now. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively involved in research into in-vehicle crash avoidance systems, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications that support crash avoidance applications, and self-driving vehicles themselves. We truly hope they have their eye on the ball. These kinds of problems need to be addressed before systems hit the streets – before recalls are needed!

And here’s a question we have not seen asked: When your car gets to truly driving itself, will this mean that the manufacturer will then hold accident liability? Hell, do they now for current automated safety systems? Will we get to cancel our auto policies down the road?

We’ll find out soon enough.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2015/07/recall-trend-highlights-electronic-and-safety-systems/

Collision Mitigation Brake System Indicator

Collision Mitigation

Collision Mitigation Brake System IndicatorThis is the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) Indicator symbol. It is a radar-based system that can warn a driver of a potential collision or even apply the brakes on its own to prevent one. These systems are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020.

  • Before moving on, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

The light comes on if the system has been turned off, if the radar sensor is dirty or blocked, or if there is a fault in the system. In the second case, a simple car wash may restore the system’s function. In the last case, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized service center for diagnosis and repair.

These systems continue to evolve. Click this link for more on Collision Avoidance and Auto Braking systems. This link goes to yet another related system with an entirely different name, Intelligent Brake Assist.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/12/collision-mitigation-brake-system-indicator/

Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) Off Indicator

Brake Assist

IBA Off IndicatorThis is an Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) Off Indicator symbol. IBA uses lasers to identify approaching obstacles and applies the brakes accordingly. The light comes on when the IBA switch is turned off. If the light comes on while the system is on, it is either unavailable temporarily or is malfunctioning. Check that the sensors are clean, but only when it is safe to do so.

  • Before moving on, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Another manufacturer calls this Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) but does not feature a warning light for it. Regardless, the vehicle can still be driven safely if the system is inoperable, but your dealer or authorized repair center will need to service it.

These systems are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020. There is more information on automatic braking here.

——————————————————————-

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2010/11/intelligent-brake-assist-iba-off-indicator/