The Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with advanced safety features to help drivers prevent collisions and stay safe on the road. One of these features is the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, which alerts the driver when a potential frontal collision is detected. In this article, we will guide you on how to adjust the FCW settings in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, allowing you to customize the sensitivity and functionality of the system according to your preferences.
What is Forward Collision Warning (FCW)?
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) an advanced safety feature found in many modern vehicles, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The purpose of the FCW system is to alert the driver when a potential frontal collision is detected. By monitoring the road ahead using sensors and cameras, the FCW system can recognize the proximity of objects, such as vehicles or obstacles, and assess the risk of a collision.
When the FCW system determines that a potential collision is imminent, it provides the driver with audible and visual warnings to draw their attention to the impending danger. The warnings are intended to give the driver enough time to react, take evasive action, or apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid the collision.
The FCW system uses various technologies, such as radar, lidar, or cameras, to detect objects in the vehicle’s path. These sensors continuously analyze the relative speed and distance between the vehicle and the detected objects. Based on this information, the system calculates the probability of a collision and triggers the warnings accordingly.
It’s important to note that FCW is a warning system and not a substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle safely. While the FCW system provides valuable assistance in alerting the driver to potential collisions, it is ultimately up to the driver to react appropriately and take necessary actions to avoid accidents.
The FCW system can be customized and adjusted according to individual preferences and driving conditions. Users can modify the FCW sensitivity to determine the distance at which the warning alerts are triggered. Additionally, the functionality of the system can be configured to include options such as audible warnings only or active braking support, where the system applies brake pressure to assist in collision avoidance.
By utilizing the FCW system in conjunction with other safety features and practicing defensive driving techniques, drivers can enhance their awareness on the road and reduce the risk of frontal collisions, promoting safer driving experiences for themselves and others.
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB)
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) is a specialized subsystem that operates within the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system. It is designed to enhance safety by specifically addressing potential frontal collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists.
When the FCW system detects a potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist in the vehicle’s path, the PEB subsystem comes into play. Its primary function is to provide the driver with audible and visual warnings to alert them to the presence of the pedestrian or cyclist and the potential danger.
In addition to the warnings, the PEB system has the capability to automatically apply limited braking force in an effort to help mitigate or avoid the collision. By initiating automatic braking, the PEB system aims to assist the driver in reducing the impact or even preventing the collision with the pedestrian or cyclist.
The audible and visual warnings provided by the PEB subsystem, along with the potential application of limited automatic braking, work together to enhance the driver’s awareness and provide an additional layer of safety when it comes to potential frontal collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists.
Accessing the FCW Settings
To adjust the Forward Collision Warning settings in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, follow these steps:
- On the center screen of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, locate and tap the “Vehicle” option on the bottom category bar.
- In the top right corner of the screen, you will find the “Settings” option. Tap on it to proceed.
- From the left menu, select “Safety & Driving Assistance” to access the safety settings of your vehicle.
- Within the safety settings, locate and tap on the “Automatic Emergency Braking” option. This will open the FCW settings.
Adjusting Forward Collision Warning Sensitivity
The Forward Collision Warning Sensitivity setting allows you to change the distance at which the FCW alert sounds. Follow these steps to adjust the sensitivity:
Within the FCW settings, locate the “Forward Collision Warning Sensitivity” option.
There are three sensitivity options available: “Medium,” “Near,” and “Far.”
Near
The “Near” setting will signal the FCW system when the object is closer to the vehicle.
Medium
The “Medium” setting will signal the FCW system when an object is in view, and the possibility of a collision is detected.
Far
The “Far” setting will signal the FCW system when an object is at a far distance from the vehicle.
Choose the sensitivity level that suits your preferences by tapping on the desired option.
Configuring Forward Collision Warning Functionality
In addition to adjusting the sensitivity, you can also customize the functionality of the Forward Collision Warning system.
Follow these steps to configure the FCW functionality:
Within the FCW settings, locate the “Forward Collision Warning” option.
There are four functionality options available: “Off,” “Warning Only,” “Warning + Active Braking,” and “Warning + Active Braking + Auto Hold.”
Off
The “Off” setting will deactivate the FCW system entirely, displaying an Off icon on your Instrument Cluster Display.
Warning Only
The “Warning Only” setting will provide an audible chime when a collision is detected without applying any brake pressure.
Warning + Active Braking
The “Warning + Active Braking” setting will provide an audible chime and apply some brake pressure when a collision is detected.
Select the desired functionality by tapping on the corresponding option.
Enabling or Disabling Pedestrian Emergency Braking
In addition to the FCW settings, you can also enable or disable the Pedestrian Emergency Braking system. Follow these steps to adjust the Pedestrian Emergency Braking setting:
Within the FCW settings, locate the “Pedestrian Emergency Braking” option.
Toggle the setting on or off according to your preference.
When the Pedestrian Emergency Braking is turned off, an Off icon will display on your Instrument Cluster Display.
Important Considerations and Safety Information
The FCW system relies on forward-looking sensors and the Electronic Brake Controller (EBC) to detect potential collisions. It provides progressive audible and visual warnings and may apply limitedbraking to help mitigate a potential collision.
The FCW system is not intended to replace the driver’s responsibility to control the vehicle through braking and steering. It serves as a warning and support system to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions.
The FCW system may provide warnings and alerts for objects other than vehicles, such as guardrails or signposts, based on course prediction. This is a normal activation and functionality of the system.
It is unsafe to intentionally test the FCW system. To prevent misuse, the Active Braking portion of FCW will be deactivated after four Active Braking events within an ignition cycle. It will reactivate in the next ignition cycle.
The FCW system is designed for on-road use only. If you take your vehicle off-road, it is recommended to deactivate the FCW system to prevent unnecessary warnings to the surroundings. The FCW system will be automatically deactivated when the vehicle enters 4WD Low mode.
If you see the “Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Service Required” or “Limited Functionality Clean Front Windshield” message in the instrument cluster, it indicates a condition that limits the FCW functionality. While the vehicle remains drivable, the active braking may not be fully available. If the problem persists, visit an authorized dealer.
If the FCW system turns off and the instrument cluster displays “AEB Unavailable Service Required,” there is an internal system fault. While the vehicle remains drivable, it is recommended to have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Conclusion
The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a valuable safety feature that provides audible and visual warnings and may apply limited braking to help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions. By adjusting the FCW settings, including sensitivity and functionality, you can customize the system according to your preferences and driving style. Remember to follow the safety guidelines and always remain attentive and in control of the vehicle while driving.
