The Pre-Collision Assist system is an important safety feature in Ford vehicles that is designed to detect potential collisions and help the driver avoid them. However, sometimes the system may display a warning message that says “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available.” This can be frustrating and concerning for drivers, as it indicates that the system is not functioning properly. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of the Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning in Ford vehicles and provide some tips on how to fix it.
What is Pre-Collision Assist?
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking is a safety feature designed to help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions. It uses a combination of a sensor and a camera to detect the presence of vehicles or pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and can provide alerts or apply the brakes automatically if a potential collision is detected. The system is available in many Ford models and is intended to supplement the driver’s own awareness and reaction time, especially in situations where a collision may be imminent or unexpected. By providing an extra layer of protection, Ford Pre-Collision Assist can help prevent accidents and improve overall safety on the road.
Location of camera and radar
The Ford Pre-Collision Assist system uses a forward-facing camera and a radar sensor to monitor the area in front of the vehicle. The camera is located behind the windshield and uses advanced algorithms to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, and even large animals.
The radar sensor, on the other hand, is located in the front bumper and can detect the speed and distance of other vehicles.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety feature that works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Assist system to help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions. When the system detects a potential collision, it will first precharge the brakes and increase brake-assist sensitivity to provide maximum responsiveness when the driver applies the brakes. This can help reduce stopping distances and improve the vehicle’s overall stopping power.
If the driver does not take corrective action and a collision is still imminent, the AEB system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of the collision. This can be especially useful in situations where the driver may not be able to react quickly enough to prevent an accident, such as when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
It’s important to note that Ford Pre-Collision Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Drivers should always remain alert and attentive while driving, and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. However, the system can provide an added level of protection and help reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
If the Pre-Collision Assist system in a Ford vehicle is not functioning properly and displays a warning message, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
Causes of Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning
There are several potential causes for the Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning in Ford vehicles. Some common reasons include:
Camera obstructed, dirty windshield
If the camera used by the Pre-Collision Assist system is obstructed by dirt or debris on the windshield, it may not be able to detect other vehicles or pedestrians properly. This can cause the system to malfunction and display Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning message.
To resolve this issue, it’s important to clean the windshield thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris that may be obstructing the camera’s view. It’s also a good idea to check for any cracks or damage to the windshield that may be affecting the camera’s performance.
It’s important to address camera obstructions or dirty windshields as soon as possible, as they can significantly impair the effectiveness of the Pre-Collision Assist system and increase the risk of accidents on the road. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the windshield can help ensure that the system is functioning properly and providing the maximum level of protection for the driver and passengers.
Blocked radar sensor
If the radar sensor used by the Pre-Collision Assist system is obstructed or there is dirt, snow, or other debris on the radar, it may not be able to detect other vehicles or objects properly. This can cause the system to malfunction and display Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning message.
To resolve this issue, it’s important to clean the front radar sensor thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris that may be obstructing the radar sensor’s view.
Misaligned radar
If the radar sensor used by the Pre-Collision Assist system is misaligned, it may not be able to accurately detect other vehicles or objects on the road, causing the system to malfunction and display a warning message.
To resolve this issue, it may be necessary to have the radar sensor realigned by a qualified mechanic or Ford dealership. The process of realigning the radar sensor typically involves adjusting the angle and position of the sensor to ensure that it is properly calibrated and aligned.
In some cases, misalignment of the radar sensor may be caused by damage to the sensor itself or to the mounting bracket that holds the sensor in place. In these cases, it may be necessary to replace the damaged component in order to properly realign the sensor and restore full function to the Pre-Collision Assist system.
Electrical issues
Electrical issues, a malfunctioning camera, bad connection, faulty control unit, or a faulty radar sensor can also cause the Pre-Collision Assist Not Available warning in a Ford vehicle. In some cases, the issue may be related to a wiring or power supply problem, which can cause the Pre-Collision Assist system to malfunction.
If the issue is related to a faulty camera, radar sensor, or other component of the system, it may be necessary to have the component replaced or repaired by a qualified mechanic or Ford dealership. This may involve diagnostic testing to identify the specific cause of the problem and determine the best course of action for resolving it.
If the issue is related to a bad connection or wiring problem, it may be possible to resolve the issue by cleaning or repairing the connections. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace damaged wiring or connectors to restore proper function to the Pre-Collision Assist system.
Usen an OBDII scanner to diagnose the issue
Using an OBDII scanner can be a helpful way to diagnose the issue causing the “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available” warning in a Ford vehicle. An OBDII scanner is a diagnostic tool that can communicate with the vehicle’s onboard computer system and retrieve information about any stored fault codes or issues.
To diagnose the issue using an OBDII scanner, connect the scanner to the vehicle’s OBDII port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Follow the scanner’s instructions to read any stored fault codes and identify the specific issue causing the warning message.
The fault code retrieved by the scanner can provide valuable information about the issue, such as which component of the Pre-Collision Assist system is malfunctioning. From there, a qualified mechanic or Ford dealership can perform additional diagnostic testing to determine the best course of action for repairing or replacing the faulty component.
It’s important to note that while an OBDII scanner can be a helpful tool for diagnosing the issue, it may not always provide a definitive answer. In some cases, additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and determine the best course of action for resolving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what speed is pre-collision assist active?
The Pre-Collision Assist function in Ford vehicles starts detecting potential collisions at low speeds of around 6 mph, providing warnings or automatic braking assistance to the driver to help prevent a collision. However, pedestrian detection is only active up to 50 mph.
Can you turn off pre collision assist in Ford?
Yes, it is possible to turn off the Pre-Collision Assist feature in Ford vehicles, although it is not recommended to do so unless absolutely necessary. The system can usually be done from the settings menu and may different depending on model.
What is Ford Post collision braking?
Ford Post-Collision Braking is a safety feature that is designed to help prevent or minimize the effects of a secondary collision after an initial collision has occurred.
When a vehicle is involved in a collision, it can sometimes continue to move forward, causing it to collide with other vehicles or objects in its path. The Ford Post-Collision Braking system is designed to detect when a primary collision has occurred and then automatically apply the brakes to bring it to a stop as quickly as possible.
This feature can help to prevent or minimize the effects of a secondary collision, which can often cause more serious damage and injury than the initial collision. By automatically applying the brakes after a collision, the Ford Post-Collision Braking system can help to prevent further collisions and reduce the risk of injury or damage to both the vehicle and its occupants.
