Honda HR-V: How to Troubleshoot the Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

FCW Indicator

When the FCW system is OK, the FCW indicator comes on for about 5 seconds after turning the vehicle to the ON mode, then it goes off.

When the FCW system detects a problem while operating, the FCW system stops working, then the FCW indicator (amber) stays on.

NOTE: The FCW system communicates with the PCM, the VSA modulator-control unit, and the gauge control module by F-CAN. If a connected unit malfunctions, the FCW system will not operate. In this case, the FCW indicator and the connected unit indicator come on and stay on.

Self-Diagnostic Function

The FCW system has a self-diagnostic function. If the self-diagnostic function detects a malfunction, the FCW system stops working, turns on the FCW indicator (amber), and stores DTCs.

Multi-Information Display (MID) Indication

If the windshield surface or the multi purpose camera gets covered with too much debris or dirt, the multi-information display (MID) will display this message, and the FCW system will cancel its function. Check the multi purpose camera surface for debris or dirt. The system may be store DTC B2A60-97.

When the unit detects an abnormally high temperature, the system displays this message in the multi-information display (MID), turns the FCW and LDW indicators on and deactivates its FCW function. The system does not turn the indicators on while the FCW function is set to OFF.

Multi Purpose Camera Unit

The multi purpose camera unit uses inputs from the PCM, the VSA modulator-control unit, and the steering angle sensor to warn the driver when approaching a vehicle ahead. The multi purpose camera unit communicates with the gauge control module, and sends a warning signal.

CAN Communication

The multi purpose camera unit communicates on the F-CAN, and it communicates via the F-CAN with the other units (gauge control module steering angle sensor, PCM, and VSA modulator-control unit).

If the multi purpose camera unit detects a communication error or a malfunction in another connected unit, the FCW system will not operate even though it is OK. In this case, both the FCW indicator (amber) and the related unit indicator will come on and stay on.

Multi Purpose Camera Aiming

When the multi purpose camera unit is removed or replaced, you must aim the multi purpose camera. If a new unit that has not aimed is installed and turn the vehicle to the ON mode, the FCW and LDW indicators stay on for about 15 seconds and then stay blinking.

How to Troubleshoot DTCs

Check for DTCs with the HDS.

Before troubleshooting, check and note these items:

• Ask the customer about the conditions when the problem occurred, and try to reproduce the same conditions for troubleshooting.
• If the symptom does not appear and the FCW indicator does not come on during the test-drive of the vehicle, but if troubleshooting is done based on a DTC, check for poor connections or loose terminals at all connectors related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting.
• After troubleshooting or repairs are done, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle under the same conditions as when the DTC was originally set. Make sure the FCW indicator does not come on.
• The FCW system sometimes stops working because of the certain environmental conditions (weather, road conditions, driving conditions, etc.).

Intermittent Failures

The term "intermittent failure" means a system may have had a failure, but it checks OK now. If you cannot reproduce the condition, check for poor connections or loose terminals. Also check ground and power connections related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting.

How to Retrieve DTCs

NOTE: Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged before you begin.

1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode

2. Connect the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.

3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the multi purpose camera unit. If it does not communicate, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

5. In the DRIVING SUPPORT MENU of the HDS, select FCW/LDW/High Beam Support/Traffic Sign Recognition System, then check the FCW DTCs.

6. Read and record the DTC.

7. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

8. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

9. Do the troubleshooting procedure for the DTC.

How to Clear DTCs

NOTE: Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged before you begin.

1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode

2. Connect the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.

3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the multi purpose camera unit. If it does not communicate, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

5. In the DRIVING SUPPORT MENU of the HDS, select FCW/LDW/High Beam Support/Traffic Sign Recognition System, then DTCs choose the clear DTCs icon, and follow the prompts.

6. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

7. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

READ NEXT: