Buick Regal: Forward Collision Alert System Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

1. Forward Collision Alert Indicators inoperable
2. Forward Collision Alert Indicators on all the time
3. Forward Collision Alert Indicator dimming malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The forward collision alert system is controlled by the frontview camera module mounted on the windshield. The system is designed to detect vehicles directly ahead, within a distance of approximately 60 meters (197 ft). The forward collision alert system operates at speeds above 3 km/h (2 mph). When the system detects a vehicle in the path ahead, the green vehicle ahead alert indicator in the driver information center is illuminated. When approaching another vehicle too rapidly, the collision alert symbol will flash and the radio will beep or the haptic seat will pulse, depending on user configuration.

The red collision alert display will stay continuously illuminated if the vehicle ahead remains much too close. These actions are requested by the frontview camera module via serial data. The forward collision alert switch is part of the left steering wheel controls and is used to adjust the timing sensitivity of the front collision alert system.

Diagnostic Aids

Camera Mounting: Inspect the front view camera sensor, on the windshield near the inside rearview mirror, to make sure it is attached properly to the windshield. Calibrate the front camera module after repair. Refer to Front View Camera Module Learn.

Certain factors will affect the operation of the forward collision alert system. Forward collision alert is intended to detect vehicles. It is not intended to warn the driver of any objects that are not detected as a vehicle such as pedestrians, animals, signs, guard rails, bridges, construction barrels or other stationary or slow moving objects. In few cases the camera may inadvertently detect a vehicle that is not in the path ahead, or the system may occasionally provide unrealistic alerts. This could occur with a turning vehicle ahead, guard rails, traffic signs, or other stationary objects. This is normal operation, the vehicle does not need service. When the system is operating properly, the green vehicle ahead alert indicator will illuminate on the vehicle direction display when the system detects a vehicle in the path ahead. This indicates that all of the required operating conditions are met. The green vehicle ahead alert indicator will not appear when the system is having difficulty seeing other vehicles on the road. This can occur if the front view camera is blocked with mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush, if the windshield is damaged, or when weather limits visibility, such as while driving in fog, rain, or snow conditions. This is normal operation, the vehicle does not need service.

Additionally, the Front View Camera Disable History can give useful hints about what affected the operation of the forward collision alert system. For the Front View Camera Disable History, refer to DTC B1011.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Driver Assistance Systems Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

Description and Operation

Forward Collision Alert Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

Circuit/System Verification

NOTE: Refer to Diagnostic Aids before performing Circuit/System Verification.

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify that no DTCs are set.

• If any DTC is set

Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

• Go to next step: If the DTC is not set

3. Verify the scan tool Frontview Camera Disable History 1 - 4 parameters does not have a current Malfunction. Refer to Control Module References for scan tool information.

• If the parameter is Malfunction

Diagnose the system that set the malfunction.

• Go to next step: If the parameter is Normal

4. Verify the forward collision alert indicators illuminate momentarily when turning ignition OFF and then ON.

• If the indicators do not illuminate

Refer to DTC B0987.

• Go to next step: If the indicators illuminate

5. Verify the driver information center forward collision alert distance indicator toggles between far, medium, near and off.

• If the setting does not change

Refer to DTC B356A.

• Go to next step: If the setting changes

6. Verify the area of the K109 Frontview Camera Module is not contaminated.

• If contaminated

Clean the windshield

• Go to next step: If not contaminated

7. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Control Module References for frontview camera module replacement, programming and setup.

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