Toyota vehicles have a pre-collision system to warn the driver before hitting an object, which helps reduce the chance of a collision with the vehicle. But if the Toyota Pre-Collision System malfunctions for some reason, it can become a significant cause of an accident if the driver completely relies on this system. However, there can be many reasons for Toyota pre-collision system malfunction which is important to know and then focus on fixing it.
Pre-collision system malfunction in Toyota vehicles is a safety error that occurs when the vehicle is about to collide with an object and the audio beep or red warning light in the pre-collision system is unable to alert the driver. With this problem, the pre-collision system detects the wrong distance or is unable to alert the driver in any way in the event of an emergency pre-collision.
In many cases, the sensors of the pre-collision systems are working properly. But warning components do not alert the driver, such as a bad warning light or bad beeping sound, which confuses the driver to rely on the system, and the vehicle may collide with an object and damage the vehicle.
What Is The Pre-Collision System?
Pre-Collision System in modern vehicles is also abbreviated as PCS. This technology provides safety features for modern vehicles, with pre-collision systems using radar, cameras, and sensors to alert the driver before the vehicle collides with an object.
When a pre-collision system detects a potential collision with a vehicle object, the system alerts the driver of the vehicle through audio beeps and visual warnings. But in some advanced pre-collision systems, the vehicle may also automatically activate emergency braking systems to avoid or reduce the impact of a collision.
How Does The Pre-Collision System Work?
Typically, pre-collision systems in Toyota’s or modern vehicles work based on cameras, sensors and radar. When the vehicle is moving forward or backward and the vehicle approaches an object, a radar sensor in the pre-collision system is activated and a light or beeping sound alerts the driver about a collision.
This system provides pre-collision protection in modern vehicles. However, pre-collision systems in vehicles are not completely reliable, as they can fail for a number of reasons and may be unable to warn the driver.
Causes Of Pre-Collision System Malfunction
There can be many reasons for the malfunction of pre-collision system in Toyota vehicles, which you will know in detail further, so that you can take appropriate and competent steps to fix it.
1. Faulty Radar Sensor or Camera
Toyota’s pre-collision systems work on the basis of radar sensors and cameras. Radar sensors and cameras are the main parts of this pre-collision system. If there is any malfunction of the radar sensors or cameras in this system, the pre-collision system may malfunction, and the system may completely fail to warn the driver in case the vehicle collides with an object.
In many other cases, the pre-collision system can mislead the driver by identifying the wrong distance. Therefore, a faulty radar sensor or camera can also cause a pre-collision system malfunction.
2. Dirt on the Camera
If you are experiencing Toyota pre-collision system malfunction, the first thing you should do is check the camera of your Toyota vehicle.
Because quite often, dust or mud flying from rough roads or bad road conditions can cause a buildup on your vehicle’s camera, rendering the camera unable to signal to the pre-collision system and causing a pre-collision system malfunction. This is a common cause, as the camera is often located in a vehicle where dust or dirt often builds up on top of the camera.
3. Debris on the Radar Sensor
Similarly, a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction can also be caused by a buildup of dust or grime on the radar sensor. Dust or mud deposited on the radar sensor can also severely affect the sensing function of the radar sensor and cause pre-collision system malfunction.
So whenever a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction occurs, the first thing that should be done is to check the radar sensor, and if there is dust or mud accumulated on the sensor, it should be cleaned.
4. Wiring Issue
The successful functioning of a Toyota pre-collision system depends on the wiring connections. This wiring provides signal exchange between the radar sensor, camera, pre-collision module, and ECM. But in many cases, a cut or damage to any wiring in the pre-collision system can cause the Toyota pre-collision system to malfunction and completely disrupt its entire functioning.
Therefore, a professional mechanic must have the wiring checked before replacing any parts in the event of a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction.
5. Faulty Airbag Sensor
The cause of a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction can also be a faulty airbag sensor. Because the function of the pre-collision system is linked with the functioning of the airbag sensors.
But at times, the airbag sensor may encounter some kind of error or need to be reset, due to which the Toyota pre-collision system may malfunction, be unable to function properly, or begin to identify the wrong distance between the vehicle and the object.
6. FCW Error
Many times, someone in front of your Toyota applies sudden brakes, in which case your Toyota FCS (Front Warning Light) in the dashboard turns on. When this happens, the FCW light on your Toyota emergency vehicle turns on, and the vehicle brakes automatically. When this happens, you may encounter a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction.
If the FCW light comes on in the dashboard of your Toyota vehicle, it may be interfering with the pre-collision system. Therefore, if this happens, turn off the ignition for some time or you can do the reset process to fix it. Learn more about resetting a Toyota pre-collision system malfunction.
7. Dirty or Tinted Windshield
Many times, you can see the malfunction light in the dashboard of the vehicle as the Toyota pre-collision system malfunctions. Among other reasons for the Toyota pre-collision system’s malfunction, a dirty or tinted windshield. A dirty or tinted windshield can cause problems with the radar sensor’s ability to detect obstacles.
So when this happens, clean the dirty windshield, so that the radar sensor can work as efficiently as before, and do not paint the windshield too dark, which will interfere with the functioning of the radar sensor.
8. Incorrect Installation of a Tow Hitch
In vehicles, a tow hitch is a type of towing point that is used to pull the vehicle or another vehicle. But in many vehicles, the tow hitch is installed close to the radar sensor, and due to the wrong installation of the tow hitch, the sensing power of the radar sensor can be blocked.
This can cause the sensors in the pre-collision system to not work properly or mislead the driver into identifying the wrong distance. Therefore, incorrect installation of the wrong tow hitch can also cause Toyota’s pre-collision system to malfunction. If this is the case, have your vehicle’s tow hitch properly installed by a professional mechanic.
How To Fix Pre-Collision System Malfunction in Toyota?
To fix the Toyota pre-collision system malfunction, first you need to check its cause, and after that you should do proper troubleshooting to fix the Toyota pre-collision system malfunction. These processes can be of the following types:
Check the radar sensor; if the radar sensor is covered with dust or mud, clean it thoroughly.
Also check for a faulty radar sensor and get a new radar sensor replaced by a mechanic if necessary.
Also check the pre-collision system camera. If the camera is dirty, clean it properly, and if the camera is faulty, replace it with a new one.
To fix a pre-collision system malfunction, you will need to check the associated wiring. If the wiring is damaged, repair or replace it.
Reset the module of the pre-collision system. Because in many cases, errors in this system can be considered normal processes,
The airbag sensor should be checked, as a faulty airbag sensor can cause pre-collision system malfunction.
Dirty and tinted windshields can also cause Toyota’s pre-collision system to malfunction. So keep the windshield clean, and don’t paint the windshield dark.
Properly install the tow hitch in the vehicle so that the sensing power of the radar sensor is not affected.
In many cases, the pre-collision system is working properly, but the warning signals may be faulty, such as faulty warning lights or a beeping sound system. If this happens, it should also be repaired by a qualified mechanic.
How to Reset Pre-Collision System Malfunction in Toyota?
To reset Toyota pre collision system malfunction you need to follow the following process.
Step 1 : First of all open the fuse box of Toyota vehicle and check the fuse related to pre-collision system, whether the fuse of pre-collision system is blown. If the fuse is blown, replace the fuse with a new one.
Step 2 : If the fuse is fine, then switch off the ignition of the vehicle and disconnect the main wire from the battery and leave it disconnected for 5 to 10 minutes and after 10 minutes connect the main wire of the battery. Through this process, if your Toyota has any errors related to pre-collision system malfunction, then those errors will be corrected.
Step 3 : If during both these process also you are facing Toyota pre collision system malfunction problem then there is some faulty parts related to pre collision system in the vehicle or there is some wiring related issue. You should contact a professional mechanic or visit your vehicle’s dealership for its troubleshooting.
How to Prevent of Pre-Collision System Malfunction?
Pre-collision systems used in vehicles work on the basis of radar sensors, cameras and wiring. If you want to avoid the problem of pre-collision system malfunction, then for this you need to pay attention to the following things.
Always clean the radar sensor and camera before driving the vehicle, as accumulation of dust or mud on the radar sensor and camera can severely affect their functioning.
Wiring and fuses should be checked, as damaged wiring and blown fuses can cause the system to shut down.
Keep the windshield clean and never paint the windshield dark.
Get your pre-collision system checked while getting your vehicle serviced.
Final Thoughts
Pre-collision system malfunction in Toyota vehicles is a safety error that occurs when the vehicle is about to collide with an object and the audio beep or red warning light in the pre-collision system is unable to alert the driver. Common causes of this malfunction include sensor calibration problems, software glitches, electrical system failure, or sensor failure.
