"Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System" Warning in KIA - What is this?

The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is a state-of-the-art safety system that keeps KIA drivers safe. This revolutionary feature uses an advanced radar system, lasers, and specialized cameras to scan the road of stationary and moving obstacles or pedestrians.

Check forward collision avoidance assist message highlights

• Common reasons:radar blocked, camera blocked, issues with software
• How to fix:clean the radar, clean the camera lens, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several functions like ACC, FCW, Lane Assist won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$400

How does the KIA FCA Work?

The KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist anticipates the potential for collision. It provides you with a visual and audio warning when the vehicle in front stops suddenly or when it identifies a stationary obstacle ahead of you. The alarm will draw your attention to the thread before engaging the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System. The FCA system then helps bring your car to a safe halt.

What Causes the KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System to Fail?

1) Blocked or Faulty Sensors

The KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System uses sensors to detect obstacles ahead. If these sensors fail, the system will not work correctly. As a result, you will see the "Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System" warning on your dashboard. If the problem with the sensors is a blockage, it is easy to fix the problem.

However, it may cause severe concerns if extreme weather conditions, such as snow or rain, block the sensors. If you are driving during a stormy day, the sensors may fail to detect vehicles and other obstacles in front of you. Extreme weather conditions may also cause the system to sense impending collisions when there are none.  

To fix this issue, you should clean the sensors carefully and check the FCA control system for bugs.

2) Faulty Airbag Sensor

Another potential reason for your Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist failure is a malfunctioning airbag sensor. In your KIA, the airbag sensor is in front of the vehicle, just like the FCA sensors. It detects the occurrence of an accident and deploys the airbag. If this sensor fails, it may cause the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist sensors to fail or not function accurately.  

To eliminate this problem, you should reset the airbag sensor by detaching it from its power supply and reattaching it. You do this by disconnecting the positive terminal of your battery and letting it sit for two or three minutes before reconnecting it. If the reset does not fix this problem, you need to contact a professional auto technician or replace the airbag sensor.

3) Tow Hitch

If you install a tow hitch on your KIA, it is essential to ensure it does not obstruct the sensors. If you install a tow hitch wrongly, it may cause your Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System to malfunction.

If you need a tow hitch, hire a professional auto technician to install it. They know how to position it, so it does not block the FCA radar sensors.

4) Loose Connection

Another issue that can lead to your KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist failing is damaged connections. If you do not protect the system from rodents, you may have to deal with broken wires and loose connections. If rodents chew wires and other parts, your FCA system will not work correctly.

The bad news is that warrants do not cover these kinds of damages. It is up to you to ensure your system is safe from rodents.

5) Computer/ Software Error

Computer error or software problem is another reason you see the "Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System" message. If the software controlling the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist experience has a fault, the entire system will malfunction. This software might experience a problem if it is outdated or because of malware.

Ensure you update your FCA software regularly. This keeps malware at bay and brings on board new features from KIA.

6) Physical Damage

If you were recently involved in an accident and repaired your car, the mechanic might have forgotten a few areas. If you are seeing this message and your car is just from the repair shop, chances are the mechanic did not check the sensors or other components of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system correctly.

The only surefire to ensure the system does not have physical damage is by taking it back to the mechanic for further diagnosis if the mechanic does not have the required expertise to fix the issue, consult a qualified auto technician who knows the KIA FCA system well.

7) Normal Wear and Tear

Like other auto parts, the KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System uses components that wear out with time. The radar sensor, cameras, and features such as wires may wear out. When this happens, the system may glitch, causing it to send the "Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System" message.

Inspect and maintain the FCA system regularly to ensure you never suffer this problem because of worn components. You may not notice a significant issue with the sensor and other parts, but it may require a replacement. If you suspect your FCA system has worn components, visit a professional KIA technician to inspect the system.

Is it Safe to Drive with a Failed KIA FCA System?

While the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System is only supposed to help you keep safe on the road, it is not safe to drive if the system has failed. This is true primarily if you use the system all the time.

If you usually depend on the FCA system to warn you of impending collisions, you may not remember that it is inactive; hence, you may end up causing an accident. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System is your assistant on the road, so if it fails, it puts you at risk of causing an accident.

If you lost your Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System, follow the following guidelines to stay safe, and ensure the safety of other road users:

• Avoid unnecessary distractions - stay focused on the road at all times.
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front. Allow a distance of at least four seconds. This will allow you enough braking space in case the car stops immediately.
• Do not drive while under medication or under the influence of alcohol. Avoid any substance that may impair your focus on the road.

How to Fix a Faulty Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System in KIA

Keeping your KIA Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System in proper condition is essential. You could reset the issue or visit your nearest KIA service center for assistance.

The simplest method of resetting a malfunctioning KIA FCA system is by unplugging the battery and reconnecting it after two or three minutes. If the system suffers a minor glitch, this simple reset will fix the problem.

If this procedure does not work, check the fuse box of your Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, and replace the fuse if need be. After installing a new fuse, disconnect the battery again, and reconnect after a few minutes. This procedure will reset the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and the electronic systems.

These procedures will fix minor problems with the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system of your KIA. If they do not work, your vehicle has a serious problem that requires a professional technician. In most cases, your issue will be due to a complicated electrical fault that needs the necessary field training and experience to eradicate.

Conclusion

If you see the "Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System" message, chances are the system has a problem. It could be a minor issue you can fix with a simple reset or a severe problem that requires a professional. Either way, you should fix the problem before long.

The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system helps you remain safe on the road. It warns you of impending collisions. If the system has failed, it puts you at risk of causing an accident. Should you ever find yourself driving with a failed Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, be extra careful and keep your eyes open on the road.

Finally, ensure you fix the system before it gets you in an accident.