Honda Odyssey FCW Error Message - What's Wrong and How to Fix?

After spotting the "FCW System Failed" error message flashing on your Honda's dashboard, you may have many questions as to what the issue is. No need to worry. The FCW system failure is a common problem among some Honda models.

FCW system message highlights

• Common reasons:blocked radar or camera, bad weather, software problems
• How to fix:clean the radar and camera, check weather, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several safety features and ACC won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$500

What's the FCW System in Honda Odyssey?

The FCW system stands for forward collision warning system. It's a driver-assist technology that uses sensors to determine an impending collision. The sensors are usually radars, cameras, or lasers, which can scan the road ahead and alert the driver if a vehicle is closing in. It measures the speed and distance between your car and the approaching vehicle. When the vehicle gets close enough, it signals the driver to stop with a warning message. 

To adjust the minimum distance at which the FCW system warns the driver of an imminent collision, one can access the Driver Assist System Setup found on the vehicle infotainment system. The range starts from long, normal, to short. 

You can locate the camera mounted between the car's windshield and the rearview mirror, and the sensor behind the lower grille. The FCW system operates at vehicle speeds above 10 miles per hour. The forward collision warning system gives off visual and audible cues to alert the driver of a possible collision.

The visual cue is usually a warning light indicating "BRAKE" that illuminates the dashboard, while a continuous beeping sound represents the audible cue that prompts the driver to step on the break and avoid a collision.

Apart from the audible and visual cues, the system can use other warning signals to alert the drivers, such as haptic feedback(feedback through sound vibration patterns such as a vibrating steering wheel, quick brake pulsing, and a combination of other signals. The system can further help the driver by braking to slow down the car. 

Features of the FCW System

Some features of the FCW system are:

• A sensor or camera that detects a distance of about 500m ahead.
• The system operates both day and night.
• FCW system scans the car's path about 20 times.
• It's able to identify vehicles, people, bicycles, and motorcycles.

What the "FCW System Failed'' Means?

The "FCW System Failed" warning message means that your forward collision warning system has failed, whereby the warning signals won't alert the driver of a collision possibility. The FCW system failure may also cause the warning light to remain on your car's dashboard even if there's no chance of a collision. Apart from Honda Odyssey, other common cars that the FCW system failure affects are Honda brands such as Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, and Honda Crosstour.

Causes of FSW System Failed Message in a Honda

1) Bad Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions such as snowfall, heavy rain, and fog can cause the false indication of the FCW warning light on the instrument panel. This is because, in extreme weather conditions, the FSW cameras, radars, or lasers may fail to function.

The rain droplets or ice that falls on the windscreen where the camera is located can cause magnification of the image that brings about a false detection and results in the warning light coming on. It would help if you took extra caution when driving under extreme weather conditions since the sensors may not play their part in identifying a possible collision and preventing an accident. 

2) Wear and Tear

Like other electrical components, the sensors are prone to wear and tear over a certain period if the car is not regularly serviced. 

3) A Dirty Sensor

Another common issue that can cause forward warning collision failure is a dirty sensor. Mud or dirt can obstruct the camera on the windscreen or sensor behind the front grille preventing it from getting accurate data of the obstruction such as car or pedestrian ahead.

4) Software Issues

Since the software is used to design and program the forward warning collision system, it's prone to crashing due to a bug or a system update. This can prevent the car computer from receiving the necessary signals from the FWC sensors and reacting accordingly by displaying the warning light or causing a continuous beeping sound.

5) Extremely Hot Temperatures

Extremely hot temperatures could be another reason the forward warning collision system can become defective. The extremely hot temperature can come from internal factors such as a hot engine. The extreme temperature may then damage the sensors or cameras of the FCW system. The extremely hot temperature may also come from external factors such as hot sunny weather that makes the FWC system faulty. 

6) Physical Damage

When the FCW sensors or camera gets damaged due to a collision, the FCW system failed message comes on in the dashboard. During an accident, damage to the windscreen or the front grille may also damage the FCW sensors or cameras. The damaged camera and sensors may also cause the warning light to illuminate or the beeping sound in the cabin. The FCW cameras may also go off because of faulty electrical wiring.

7) Bad Camera Fuse

A bad camera fuse can also cause the"FCW system failed" message. The fuses are found in the fuse box that's located near the steering column. The function of a fuse is to break the electrical circuit in a piece of electrical equipment with excessive current. It prevents fire caused by a short circuit and protects the wiring from melting. To diagnose the camera fuse, you should first check the fuse in the fuse box and also check for any signs of faulty wiring in the camera. 

8) ABS Solenoid Valve Malfunction

Another cause for the FCW system's failed message is the malfunction of the ABS solenoid valve, which is common in Honda cars. The ABS solenoid valve is connected to the FCW system, and when it becomes faulty, it causes the FCW system to malfunction. This makes different warning lights, such as the ABS warning light, come on in the instrument panel. 

9) Faulty Power Control Module 

The power control module is responsible for receiving the signals and data from the FCW cameras, lasers, or radars and acting accordingly, such as bringing on visual and audible warning signals when the vehicle is close to collision. If the PCM becomes faulty, it cannot receive or act on the signals triggering codes, such as the U0100 error code. The diagnostic trouble code means there's a loss of communication between the car and the PCM or ECM.

10) Aftermarket Accessories

Some Honda owners have noted that installing aftermarket accessories like bright cabin lights, LEDs, and HID headlights can cause the "FCW System Failed" message to pop up on the dashboard.

How to Fix the FCW System Failure

Some of the ways you can fix the FCW system failure are:

• In the case of extreme weather, you should be careful while driving your car. It's advisable to pull over and switch off your car if the FCW system isn't functioning properly in weather conditions like rain. This could mean waiting for the rain to subside before you can continue your journey.
• If a dirty FCW sensor is causing your FCW system to malfunction, the best remedy is to clean the sensor using a sensor cleaning swab and an air blower to remove dirt or dust. You can also thoroughly clean the windshield and the front grille area to provide the FCW camera and sensor a better view ahead.
• A software issue or a faulty PCM needs resetting to get the FCW system working in good condition. You can use a Honda diagnostic scanner to reset the FCW system and make the message disappear.
• If the sensors are defective due to wear and tear or physical damage, they need to be replaced with new ones for the warning message to disappear. Regular car service would also help identify aging or worn-out parts for replacements.
• When a hot temperature causes the FCW system to malfunction, switch on the air conditioner aiming it at the camera on the windshield to help it cool. You can also avoid exposing your car to hot direct sunlight.
• A faulty camera fuse and ABS valve solenoid need replacing for the FCW system to stop malfunctioning.

How to Turn Off the FCW System in Your Honda

Sometimes, you should turn off the FCW system to prevent it from giving false warnings. Such instances can be a traffic jam or an area with many animals or people crossing the road. Turning off the FCW system means you won't get any notification in the event of a collision. This means you have to drive carefully to avoid an accident from occurring.

Below are some of the steps to follow to disable the FCW system.

• Locate the settings button on the car's dashboard just below the infotainment screen.
• Go to the vehicle settings option and select it.
• The next step is to navigate to the "Driver Assist System" or the "All" tab.
• After selecting, you'll see a "Forward Collision Warning Distance" option which you'll select.
• To turn off the FCW system, select "Off".
• Exit the menu using the "Back" button.

How to Perform an FCW Reset in Your Honda

Since there aren't any reset buttons in Honda, you'll need to use a diagnostic scanner tool to perform the reset. If you can't access the diagnostic scanner tool, another option would be to disconnect the battery cables from their terminals. After disconnecting, wait for about 10 to 20 minutes before you can reconnect the battery cables. After reconnecting, you'll need to restart your car for the FCW system to reset. You'll then need to set the date and time on the instrument panel.

How to Recalibrate the FCW System in Honda

The FCW system's recalibration usually occurs on the FCW sensors or cameras. Suppose the "FCW System Failed" warning message continues to appear on your dashboard. In that case, you can seek the services of a qualified technician, a Honda company, or a motor dealer to recalibrate your sensors. This is because they possess the right tools for recalibration. 

Another instance you need to recalibrate your FCW system, specifically your FCW camera, is when you've removed or replaced your windscreen. The skilled technician can use the static or dynamic FCW system camera aiming to recalibrate the FCW camera. The car's service manual can come in handy to fine-tune targets for the camera's aim. 

Bottom Line

There you have it-the meaning, cause, and how to fix your Honda Odyssey's "FCW System Failed" message. Regular inspection and service of the FCW system components can prevent system failure.