Nissan Warning Light "Two Cars Crashing" - What Does It Mean?

Modern cars come with so many systems and warning lights that deciphering them can feel like trying to understand a foreign language. A good example of this is the warning light that looks like two cars crashing on a Nissan dashboard. What could this possibly mean, and what should you do about it?

Front collision warning malfunction light highlights

• Common reasons:radar blocked, software issues, radar broken
• How to fix:clean the radar area, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:smart functions won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$550

What is the Automatic Emergency Braking System?

The AEB system uses a radar mounted on the front of the car to track the speed and position of vehicles ahead of it on the road. Using these sensors, the system can detect when a collision is imminent and take action to avoid it.

When the system detects that a collision is about to happen, it will warn the driver with a blinking visual and audio warning. If the driver does not apply the brakes sufficiently or move to avoid the hazard on time, the system will automatically apply the brakes in an attempt to prevent the collision or minimize damage.

While the system is not always successful at preventing a collision, it often succeeds at reducing the severity of the collision.

This is a very important safety feature that can save the lives of the occupants of the car, so it is important to pay attention to the status of the system through its warning light.

What does It Mean When the AEB Light Comes On?

The AEB light is a status indicator for the condition of the AEB system. It can come on for a number of different reasons. Understanding why the light is on depends on the situation when the light comes on.

• AEB light comes on when the car starts: This is a normal occurrence. The light comes on when the car starts to indicate that the warning light is still working. If this light doesn't come on when the car starts, then there is an issue with the light that needs to be fixed.
• AEB light comes on occasionally while driving: When this light comes on while driving, it means that the system has activated itself. Usually, this means that it has detected another vehicle too close by, and it is preparing to warn you. The light will go off once the system detects that there is no danger.
• AEB light stays on permanently while the system is off: In this situation, the light is just informing you that the AEB system has been deactivated. In this state, the system won't be able to assist you in the event of a collision.
• AEB light stays on permanently while the system is on: This is an indication of a problem with the AEB system. In this state, the system won't provide any assistance in the event of a collision. The problem will need to be fixed before the AEB system is functional again.

What Causes Problems with the AEB System?

If the AEB light remains on while the system is on, then there is a problem preventing the system from operating normally. This is a potentially unsafe situation, as it leaves the vehicle with no collision assistance.

To get the AEB system working again, you will need to know what problems it can develop. There are two main causes of AEB problems. These are:

1) Faulty Wiring

The AEB can fail as a result of wiring and electrical issues. There are a few different electrical issues that can cause the AEB to malfunction.

Here are some of the electronic issues that can cause the AEB light to be illuminated.

• Blown Fuse
• Short Circuits
• Faulty Wiring
• Loose Wiring Harness

2) Radar Sensor Problem

The AEB relies on a radar sensor to detect vehicles in front of it. The sensor detects obstacles in front of the vehicle by emitting a radio signal and measuring how long it takes the signal to return to the sensor. The radar sensor is located in front of the vehicle behind the Nissan emblem.

Some problems that can occur with the sensor are:

• The sensor is dirty or obstructed: The radar sensor works by emitting and absorbing radio waves. If the radar is dirty or obstructed, it won't be able to absorb radio waves to detect vehicles.
• No longer aligned because of a collision: The radar sensor needs to be perfectly level to operate correctly. Collisions with the front of the vehicle can shake the radar loose or cause it to come out of alignment.
• The sensor is faulty: Sometimes the radar sensor fails as a result of age or water damage.

How to Fix the AEB

In order to get the system functionality back, the issue will need to be fixed. Here are the different ways to fix the problem causing the AEB light to come on.

1) Examine the Wiring

If the AEB malfunction is caused by an electrical problem, then you will need to examine the wiring for the front radar. You can also bring the vehicle to an automotive electrician to locate and fix the problem.

If you choose to examine the wiring yourself, you will need to examine the following parts:

• Check the fuse box for any burnt or blown fuses. If you find any damaged fuses, make sure to replace them with an exact replacement.
• Check the wiring for any burnt or damaged wires. If you find any damaged wiring, you will need to replace it.
• Examine the radar wiring harness, and make sure the connections are plugged in tightly. Also, ensure that there are no corroded connectors.

2) Clean the Sensor

Make sure the AEB sensor is not obstructed. To do this, start by examining the car's grille. Make sure that there is no dirt or debris, like leaves, mud, or litter, stuck in the grille. If you come across any debris, make sure to remove it from the grille.

You can also check the radar sensor by removing the front bumper of the car. Check the surface of the sensor and make sure it isn't covered with dried mud, dust, or anything else that would obstruct it. If you find any dirt on the surface of the sensor, clean it gently with a microfiber cloth.

3) Recalibrate the Sensor

To find out if the radar is not level anymore, you will need to examine the radar bracket. If the bracket is deformed or the bolts are loose, then the radar will not be level.

If the bolts are loose, you can try to tighten them and see if it fixes the problem. If that doesn't work, the bracket may be bent. If this is the case, you will need to take have a mechanic recalibrate the radar sensor for you.

4) Replace the Sensor

If the sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced. A replacement sensor can easily be obtained by purchasing it online. Make sure to check the part number of your vehicle's radar sensor to avoid purchasing an incompatible sensor.

Conclusion

The warning light on a Nissan dashboard that looks like two cars crashing into each other indicates the status of the vehicle's Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system. The Automatic Emergency Brake system helps prevent collisions by using the radar sensor to detect vehicles in front of the car. Using the information from the sensor the system is capable of detecting when a collision is imminent. The system will then issue an audio and visual warning to the driver. If the driver does not act on the warning on time, the system will automatically apply the brakes to minimize any damage from the collision.

The AEB light comes on for several reasons. When the car is first started, the ABS light will momentarily light up to indicate whether the light is still working. While driving the light may come on momentarily. This indicates that the system activated temporarily because it detected conditions for a potential collision.

If the light stays on while driving it could indicate that the system has been turned off. If the system is on at the AEB light is also on, then this is an indication of a problem with the system.

An AEB malfunction can be caused by several different factors. However, the issue is most commonly caused by a problem with the car's front radar. Making sure that the radar is not damaged or dirty, and has not been misaligned by a collision, will help you diagnose the cause of the problem. An AEB malfunction could also be caused by blown fuses or damaged radar wiring.