Pre-Collision System Malfunction in Lexus - What Should You Do?

If you are ever facing a dangerous situation on the road, you can count on your pre-collision system (PCS) to reduce the damage caused during an accident. It is advisable to ensure that the PCS system on your Lexus is always active and working optimally. It is the best way to minimize the chances of grievous or fatal injury upon impact.

Pre-collision system malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:sensors or camera issues, 12V battery problems
• How to fix:check the sensor area, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several smart functions won't be working
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$550

What You Need to Know About the PCS System in your Lexus

The Lexus PCS system uses a set of state-of-the-art small radar detector sensors at the front of the car. The sensor monitors the surroundings and detects potential threats you may have failed to notice. It comes in really handy in an unexpected situation, like when the driver in front of you suddenly slams on their brakes. The sensor, when activated, constantly sends out quick bursts of high-frequency radar waves.

When the waves come across an object, they bounce off and return to the sensor. The sensor has a separate unit that calculates how long the radar waves took to bounce off an obstacle. This action assists the PCS unit in determining whether there is a pedestrian or another car, the distance between them, speed, and relative velocity almost instantly. Thanks to technology, drivers are no longer forced to make split-second decisions that mean life or death.

The PCS system provides information that will assist in avoiding a potential accident when any of those factors change. In case of potential threats, the PCS system provides audible and visible warnings to notify you of the impending threat. When activated, the system automatically applies brakes to assist in avoiding or reducing a collision.

A faulty pre-collision system may fail to detect an oncoming vehicle and result in an accident. Several reasons may cause your pre-collision systems to fail. The most common reason for the failure of your PCS sensors is blockage by dirt, debris, mud, snow, or ice. This prevents the sensors from detecting obstacles correctly. Without regular maintenance like regular cleaning, you are likely to compromise the effectiveness of your cutting-edge tech.

Your Lexus PCS system may also fail due to strong sunlight conditions that may interfere with the sensors. If you observe any of the symptoms, your first step should be ensuring that you clear the sensors from any debris on the sensors. If you suspect sunlight is throwing off your PCS system, try driving in a different direction to see if the problem clears.

The system may also be damaged or just a simple malfunction. Whenever you find your vehicle's PCS system is not working as it should, you should have it inspected by a qualified professional as soon as possible. Failure to take it to a technician may result in an accident that could have been avoided.

Below are the common causes of your pre-collision system failure:

• A Dirty Radar

When you have a faulty pre-collision system, it may be a result of your radar sensors being dirty. Your radar sensors are just behind the vehicle's front grille and may sometimes be obstructed by bugs, ice, snow, or dirt.

Whenever your radar sensors become blocked, it becomes difficult for the sensors to detect obstacles on the road properly. Regularly clean your radar sensors to prevent them from facing this problem.

• An Unprotected PCS System

An unprotected pre-collision system can cause the system to be faulty, especially when the damage is a result of rodents. The rodents may chew on the wires or other components of the system, causing severe damage. Most insurance providers do not cover this type of damage; hence it is vital to take preventive measures.

• Installation Of Tow Hitch

Anytime you install your tow hitch, it is crucial to ensure that it is installed appropriately. Whenever the tow hitch is installed incorrectly, it blocks the radar sensor resulting in the pre-collision system malfunctioning. Always ensure that the tow hitch is installed by a qualified professional for it to be installed correctly, and make sure it does not block the radar sensor.

• A Defective Airbag Sensor

Another potential cause of your pre-collision system failing in your Lexus is a defective airbag sensor. The airbag sensor is located in the front of the vehicle. It detects when an accident has occurred and activates the airbags. When they are faulty, they cause the pre-collision sensors to malfunction.

How To Fix the Pre-Collision System

It is advisable to take the necessary steps to fix your faulty pre-collision system as soon as possible. The severity of the malfunction requires different steps to be followed so that you can deal with the issue and get it to its original condition.

When your PCS system has a minor malfunction, you can resolve the problem efficiently by resetting the system. This can be archived by disconnecting your battery for a short time and later reconnecting it. By doing this, any minor glitches causing the system to be faulty are often cleared.

If the pre-collision system problem you are facing is severe, you should take your vehicle to a professional and have them inspect and rectify the root cause of your problem. The more severe damages to the PCS are often a result of electrical issues. That is why you should take it to a professional with proper training and experience for an inspection.

Ways To Reset Your Pre-collision system When Malfunctioning

Whenever you realize that your pre-collision system is failing, there are several things that you can do to reset it and make it functional again. Below is how you can reset your pre-collision system in your Lexus when it is faulty.

You should inspect the fuse box first and ensure that the pre-collision system fuse is not blown up. When you examine it and find it blown up, you should replace it with another new fuse.

The next thing that you should do is disconnect the battery and then reconnect it. This action resets all electronic systems in your car, including the PCS system.

Finally, you should pay a visit to a professional to have a look at it.

Signs That You Need to Reset Your Pre-collision system

It would help if you always were keen while driving your Lexus and watch out for any of the following signs:

• Lexus pre-collision system is not working correctly.
• The car ahead has moved out of the range of the pre-collision system sensors.
• There is a problem with the pre-collision system laser sensor.
• The pre-collision system has been turned off.

You should reset your Lexus pre-collision system when you receive any of the warnings mentioned above. You can also check the following list to ensure the resetting of your pre-collision system is successful.

• Debris build-up
• Marks or errors on your screen
• FCW off error
• Red lights

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Pre-collusion System Malfunctioning

Here are some of the ways that you can do to reduce the chances of your pre-collision system being faulty

• Update the software and regularly maintain it well
• Do not rely on it too heavily and know its limitations
• Remember that it is a tool, not a replacement for safe driving.

Disadvantages of Pre-Collision System

The first disadvantage is that as the driver, you are the one that is responsible for driving your car safely. Whenever you are on the road, you should not depend on the pre-collision system rather than the standard braking system. It is all because the system does not prevent collisions; it only reduces the risk of an accident.

Your vehicle's PCS can change its effectiveness over time due to several conditions. That is why you should use your PCS unit only when necessary. You should not try and inspect the PCS system because you may cause it to fail and later lead to an accident.

The Lexus PCS system is top-of-the-line and is worth maintaining correctly. If you cannot get to the bottom of your PCS malfunction, you should consult your dealership or certified auto repair expert for an expert diagnosis.