When the front radar becomes obstructed, the driver cannot take advantage of the intelligent Forward Collision Warning system.
They also cannot use the emergency automatic braking system that works directly with the intelligent Collision system.
Most front radar obstructions are due to rain, dirt, or some other substance blocking the radar’s scanning abilities.
Why is the front radar obstructed?
When the front radar becomes obstructed, there will be a warning on the dashboard computer screen. The warning will say Unavailable: front radar obstruction warning.
If you see this warning, there is no need to fret or worry. It does not mean there is an issue with the brakes for the mechanisms that cause your vehicle to accelerate and decelerate.
Whatever, until you or a mechanic fix the obstruction, the emergency braking will remain off. So, what is going on?
It means that the sensor or the radar that detects the vehicle’s speed in front of you and the space between you and your vehicle is not working to physical obstruction.
That means there is something preventing it from scanning the vehicle and the road.
So, you may need to wipe down your front bumper and the areas around the sensor or radar. There could be some dirt or mud on the radar. Even the smallest speck of dirt can obstruct the radar.
If you just watch your vehicle and it is squeaky clean, then it could be the weather causing the obstruction. Sometimes, dirty rain or thick fog will not allow the sensor or radar to perform its job correctly.
It is still safe to drive your vehicle if the front radar is not working and the emergency parking is not working, but you’ll have to be extra careful.
Other reasons for front radar obstruction
There are several reasons why the front radar warns of an obstruction issue. Below is a list of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning front radar and what you can do to fix the issue.
Some of the issues will require you to take your vehicle to a certified Nissan mechanic. But there are a few issues that you can fix on your own.
The radar broke in a low collision accident – You would be surprised at how easy it is to damage a sensor or radar. Even a bike hitting the front bumper in just the right spot can completely damage the radar to where it needs to be replaced.
If you’ve been in a low-speed collision accident, then it is likely that the radar broke. New radars and sensors do not cost a lot of money, so tell your mechanic to replace the radar.
Do not have them repair the radar, as it could be more expensive than simply replacing it.
The wiring is old or damaged – it’s a wiring that is providing electricity to the front Raider is not working correctly oh, then it can cause the front radio to malfunction.
Inadequate electricity can cut the sensor into thinking that there is something obstructing its distant scanning abilities. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked and have the wiring replaced.
What is the front radar used for?
No matter how slowly you drive your vehicle, there’s always a chance that you could end up hitting the vehicle or object in front of you.
There are plenty of moms and dads out there who have accidentally hit their garage door when they were in a rush to get their kids off to school.
Luckily, Nissan is trying to prevent low-speed collisions by creating anti-collision systems and using radars and warnings.
The front radar is part of the Intelligent Forward Collision warning system. With the help of several sensors placed around the front bumper, the warning system can alert the driver in situations of possible low and high-speed collision.
Avoiding low-speed collisions is always important, but it is the high-speed collisions that can truly hurt somebody.
To prevent front collisions, the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning System will calculate the speed of the driver, and the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and it will also take into account the distance between the two cars.
Using this information, the computer system can warn the driver if they’re driving too close to the car in front of them.
The warning will indicate that if the vehicle in front of them stops suddenly, the driver does not have enough space in front of them to avoid hitting the vehicle.
Using this information, the driver can choose to slow down to increase the amount of space between them and the vehicle in front of them or they can switch lanes.
RECALL ON Nissan Vehicles with Front Radar Obstruction Issues
Many Nissan vehicles have expressed their frustration with the front radar obstruction warning. No matter what they do or how often they take it to the mechanic, the warning keeps showing up.
It has gotten so bad that some vehicle owners are calling for a recall on their vehicles so that Nissan can repair them.
The urge for a Nissan vehicle recall started in August 2020 and it has not been resolved yet.
According to a document found on nhtsa.gov, the vehicles that are affected by front radar issues are Nissan vehicles equipped with distance sensors as well as vehicles equipped with intelligence cruise control or emergency braking systems.
Conclusion
A possible recall on all Nissan vehicles with emergency parking systems or front radar distance sensors may occur in the next year or so. Many Nissan vehicles have had issues with their front radars, and it looks like it could be a manufacturer issue.
If you see a warning for the front radar obstruction, then find the radar located on your Nissan’s front bumper and clean them off. Dirt, heavy rain, and fog can block the front radar from working, which will also prevent the emergency parking system from working.
The wiring could also trick the radar sensor into thinking it is obstructed when it is actually not receiving enough electricity.