Honda FCW System Failed: Causes, Fixes & Diagnostic Steps

Ever been out driving your Honda only to have an alert message saying “FCW System Failed” on your dashboard? It’s enough to make anyone’s heart stop.

This is a caution that there’s a problem with your Forward Collision Warning system, a key safety feature that helps to prevent an accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rear-end crashes have been decreased by 27 percent since the technology has been introduced.

But when it doesn work, knowing why and how to fix it becomes important. This article explains everything from what the FCW system actually does to steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem before seeing the mechanic.

How does the Honda FCW system work?

Your Forward Collision Warning system is an extra set of eyes looking out for you in front of your car.

Honda: Forward Collision Warning Honda’s FCW system is designed to automatically detect the closing speed of your vehicle from the preceding slower-moving or stopped vehicle. If there is a risk of a collision, it warns you with sounds, vibrations, visual cues or a combination of all of these signals.

This provides you with precious moments to react and possibly prevent an accident. This system is included as part of Honda Sensing, a full suite of driver-assistance technology offered on most Honda models.

Common Signs of FCW System Failure

There are a few ways your car will notify you if your FCW system isn’t operating properly.

The first and most obvious indicator is your dashboard display stating “FCW System Failed.” You may also notice that the FCW/FCI warning light comes on.

It also can include false warnings of a pending collision with no obstacle in place, or, conversely, no warnings when one would be appropriate. Others say the system turns inconsistent after a while, functioning with erratic intermittent failures. If any of those symptoms apply to you, your FCW system requires service.

Top Reasons behind Honda FCW System Not Working

Camera Overheating Issues

The invisible enemy of your collision warning system can be heat.

The FCW sensors function in determined temperature ranges in where they could ideally work, and extreme heat could harm some of their internal components.

In Honda vehicles, heating air from the radiator is vented through the front grille, which can sometimes have a detrimental effect on nearby FCW sensors. These sensors can overheat, and when they do, they can malfunction or completely fail which is when you begin to see the warning message on your dashboard.

Sensor Malfunctions

Your car’s “eyes” can develop problems just like those of a human.

Over time, FCW sensors can fail due to general wear and tear, being exposed to the elements, or defects in manufacturing. Cameras, radar, or laser systems depending on your Honda model, are the types of sensors hard at work scanning the road ahead.

They become flawed, or inefficacious over time. System failures can sometimes also be caused by software glitches in the computer that processes information from these sensors.

Issues with Wiring and Connections

The best sensors in the world are useless if they can’t talk to your car’s brain.

A loose, damaged, or corroded wiring connection can break the signals between the FCW sensors and the vehicle’s computer system.

These problems tend to develop gradually, thanks to vibration during driving, exposure to moisture, or just age. A quick check of these connections is one of the first things you do in troubleshooting an FCW system failure.

ABS Module Failures

Your brake system and your collision warning system are more integrated than you might realize.

Issues with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modules can induce malfunctions of the FCW system. These systems have components that interact and communicate with each other. A failure of the ABS module or one of its solenoids can lead to a cascade of problems, disabling multiple safety systems, including the FCW.

Affected Honda Models

Honda Accord (2013-2014)

There have been complaints about the FCW system for those model years.

One of the first production models to include the FCW system as part of the Honda Sensing package were the 2013-2014 Honda Accord models. Innovative as they were, those early designs suffered from sensor calibration problems and software bugs from time to time.

Owners of these models have complained about FCW system failures more often than newer versions.

Honda Odyssey

Family vans require dependable safety systems, but the Odyssey has faced FCW issues.

FCW system failures have been reported in Honda Odyssey minivans equipped with Honda Sensing, especially in vehicles from 2018 and on.

These usually have to do with front camera or radar sensor placement that can be influenced by the design of the vehicle and the layout of the cooling systems.

Honda Crosstour

Those who own the discontinued model still have FCW system problems.

Honda discontinued the production of the Crosstour in 2015, but owners of that model equipped with the FCW system have reported continued failures. Most problems we’ve seen were related to the aging hardware of the retired model and little further updates to the software.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Verifying the FCW System Sensor

The first step is to make sure your car can “see” the road.

Consult your owner’s manual to locate the FCW system sensor usually located behind your front grille in between the Honda emblem or near the rearview mirror. Look for any signs of physical damage and check for dirt, snow or debris that could be blocking the sensor.

Gently wipe the sensor with a clean cloth and a Honda-recommended cleaning solution. After cleaning try to start your engine and see if the warning signals are better.

Checking Wires and Connections

It could be a loose wire that’s the difference between a working system and not.

In this case, it is possible to turn off the car and check the wiring connected to the system by opening the hood. Inspect for any frayed cables, loose components, or corroded grounds, especially around the headlights and front grille.

Tighten up any loose connections if you find any, taking care to do so. With broken wires, you might need to exchange them out or move out.

Cooling Down the System

Exactly: your FCW system occasionally just needs to chill out, literally.

The FCW system will disable if the sensors are too hot, so see if parking your vehicle in a shaded area helps it cool down more fully. For quick testing, use the air conditioning system to help cool the front sensors. After allowing the vehicle to cool, restart it and see if the FCW system warning clears.

Resetting the System

The classic IT solution applies to cars as well: switch it off and on again.

If you’re desperate to reset your FCW system, then you can try disconnecting the battery from your car for around 20 minutes. That compels a total system restart when the battery is reconnected.

On certain models, the FCW system can be reset from the vehicle settings menu displayed on your dashboard display. After resetting, go for a test drive to verify if the issue comes back.

When to Get Help from a Professional

Some issues are too much for DIY and need a professional to step in.

But if basic troubleshooting does not fix your FCW system failure, it is high time to professionals. If you see chronic warning messages even after leading sensors have been cleaned and connections checked, several safety systems fail at once, or there is a perceived performance issue with the vehicle, seek assistance as required.

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components or the vehicle is still under an existing warranty, consider seeking professional help, too.

Repair Charges and Service Facility

Your FCW system might be easier or harder to fix than you expect.

Again, there is a relatively huge range in the costs to repair an FCW system, as it depends on the exact nature of the problem. For simple repairs like cleaning sensors or reconnecting wires, you could pay nothing if you do it yourself.

Sensor cleaning and recalibration services generally cost between $50 and $200. Repairing damaged sensors can cost between $300 and $700, while more complicated work involving the ABS module may run $800 to $1,500. While Honda dealerships may charge more than independent mechanics, they have specialized equipment to ensure proper calibration.

Operating a Vehicle with a Malfunctioning FCW System

Your car’s safety systems are wonderful, but great driving habits are still needed.

If your FCW system fails, you will have to depend more on manual safe driving practices. Keep more space than normal between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road.

Acknowledge this and resist temptations for phone use or setting entertainment systems while behind the wheel. Be even more careful when visibility is poor such as while driving at night, through rain, or in fog.

Keep in mind that the FCW system is designed to improve safety, but it’s intended as a supplement, not a replacement of common sense driving.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Prevention is worth a pound of FCW system repairs.

Caring for your system regularly can avoid FCW system failures. And be sure to wash your windshield and front sensors regularly especially after driving on muddy roads or after bad weather. Ask your mechanic to check system components during routine service appointments.

During visits to the dealership, ask if any software updates are available to keep your vehicle’s software current. There is also some preventative action owners can take to extend the life of their solar sensors: park in the shade whenever possible to prevent overheating, and use a sunshade when in the direct sun for a long time.

Honda’s FCW system is an essential aspect of your vehicle’s safety, but can be prone to issues if the proper management of the system is not adhered to, this means understanding how it works and troubleshooting when necessary, as well as staying up to date with repairs, to ensure a safer drive and a comfortable experience on the way to get this done.