Is your Honda Odyssey’s instrument panel displaying the “FCW System Failed” alert, and you don’t know what to do about it? Like most modern cars, your Honda uses sophisticated safety features to improve road safety. One such feature is the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system.
But as with any system in your vehicle, the FCW system can fail over time. When this happens, you’ll see a warning message on the dashboard, alerting you of a malfunction. So, what does this message mean, and how can you resolve the underlying problem?
This article discusses the meaning, causes, and how to fix the Honda Odyssey FCW system failed notification.
Question: What is the FCW System Failed Alert Notification?
Before discussing this warning message, let’s see what the FCW system means.
As its name suggests, the forward collision warning (FCW) is a system that warns drivers of an impending collision. The system uses sensors (cameras, radars, or lasers) to scan the road or analyze traffic. It does so when you drive at a speed of 10MPH or higher.
The sensors monitor the vehicles or objects ahead to calculate their distance and speed in relation to your car’s speed. Then, it warns you to slow down if the distance reduces to cautious levels. You’ll receive a “BRAKE” alert on the dash and an audible beep.
Besides the visual and audible cues, your Honda’s FCW system can cause steering wheel vibrations and brake pulsation. If you fail to react to these warnings, the system can brake automatically to slow down the car.
The FCW system is also handy during sudden braking from vehicles ahead. It’ll detect an imminent collision in real time and inform you to spring into action.
Despite being a crucial driver-assist technology, the system is not immune to problems. It can malfunction and fail to monitor objects ahead or warn you of a possible collision. In this case, you’ll receive the “FCW System Failed” message on the dash.
Answer: Causes of Honda Odyssey FCW System Failed
Your Honda Odyssey might display the FCW System Failed message due to:
- Bad weather
- Faulty sensor/camera
- Damaged wiring or connections
- Blown fuse
- Software issues
- Faulty PCM
Bad Weather
Severe rain, fog, or snow can prevent the FCW sensors from monitoring ahead, thus triggering a false message. Ice or rain droplets on your Honda’s windscreen will hinder the camera’s view. The same can happen if droplets or ice fall on the headlights, covering the sensor’s view.
Sensors can also fail when the weather is too hot. So, if you’re driving during a hot summer afternoon, the sensors might fail and trigger a warning message.
Faulty Sensor or Camera
Several issues can cause the FCW sensors or cameras to malfunction. Dirt, mud, or debris covering your sensors can result in a malfunction. You’ll likely experience this issue if you fail to wash the car after driving on muddy or dusty roads.
Accumulation of dirt, dust, or mud over time will obstruct the sensors from monitoring and transmitting accurate data. When this happens, the control module will interpret the issue as a malfunction and display the warning message.
A broken sensor or camera will cause the FCW system to fail, thus displaying the FCW system failed alert. Sensors can break or get damaged during repair, installation, or after a collision.
Damaged Wiring and Connections
The FCW system has multiple wires and connections that transmit signals and voltage. These wires and connections must be in good condition for the system to work properly. However, these parts can get damaged or loose over time and cause the system to malfunction.
Bumpy rides, high temperatures, and accidents can damage the system wiring. Additionally, rodents can chew and break the wiring.
Loose connections may result from excessive vibrations. Still, road salt, water, or snow can get on the connections, leading to corrosion. The system will malfunction when the wiring and connections fail, resulting in a warning message on the dash.
Blown Fuse
Your Honda Odyssey has a fuse that regulates current flow to the sensors or cameras. You’ll find this fuse in the fuse box near the steering column. If you can’t locate this box, your car’s owner’s manual will help you find it.
If the fuse is defective, it’ll cut current flow to the sensors. Fuses blow out to prevent an electrical short that might melt the wiring and cause a fire. So, if you have a blown fuse, the sensors won’t work, triggering the Honda Odyssey FCW system failed alert.
Software Issues
A software bug can cause the FCW system to crash. Also, failure to update the system can lead to a malfunctioning FCW system.
In any case, the control module won’t receive signals from the sensors or cameras. Consequently, the control module will react by displaying the warning notification on the dash.
Faulty PCM
The FCW system relies on the powertrain control module to receive and interpret sensors’ data. In case of an imminent collision, the PCM will warn you by displaying the “BRAKE” message or triggering an audible beep.
If the PCM is defective, it won’t receive or interpret signals. A bad PCM might cause the warning message to display on the dash. The control module can sometimes malfunction and record a diagnostic trouble code like U0100.
Answer: How to Fix FCW System Failed Honda Odyssey
When fixing this problem, inspect the sensors, wiring, connections, and fuses. Checking these components will help you detect the problem and determine the solution.
Clean the Sensors
If the sensors or cameras are dirty, wipe the dirt out with a soft cloth. A Honda-recommended cleaning solution can help if there’s too much gunk or corrosion around the connections.
Replace Damaged Sensor
Do the sensors or cameras have signs of visible damage, like dents or cracks? If so, replacing them can help fix the failed FCW system issue. An authorized mechanic or Honda dealership can help test and replace defective sensors.
Fix the Wiring or Connection Problem
Locate and inspect the FCW system’s wiring and connections. If you find any broken, frayed, or melted wires, replace them. Then, check the connections and tighten them if they appear loose.
You’ll also need to clean dirty or corroded connections. Baking soda or rubbing alcohol will help clear dirt or corrosion around the connectors.
Replace a Blown Fuse
Locate the fuse responsible for the sensors or cameras and check if they appear melted or broken. You can also test the fuse with your multimeter to check for Ohms. A bad or blown fuse will have a reading outside the 0-5 Ohms range.
Remove this fuse and install a new one. The new fuse must be the same as the original fuse – with the same amperage and voltage ratings.
Reset the System
If the FCW system fails due to a faulty PCM or software issues, try resetting the system to see if the message will disappear. To get this done, disconnect the battery’s positive (+) terminal and wait 15-20 minutes. This will help drain all the power, allowing the system to reset.
After the reset, reconnect the terminal and check if you’ve resolved the FCW system failed issue.
Alternatively, use the Honda OBD-II scanner to reset the system. If you don’t have this tool, drive to the dealership or a qualified mechanic with the diagnostic tool.
The dealership or mechanic will also update the software if necessary. If the PCM is defective, these professionals will repair or replace it.
Recalibrate the System’s Cameras
Recalibrating the cameras will help resolve this problem after removing or replacing the windscreen. The goal is to aim the cameras at specific targets as the service manual recommends. In this case, you should take your Honda to an auto repair shop to recalibrate the cameras.
Final Thoughts
Several issues can cause the Honda Odyssey FCW system failed notification to appear on the dash. Thankfully, we’ve covered the most common causes and how to resolve them.
If you can’t address this problem, take your Honda to a mechanic or dealership. Lastly, regularly inspect and maintain the system’s components to prevent premature failure.