ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required Jeep: What to Do?

If your Jeep is showing the sign ACC/FCW unavailable then it means that the 

• Jeep front sensor is dirty and needs to be changed
• Jeep front sensor is damaged and needs to be replaced
• The grille design at the front is incompatible and requires to be replaced

In most cases, you can fix the problem on your own, but if you are looking for a detailed explanation then keep reading this article. 

ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required Jeep: Meaning?

The ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required warning in your Jeep means there’s a problem with the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, which keeps an eye on the road for other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects. 

This warning can pop up due to various reasons like bad weather, a dirty lower bumper, a damaged or dirty sensor, an incompatible grille, or too much light reflecting.

Additionally, issues with the wheels, spark plug, or fuel system can also trigger this warning. To fix it, try aligning the wheels, cleaning or replacing the sensor, using the right fuel, or changing the battery if it’s not working properly. These steps can help get rid of the ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required warning in your Jeep.

Bonus: Find out more about ACC/FCW limited functionality. 

ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required Jeep: Reasons & Solutions

Before getting into the details, check the following table for a quick overview of the reasons for the ACC/FCW unavailable service sign and their fixes.

Reasons	Solution
Jeep Front Sensor Dirty	Clean Jeep Front Sensor
Incompatible Grille Design	Repair or Replace the Grille
Poor Weather	Wait until the Weather Gets Better
Jeep Front Sensor is Damaged	Replace the Jeep front Sensor

Jeep Front Sensor Dirty:

Through continuous use, the jeep’s front sensor becomes dirty. This is not a design issue, but rather a result of using it regularly. You need to just clean the front sensor to make sure the ACC/FCW unavailable service sign is not there.

Solution:

Just clean the front sensors of the Jeep to make the SCC/FCW unavailable service sign go away. 

The steps for cleaning sensors are-

To clean the front sensor of your Jeep, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Ensure the sensor is securely in place and the windshield is clean.

Step 2: Use a mild cleaning solution like dish soap or Invisible Glass, along with a soft cloth, to gently clean the sensor.

Step 3: For tough dirt or rust, gently use a wire brush or file, being cautious not to apply too much pressure.

Step 4: Blow canned air into the sensor area to remove any dirt or bits of metal.

Step 5: Wipe off any remaining dirt and debris from the sensor using a clean, dry microfiber towel.

Step 6: Reinstall the sensor by pushing it back into place, making sure the wiring is exactly as it was before.

Incompatible Grille Design:

If your Jeep shows an “ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required” message, it could be due to a grille design that doesn’t work well with the front sensor. 

This sensor, located in the lower grille, is crucial for detecting obstacles and adjusting your vehicle’s speed. An incompatible grille design might block the sensor’s view or mess with how it works, causing the warning message to appear.

Solution:

Try to repair the original grille rather than replace it. If you have to replace the grille, make sure you get as close as the original one. Make sure your jeep grille is getting enough light that it requires. 

If you are trying to replace the grille by yourself then check this video. 

Poor Weather:

When the weather is adverse, it is very common to get the ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Required in your Jeep. This is because bad weather will impact the visibility of the front sensor of any vehicle even EV and therefore the FCW system will not work properly. 

Solution:

There is no proper solution to the situation as there is no malfunction in the system and it gets better with the weather. However, you may follow a few steps for the citation to get better.

During heavy snowfall, the visibility range of the sensor goes down. So you can take a break to remove the snow lumps as much as possible. 

During heavy rainfall, the visibility range of the sensor is also reduced. In that case, take a break until the weather gets better. 

Hailstorm also causes the same issue with jeeps. Take a break until the situation gets better to avoid such warnings. 

Jeep Front Sensor is Damaged:

You may get the ACC/FCW unavailable service sign if the Jeep front sensor gets damaged.  It can happen due to overheating or any kind of accident. You need a proper inspection of the sensor to figure out whether there is a fault with your sensor or not. 

Once you find the issue in the sensor, you need to take immediate action without any further delay. 

Solution:

Replace the front sensor if it is damaged. Following are the steps of replacing the front sensor. 

Step 1: Use a screwdriver to gently loosen the lugs and release the sensor.

Step 2: Once the old sensor is out, put the new one in the same spot and make sure it’s secure.

Step 3: Clean the sensors thoroughly using a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to ensure they are free from any dirt or obstacles.

Jeep Maintenance Tips

Here are some Jeep maintenance tips for you so that you don’t have to face anything unwanted further-

• For the proper functioning of your jeep, you need to change the oil regularly maintaining a certain time limit. 
• Check the fluid of your vehicle and change it if required. 
• To get the maximum possible miles through tires, you have to rotate the tires. 
• Checking and making adjustments to the tire pressure can be another important maintenance for long-lasting tires in vehicles. 
• It’s important to change the jeep’s air filter regularly. 
• Replace your Jeep’s worn-down brake pads. 
• If you don’t have a properly aligned wheel for your jeep, make sure you align them as soon as possible.

Bonus: Find out why the Jeep volume is not working. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What does FCW service mean?

FCW service means a forward collision warning system that scans the road you are driving to detect obstacles on the road. It detects other vehicles, pedestrians, fixed objects, and so on. While driving with your vehicle, your FCW service will detect the distance between your vehicle and the object ahead. 

What does ACC unavailable mean?

ACC unavailable or adaptive cruise control (ACC) is not available means that action should be taken. When the indicator sensor is yellow, that means the radar sensor is dirty. So as soon as you indicate the issue, take the necessary steps to fix the problem. You can generally clean the radar sensor by yourself by following some simple steps. 

Why is my FCW light showing on?

Forward collision warning or FCW warning light gets on when it finds the possibility of collision observing the road ahead of you. It will possibly stop your vehicle or slow the vehicle while detecting the obstacle. So the moment the sensor detects any possible obstacle, it will warn you with multiple warnings like sound or light. 

Final Words

In conclusion, if the front sensor is not working properly or having a problem in its functionality then the ACC/FCW unavailable service required will show in Jeep. So, make sure that the front sensor is without any problem. Maintain the Jeep properly and through proper safety tips you are going to have a comfortable driving service.