How to Clean FCW Sensor: Everything You Need to Know!

The FCW sensor of the car is very handy in avoiding accidents. It gives the driver a warning about obstacles near the car. But sometimes the sensor does not work perfectly due to the accumulation of dirt.

So the FCW sensor should be cleaned regularly. But how to clean FCW sensor?

To clean the FCW sensor, first, locate the sensor. Then prepare the cleaning mixture for this work. The mixture is made by mixing car shampoo with lukewarm water. You can also use other car detergents. Apply the mixture on the sensor & rub with a microfiber cloth. Lastly, wash the sensor with clean water.

This is only the starting. I have discussed the cleaning procedure of the FCW sensor in detail below. So keep scrolling!

What is FCW Sensor?

The full form of the FCW sensor is the Forward Collision Warning sensor. The function of this sensor can be easily guessed by its name. Its work is to warn the driver about any obstructions coming ahead. In that way, the driver can easily avoid the obstacle.

The FCW sensor can give both visual and audible warnings. If any obstacle is very near to any vehicle like the jeep, the FCW light will turn on to warn the driver. Then the driver has to turn on/off the jeep warning light. Some cars also come with an audible warning from this sensor.

How to Clean FCW Sensors?

Cleaning the FCW sensor is not very hard if the proper steps are known. Here I will provide you with all the necessary steps for cleaning it. So keep scrolling!

Step 1: Locate the Sensor

The first thing to do is to locate the FCW sensor. The position of the sensor is not the same for all the models of cars. However, it is mostly located on the front bumper of the car. In some cars, the sensor is located in the front grill.

The sensor could also be on the driver’s side or the other side. That is, behind the windshield. So you must look carefully. The easiest way to find the sensor is from the manual. The location of the FCW sensor can be found quickly in the car’s manual book.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Using a cleaning solution for the FCW sensor will make the work simpler. Making the solution is very easy too. You will need two ingredients for this work.

Car Shampoo
Lukewarm Water

Fill a medium-sized bucket with lukewarm water. Then add appropriate amounts of car shampoo to it. Make sure the shampoo produces enough foam in the water. You can simply add 2 or 3 sachets of shampoo according to the water.

You can also use car detergents and washes available in the market. But make sure that they are appropriate for your car and do not corrode the car. Chemical Guys Snow Foam Car Wash can be used for this work. SuperClean Degreaser and 303 Touchless Sealant will also give fine results.

Step 3: Apply the Solution

The cleaning solution is to be applied to the FCW sensor once it is prepared. Carefully cover the entire sensor with the shampoo water. Do not leave any portion of the senor uncleaned. Or else it might give the wrong signals.

Step 4: Rub properly

All the dirt from the sensor will not come out easily. The solution will make the dirt soft. But the FCW sensor must be rubbed properly. Then the mud and snow particles stuck in the sensor will come out. Use a soft microfiber cloth for this purpose.

Step 5: Clean with Clear Water

Once the sensor is clean, wash away the shampoo solution from the sensor. Using clean cold water will be enough for this work. Be careful during this task. Because leaving any of the cleaning solutions on the sensor will affect it adversely.

These are the basic steps for cleaning the FCW sensor. Cleaning the sensor regularly is very important for avoiding functionality issues with acc FCW. However, sometimes the FCW sensor can malfunction due to other reasons.

Below I have discussed some problems with the FCW sensor.

Why is The FCW Sensor Not Working?

There are several reasons why your FCW sensor isn’t working. Let’s get them.

The primary reason behind any problem in the FCW sensor is the accumulation of dirt or snow in it. That can be easily solved by cleaning the sensor.
Sometimes the pre-collision system is unavailable despite cleaning it and the sensor doesn’t work.
The wrong alignment of the FCW sensor can also cause the issue.
The sensor can also get damaged if the car collides with any other car or object and stops working.
Finally, If the radar, LASER, and camera sensors don’t work properly, the FCW sensor will fail to work too.

To learn more accurately you can follow the given article – FCW/ACC unavailable service required jeep.

How Do FCW Sensors Work

The sensor works by producing a beeping noise to inform the car driver about the obstacle ahead. Moreover, some car models also produce vibration in the steering wheel or seat. FCW sensor uses the camera, radar, and LASER technology for carrying out its duty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can car sensors be cleaned?

Yes, car sensors can be cleaned. The sensors are mostly located in the external parts of the cars. So these sensors get dirty easily. Often they get covered with mud or snow. The sensors don’t work properly in such conditions. So cleaning with an appropriate mixture is a must to keep them working.

Can I clean car sensors with WD40?

It is not recommended to clean the car sensors with WD40. WD40 is not a cleaning solution. It is a lubricant used for making the motion of gears, hinges, etc. parts smooth. Applying this chemical product to the sensor is not a good idea. It will form residue and the sensors might malfunction.

What does Clean Parking Assist Sensor mean?

Clean Parking Assist Sensor means the sensor needs immediate cleaning. Cleanliness is necessary for the proper functioning of the sensor. The parking assist sensors are located in the front or rear bumper. Dirt creates hindrances in its work. Then the information center shows this warning.