Pre-Collision System Unavailable: What You Should Do?

If the pre-collision system is unavailable then stop the car and check the PCS sensor. The location may vary based on the car type, for example, Toyota uses a radar sensor which is at the front grille. Check this sensor and see if it is clean or not. Clean it if the sensor is dirty. It is also a good idea to check the sensor wiring. If it still does not work then get the sensor replaced.

There are also other reasons for the pre-collision system to not be available along with ways to fix them. If you want to find it all out then let’s get started. 

Table of Contents

• Why Is My Pre-Collision Light On?
• How To Fix The Pre-Collision System Unavailable Issue?
• Causes Of The Pre-Collision System Unavailable In Your Car
  • Faulty Wiring:
  • Failed Sensor:
  • Outdated Software:
  • Damaged Components:
  • Poorly Designed System:
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  • What Does Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Mean?
  • Can You Turn Off the Toyota Pre-Collision System?
  • Where is the Pre-Collision Sensor on a Toyota?
• Conclusion

Why Is My Pre-Collision Light On?

If the pre-collision light is on, the vehicle’s sensors have detected an obstacle, and the driver should slow down and be prepared to stop.

Sometimes, the pre-collision light may also be accompanied by a warning sound or message. However, if the pre-collision light is on, it is essential to avoid sudden braking or steering, as this could cause an accident.

But sometimes, the pre-collision light can also be on if there is any malfunction in the system such as faulty wiring or malfunctioning airbag sensor. On top of that, in some cases, pre-collision light can also turn on for false positives where it detects an obstacle even though there is none.  

Regardless, it is always a good idea to drive with precaution and slow down whenever the pre-collision light is not on. 

How To Fix The Pre-Collision System Unavailable Issue?

Fixing the Pre-collision system is as easy as fixing the radio controls on the steering wheels. If you’re having trouble with your car’s Pre-Collision System (PCS) and it’s unavailable, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue.

First, check the PCS fuse in the engine compartment. If it’s blown, replace it with a new one. Normally, the fuse location or number can vary based on the car. We recommend checking the user manual for the exact location. 

Next, check for any loose wires or connections at the PCS sensor behind the front bumper. If you find any, tight them up or replace them as needed.

Finally, reset the PCS system by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery if all else fails. This should clear any errors and hopefully get your PCS working again.

If you follow these steps and your Pre-Collision System is still unavailable, it’s best to take your car to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.

Causes Of The Pre-Collision System Unavailable In Your Car

Pre-collision systems are designed to help avoid or mitigate the severity of a crash, but they’re not perfect. There are several reasons why your pre-collision system may fail to work correctly.

Faulty Wiring:

One of the most common causes of a pre-collision system unavailable error is faulty wiring. This can occur for various reasons, including faulty installation, damage to the wires, or simply age and wear. 

If your PCS is displaying this error, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect the wiring to see if it is the cause. In many cases, simply replacing damaged or worn wires will fix the problem.

Failed Sensor:

Another common cause of a pre-collision system unavailable error is a failed sensor. The sensors on your PCS detect obstacles in front of your vehicle and trigger the system to engage.

Just like with passenger seat belt light issues, if one of these sensors fails, it can prevent the system from working correctly. In some cases, simply replacing the faulty sensor will fix the problem. However, in other cases, you may need to replace the entire pre-collision system.

Outdated Software:

Another common reason the pre-collision system becomes unavailable in your car is simply that the software needs to be updated. The pre-collision system uses sensors to detect obstacles in the road and will automatically brake if necessary to avoid a collision.

However, over time these sensors can become less accurate, and the software that interprets the data collected by the sensors can also become outdated.

As a result, it’s essential to ensure that you keep your car’s software up-to-date to maintain the accuracy of the pre-collision system. You can usually take your car to the dealer or an authorized service center for a software update.

Damaged Components:

Pre-collision systems are an essential safety feature in many modern cars, but they can sometimes become unavailable due to damage. One of the most common causes of this is a damaged sensor, which can be caused by a car accident or even by parking too close to objects like garage walls.

Another potential cause is damage to the pre-collision system’s control unit, which is often located in the car’s bumper. If this unit is damaged, it may prevent the pre-collision system from working correctly.

In some cases, the entire pre-collision system may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged beyond repair. 

Fortunately, many car manufacturers offer extended warranty coverage for pre-collision systems, so it’s worth checking with your car’s manufacturer if you’re concerned about this issue.

Poorly Designed System:

Most new cars come with a pre-collision system designed to help avoid or mitigate the severity of a crash. These systems use sensors to detect an imminent collision and then take action to either warn the driver or automatically apply the brakes.

However, these systems are not perfect, and there are some reasons why they might become unavailable in your car. One common cause is simply a dirty sensor.

It can’t function properly if the sensor is covered in dirt, snow, or debris. Another possibility is that the manufacturer may have turned off the system to prevent false alerts.

In some cases, the system may also be unavailable due to a software update that has not yet been installed. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to understand that pre-collision systems are not foolproof and should not be relied upon to avoid all accidents.

If the pre-collision system is unavailable, there are still things you can do to minimize the damage caused by a car accident. By following the simple tips we discussed above, you can help protect yourself and your passengers from serious injury in the event of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What Does Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Mean?

Pre-collision assist not available means that the sensors are dirty. You need to clean them up. If the pre-collision is still not showing to be available then get your car checked quickly. 

Can You Turn Off the Toyota Pre-Collision System?

Yes, you can turn off the pre-collision system in Toyota. You can go to the settings and turn it off. But if you are looking for an easier way, just press the Traction Control Switch button and keep it pressed for about 3 seconds. This will turn off the TCS, Pre-Collision System, and VSC system. However, you can’t do it while driving and if you start the engine again then the pre-collision system will turn back on. 

Where is the Pre-Collision Sensor on a Toyota?

Toyota has two pre-collision sensors. One is located behind the front grille. Whereas the other is around the windshield. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, if the pre-collision system is unavailable, do not panic, just check the sensor wiring or the sensor itself. If the connection is loose or if the sensor is dirty then the pre-collision system will be unavailable. However, you may need to change the sensor as well. Normally, it is not recommended to drive without a pre-collision system but if you need to then drive with caution.