Forward Collision Warning
 

New to the board, so forgive me if I'm in the wrong place or if this discussion is ongoing.

Just bought a 2017 GC Summit 3 weeks ago. Although the forward collision warning did come on *1* time, the Jeep was already in a hard break from the assisted cruise control. I've had a few other instances when I feel I should at least get some type on warning (if not breaking), but nothing happens. As a test, I set up a large plastic garbage can in the parking lot a work and coasted into it a 6 MPH. Got no beeps, no lights, no breaks of any kind. So I brought it into the dealer and they seemed sympathetic. After calling Chrysler, they were told that the system was working fine and there is NO testing procedure. It just knows if your paying attention or not. The dealer seems unsatisfied with this answer (but nothing they can do...) and so am I. From other post I've seen, the FCW should be more sensitive. Maybe they've tweeked the latest version? Anyway I decided to drive it a little longer and see how it reacts, but I'm curious if anyone has a newer model and what their experience is.

Thanks.

This board is for older cherokees. But man all that new "technology" is a bunch of crap. Forward collision warning? Lane assist? Extremely dumb. Sorry for my micro rant hahah

Hi brodlang,
I’m sorry to hear that you are having concerns with your FCW on your new Jeep. We always support going to a certified Jeep dealer for diagnosis, and can confirm that the FCW is unable to be tested, for safety reasons. As noted on Page 202 of your user manual:
“It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To prevent such
misuse of the system, after four Active Braking events
within an ignition cycle, the Active Braking portion of
FCW will be deactivated until the next ignition cycle.”
Please also reference Page 203 for instruction on turning FCW on and off, as well as adjusting the sensitivity levels. If you have any other questions or if you would like me to follow up with your dealer on the diagnosis, please let me know.

Anna
JeepCares Social Media Specialist

Thank you. I am aware of what's in the OM I also understand that it should not be road tested. I did go to my Jeep certified dealer for diagnostics and I am disappointed that the only answer Chrysler was willing to give my dealer was that there was no diagnostic procedure to test the system and it "just knows if you're paying attention or not". Kinda lame.

Nothing can replace a qualified, alert, constantly paying attention vehicle operator.

All this new technology is going to do is cause problems in the long run as more and more vehicles on the road get it, and drivers DEPEND on it.

That scares the hell out of me, I gotta tell ya.

You mean it would void the warranty if I drove a new Jeep into a building at 50 MPH to test the system?

But seriously ...... why even have these new systems, if there is no way for an owner to test their effectiveness?

IMHO - these new technologies are developed to shorten the lifespan of the vehicle so owners are forced to buy new vehicle more frequently.

Exactly. There is some research out there about it increasing texting and drunk driving because drivers feel "safer"

I'm waiting for State Inspection Regulations to require all standard factory installed equipment to function for safety requirements. Right now NY requires all new vehicles sold in the state to have ABS systems. They DO NOT require them to actually function for annual safety inspection however.

That may change depending on political whims. All these added features are driving up the price of new cars to the point that any normal person can't afford to buy them, or get them repaired. The Forward Collision Warning system is nothing more that a forward-looking infrared radar unit. Expensive unit to replace! I think my 17 year-old WJ is about the newest vehicle I'll ever buy. I'll probably repair it until the frame gives out.

All these new features controlled by computers in your car.... what happens when one or more of these features fail years down the road? Will they even continue to make the right parts to fix these features? I'll stick with my 1989 XJ, always and forever!