ACC Operation: Notes

NOTE: For a complete illustration of the ACC indicators and graphic displays, refer to the Owner's Literature.

The ACC system functions much like a standard cruise control system. The ACC system automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a set distance gap from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle in the same path of travel. When the ACC system is on and is following a vehicle or a vehicle enters the same driving lane, a follow vehicle graphic is displayed in the message center.

The ACC with stop and go technology (if equipped) allows the vehicle to follow a lead vehicle to a stop. An indicator in the message center indicates the vehicle is in the stopped mode. If the lead vehicle moves from a stop within 3 seconds, the vehicle automatically resumes to the set speed. If the lead vehicle remains stopped for more than 3 seconds, the system resumes when the RES (resume) switch on the steering wheel is pressed or the driver taps the accelerator pedal. An indicator in the message center indicates the vehicle is in the RES (resume) mode. The vehicle automatically accelerates to the set speed.

The ACC with lane centering (if equipped) uses radar and camera sensors to assist in keeping the vehicle within the lane by applying a continuous assistance steering torque input toward the center of the lane. When the system is active in the alert mode and the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, the system provides an alert by vibrating the steering wheel. In aid mode, the system provides steering assistance by counter steering the vehicle back into the lane. Refer to the Owner's Literature for additional information.

Intelligent ACC with traffic sign recognition (if equipped) has a number of programmable speed warning levels. When this mode is selected, a bracket appears around the set speed and the detected speed limit sign in the information display. The system is designed to set the vehicle speed to the speed limit detected by the speed sign recognition system before the vehicle passes the speed limit sign. Refer to the Owner's Literature for additional information.

The ACC system does not activate if the vehicle speed is below 20 kmh (12 mph) or if a lead vehicle is not detected. If either of these occur, the message center displays ADAPTIVE CRUISE - SPEED TOO LOW TO ACTIVATE.

The cruise control deactivator switch (which is integral to the brake pedal) is an additional safety feature. When the brake pedal is applied, the cruise control system deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal from the PCM input circuit, releasing the throttle and immediately deactivating the system.

The CCM is on a dedicated CAN with the IPMA. The IPMA acts as a gateway module and relays network messages and DTC information from the CCM to other modules that utilize the ACC system.

The CCM monitors the yaw rate signal from the ABS module and compares it to wheel speed and steering wheel angle signals. If the ABS module determines the yaw rate is invalid, the CCM disables the ACC. The message center displays the message COLLISION WARNING MALFUNCTION and/or ADAPTIVE CRUISE MALFUNCTION.

The CCM monitors the environment in front of the vehicle while active. If the radar beam is obstructed by a buildup of snow, ice, rain or other debris or the vehicle is driven in a desert environment with no other traffic for extended periods of time, the sensor triggers an ADAPTIVE CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL message in the message center and disables the ACC. The ACC resumes once the obstruction is cleared and the radar is able to detect targets or upon a key cycle.

The ACC system does not engage properly if the front radar sensor is not aligned correctly and the message center displays FRONT SENSOR NOT ALIGNED. The ACC resumes once the radar is aligned and is able to properly detect targets.

The CCM radar vertical and horizontal alignment procedure is located in General Procedures. The horizontal alignment for the CCM is a calibration check performed by the scan tool to insure the CCM radar is pointed straight. The scan tool identifies this as, Alignment Offset with a horizontal specification of +/- 3.0 degrees offset. For additional information, Refer to: Cruise Control Radar Alignment .

The ABS module estimates brake temperature by monitoring applied brake pressure over a period of time and sends a message to the CCM when the estimated temperature is above a given threshold. An alarm sounds and the ACC system is deactivated until the estimated brake temperature returns to cooler operating conditions. This condition can happen in hilly or mountainous driving terrain.