DISTANCE SENSORS (Radar Sensors) KEEP THEM CLEAN
Many Nissan and Infiniti late model vehicles use a distance sensor or radar sensor on the front of the
vehicle as part of a driver assistance system. These systems include Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control,
Distance Control Assist, and others.
In order for this sensor to function correctly, the lens must be unrestricted (no dirt, stains or other
obstructions). On several Nissan and Infiniti models, the sensor is just behind the bumper fascia, which means that the bumper fascia in front of the
sensor must be clean of any dirt or stains or any other material that might be on the bumper, such as a bumper sticker or a bra (even a clear section
on a bra or a clear film-type bra can cause a malfunction of the sensor).
Note: The information contained in this article regarding the operation of the distance sensors is only a general overview of the need to keep the sensors clean. Systems that use a distance/radar sensor have operation limitations. For safe operation, all instructions, warnings, and cautions in the appropriate Owner’s Manual must be understood and followed.
General Maintenance and Care
- Always keep the sensor area of the front bumper (or the lens of the sensor) clean.
- Wipe with a soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the sensor.
- Do not strike or damage the areas around the sensor.
- Do not cover or attach stickers or similar objects on the front bumper near the sensor area (including a clear bra). This could cause failure or malfunction.
- Do not attach metallic objects near the sensor area (brush guard, etc.).
- Do not alter, remove or paint the front bumper. Make sure to follow Nissan/ Infiniti approved paint and body repair methods and standards.
General maintenance and care for this sensor includes:
Most systems that use a distance sensor are designed to automatically check the sensor’s operation within the limitations of the system. When the sensor is covered with dirt or is obstructed, the system will automatically be canceled.
Note:
- The following warnings/indicators may also indicate other system malfunctions.
- These are examples; refer to the Owner’s Manual of the specific vehicle for specific warnings and indicators.
Warning indicators that may inform the driver of dirty or obstructed sensors are listed below. These are examples; various vehicles may have different indicators based on vehicle features.
DTCs
In addition to warnings and indicators that may display to inform the driver of a dirty or obstructed sensor, a DTC (C1A16) may be stored and the MIL may illuminate.
Note:
Although cleaning exterior surfaces of the vehicle (including the sensor lens or bumper surfaces in front of a sensor lens) is the responsibility of the customer, you may have a vehicle presented at the dealer with a dirty senseor or bumper. If a customer reports a malfunction of any system that uses a distance sensor, do not overlook checking for a dirty sensor or bumper as part of your diagnostics.
