Help needed with pre collision system

Reviving a thread from forever ago in hopes someone can help me make a purchase decision. I’m looking to purchase a 2022 Trail edition. I have an overnight test drive.

Anyway, like OP, the radar and all that jazz seems to work for cruise control, but I did a similar test on the PCS. No joy.

Anyone know how to know if something is failing or if I’m just not cutting it close enough to an accident? This vehicle would be out of factory warranty so don’t want to get into an expensive repair process if I buy it.

 

It's hard to get it to trigger intentionally. If there are no warning lights on, and adaptive cruise works, then it's probably fine. If it has the original grille and sensor then you have a better chance of everything working according to factory specs. If someone swapped the grille then it may be slightly out of calibration, but it will probably still be fine if there are no warning lights on.

 

Based on owners manual statements and my personal experience in the last 6 years, the system DOES work, but it takes certain conditions.

Most notably, the system will not intervene if you are providing inputs for vehicle control (steering, brake, accelerator). In other words, it won’t slam on the brakes if it senses you are already taking action.

In conclusion, it’s probably tough to fool. Best to keep the sensors and cameras clean, and presume that the system is normal if no warnings are displayed. Hopefully you never have to rely on it.

 

I found it's most likely to activate if a car in front of me suddenly stops, as opposed to approaching an already stopped car. So maybe get a friend to drive in front of you and slam on the brakes.

 

This will confirm both PCS AND airbags are in working order. Win win!

 

Well. It works.

Found out the natural way this morning on the way to work.