Radar sensor limitations
Obstructed camera
The radar sensor is located on the upper interior section of the windshield along with the camera.
Important
Do not place, affix or mount anything on the inside or outside of the windshield, or in front of or around the camera and radar unit – this could disrupt camera and radar-based functions.
It could cause functions to be reduced, deactivated completely or produce an incorrect function response.
If this symbol and the message "Windscreen sensor Sensor blocked, see Owner's manual" is displayed in the instrument panel, it means that the camera and radar sensor are unable to detect other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and large animals in front of the vehicle and that the vehicle's camera and radar-based functions may be obstructed, reduced, completely disabled or providing inaccurate responses.
| Cause | Action |
|---|---|
| The area of the windshield in front of the camera/radar sensor is dirty or covered by ice or snow. | Clean the windshield in front of the camera/radar sensor and remove dirt, ice and snow. |
| Thick fog, heavy rain or snow is blocking the radar signals or the camera's range of visibility. | No action. Heavy precipitation may sometimes prevent the camera/radar sensor from functioning. |
| Water or snow is spraying/swirling up and blocking the radar signals or the camera's range of visibility. | No action. Very wet or snow-covered roads may sometimes prevent the camera/radar sensor from functioning. |
| There is dirt between the inside of the windshield and the camera/radar sensor. | Consult a workshop to have the area of the windshield on the inside of the camera's casing cleaned. An authorized Volvo workshop is recommended. |
Note
Vehicle speed
- the speed of the vehicle ahead differs greatly from your vehicle's speed
Limited field of vision
The radar sensor has a limited field of vision. In some situations, it may detect a vehicle later than expected or not at all.
The radar sensor's detection of vehicles very close to your vehicle may be delayed in certain situations, e.g. if a vehicle pulls in between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead.
Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or vehicles that are not driving in the center of the lane may remain undetected.
In curves, the radar may detect the wrong vehicle or lose sight of a target vehicle.
Low trailers
Low trailers may also be difficult or even impossible for the radar to detect. The driver should be extra alert when driving behind vehicles towing low trailers when Adaptive Cruise Control or Pilot Assist is activated.
High temperatures
If the temperature in the passenger compartment is very high, the camera/radar sensor will switch off temporarily for approx. 15 minutes after the engine is started to protect its electronic components. When the temperature has cooled sufficiently, the camera/radar sensor will automatically restart.
Damaged windshield
Important
If there are cracks, scratches or stone chips on the windshield in front of any of the camera and radar unit "windows" and this covers an area of about 0.5 × 3.0 mm (0.02 × 0.12 in.) or more, contact a workshop to have the windshield replaced – an authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.
Failure to take action could result in reduced performance for the driver support systems that use the camera and radar unit.
It could cause functions to be reduced, deactivated completely or produce an incorrect function response.
- Volvo advises against repairing cracks, scratches or stone chips in the area in front of the camera and radar unit – the entire windshield should instead be replaced.
- Before replacing the windshield, contact an authorized Volvo workshop to verify that the right windshield has been ordered and installed.
- The same type of windshield wipers or wipers approved by Volvo should be used for replacement.