Radar sensor limitations

The radar sensor used by several of the driver support systems has certain limitations, which also affect the systems using it.

Obstructions

P5-1507-CitySafety Vindrutans kamera
The marked area must not be obstructed in any way. This area of the windshield should always be kept clean

The radar sensor is located at the upper, center section of the windshield along with the camera.

 Warning

Never place any objects, decals, electronic toll devices, window tinting films etc., on the windshield in front of or around the camera/radar sensor. This could reduce or block these components' functions, and could cause one or more of the systems that utilize them to stop functioning.

This can also result in certain functions being reduced or disabled, or they may respond incorrectly.

P5-1507-TabellSymbol "Se i-bok" 10x10

If this symbol and the message Windscreen Sensors blocked appear in the instrument panel, this indicates that the camera and/or radar sensor cannot detect other vehicles ahead.

The following table shows some of the situations that can cause the message to be displayed and suggested actions.

CauseAction
The area of the windshield in front of the camera/radar sensor is dirty or covered by ice or snow.Clean the windshield or remove the ice/ snow.
Thick fog or heavy rain/snow reduces the camera/radar sensor's range of visibility. No action. The driver should be extra alert in conditions of this type.
Water or snow on the surface of the road swirl up and block radar signals or the camera's view.No action. The driver should be extra alert in conditions of this type.
There is dirt between the inside of the windshield and the camera/radar sensor. Have the area of the windshield cleaned by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.

Vehicle's speed

The radar sensor's capacity to detect vehicles ahead is impeded:
  • if 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 detect other vehicles at all.

P5-1507-ACC Radarsensor reducerad-2
Radar sensor's field of vision
  1. P5-Icon red circle 1In certain situations, the radar sensor cannot detect vehicles at close quarters, for example a vehicle that suddenly enters the lane between your vehicle and the target vehicle.
  2. P5-Icon red circle 2Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or vehicles not driving in the center of the lane may remain undetected.
  3. P5-Icon red circle 3In curves, the radar sensor may detect the wrong vehicle or lose sight of the target vehicle.
P5-1507-ACC-Radarbegränsning Låga släp
Low trailer in the radar shadow (generic illustration)

Low trailers may also be difficult to detect or may not be detected at all. The driver should be extra alert in situations of this type.

High temperatures

If the temperature in the passenger compartment is very high, the camera and radar sensor may be temporarily turned off for approx. 15 minutes after the engine has been started to protect their electronic components. When the temperature has cooled sufficiently, the camera and radar sensor will restart automatically.

Damaged windshield

 Important

  • Service and maintenance on City Safety may only be carried out by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
  • If a crack, scratch or stone chip should occur in the section of the windshield in front the camera/radar sensor, contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician to repair or replace the windshield. Failing to do so may result in reduced City Safety functionality.
  • This can also result in certain functions being reduced or disabled, or they may respond incorrectly.
To help avoid the risk of incorrect, reduced or disabled functionality for driver support systems using the camera or radar sensors:
  • Volvo recommends that cracks, scratches or stone chips on the windshield in front of the camera/radar sensor should not be repaired; in such cases, the entire windshield should be replaced.
  • Before the windshield is replaced, contact a Volvo retailer to ensure that the correct windshield is ordered and installed. If the wrong type of windshield is used, this may cause City Safety to function improperly or not at all.
  • Volvo recommends the use of only Genuine Volvo Replacement Windshields.
  • When replacing windshield wipers, use the same type or ones approved by Volvo.

After the windshield has been replaced, the camera/radar sensor will have to be recalibrated by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician to help ensure proper function of all of the vehicle's camera-/radar-based systems.

Maintenance

In order for camera and radar sensor to function properly, the area of the windshield must be kept free of dirt, ice, snow, etc. and should be washed regularly with a suitable car washing detergent.

 Note

Dirt, ice and/or snow covering the camera and radar sensors reduce functionality and may disable the vehicle's camera-/radar-based systems.

This can also result in certain functions being reduced or disabled, or they may respond incorrectly.