Two Cars Crashing Symbol Nissan Flashing

Seeing warning lights illuminate on your car's dashboard can be a stressful experience. Understanding what these symbols mean is crucial for ensuring your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. One particularly concerning symbol, especially on Nissan vehicles, is the "two cars crashing" light, often referred to as the collision warning light or the Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) system indicator. When this light flashes or remains steadily lit, it signals a potential problem with your Nissan's advanced safety features. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this warning light, its potential causes, and what steps you should take if it appears on your dashboard.

Understanding the "Two Cars Crashing" Symbol on Your Nissan

The "two cars crashing" symbol, typically depicting two vehicles moving towards each other with a possible impact shown between them, represents Nissan's collision avoidance system. This system is designed to detect potential frontal collisions and either warn the driver or automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent an accident. Different Nissan models might refer to this system by various names, including:

• Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Regardless of the specific name, the core function remains the same: enhancing safety by actively monitoring the road ahead and intervening when a collision risk is detected. The system typically uses sensors, such as radar or cameras, mounted in the front of the vehicle to detect objects and measure their distance and speed.

Common Causes of the "Two Cars Crashing" Light Flashing or Staying On

There are several reasons why the collision warning light might illuminate on your Nissan's dashboard. It's important to diagnose the issue accurately to ensure the system is functioning correctly. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Sensor Obstruction or Damage

The sensors used by the collision avoidance system are sensitive and require a clear field of view. Obstructions like dirt, snow, ice, or even a bug splattered on the sensor can interfere with its ability to accurately detect objects. Similarly, physical damage to the sensor, such as from a minor fender bender or road debris, can render it inoperable.

Check the area around the front bumper, especially where the sensors are located, for any visible obstructions or damage. Clean the area thoroughly with a soft cloth and mild soap.

2. System Malfunction

Like any complex electronic system, the collision avoidance system can experience malfunctions. This could be due to a faulty sensor, a wiring issue, or a problem with the system's control module. In these cases, a diagnostic scan is necessary to identify the specific component that is failing.

3. Adverse Weather Conditions

Heavy rain, snow, fog, or dense fog can all interfere with the performance of the collision avoidance system. The sensors might have difficulty accurately detecting objects in poor visibility conditions, leading to the warning light illuminating. This is often a temporary issue that resolves itself when the weather improves.

4. Low Battery Voltage

A weak or failing battery can sometimes cause electronic systems to malfunction, including the collision avoidance system. Low voltage can disrupt the proper functioning of the sensors and control module, triggering the warning light. Have your battery tested to ensure it is providing adequate power.

5. Software Glitches

Like any computer system, your car's electronics rely on software. Software glitches or bugs can sometimes cause the collision warning system to behave erratically or trigger false alarms. In some cases, a software update from the dealer can resolve these issues.

6. Misalignment of Sensors

If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, even a minor one, the sensors for the collision avoidance system might have become misaligned. This misalignment can affect the system's accuracy and trigger the warning light. The sensors might need to be recalibrated by a qualified technician.

7. Modifications to the Vehicle

Certain modifications to your vehicle, such as aftermarket bumpers or lift kits, can interfere with the operation of the collision avoidance system. These modifications can alter the sensor's field of view or affect the vehicle's overall dynamics, leading to false alarms or system failures.

What to Do When the "Two Cars Crashing" Light Appears

When the collision warning light illuminates on your Nissan's dashboard, follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Avoid panicking and carefully evaluate the driving conditions. Is it raining heavily or foggy? Are there any visible obstructions on the road?
2. Check for Obvious Obstructions: Inspect the front of your vehicle for any dirt, snow, ice, or other debris that might be blocking the sensors. Clean the area thoroughly.
3. Consult Your Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual provides specific information about the collision avoidance system in your vehicle, including troubleshooting tips and warnings. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions.
4. Try Resetting the System: In some cases, you can reset the collision avoidance system by turning off the engine, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting the vehicle. This might clear a temporary glitch.
5. Schedule a Diagnostic Scan: If the warning light persists after trying the above steps, it's essential to schedule a diagnostic scan with a qualified mechanic or your Nissan dealer. They can use specialized equipment to identify the underlying cause of the problem.
6. Do Not Ignore the Warning Light: The collision avoidance system is an important safety feature. Ignoring the warning light could compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road. Address the issue promptly.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While you can attempt some basic troubleshooting steps yourself, it's crucial to seek professional diagnosis when dealing with the "two cars crashing" warning light. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electronic systems that require specialized tools and expertise to diagnose accurately. A qualified mechanic or Nissan dealer can perform a diagnostic scan, interpret the fault codes, and identify the specific component that is causing the problem. They can then recommend the appropriate repairs or adjustments to restore the system to proper working order.

Attempting to repair the system yourself without the necessary knowledge and equipment can be dangerous and could potentially cause further damage to your vehicle.

Preventative Maintenance for Your Collision Avoidance System

To help prevent issues with your collision avoidance system, consider the following preventative maintenance tips:

• Regularly Clean the Sensors: Keep the sensors on the front of your vehicle clean and free from obstructions.
• Ensure Proper Tire Inflation: Maintaining proper tire inflation can help ensure that the vehicle's ride height is within the specified range, which can affect the performance of the collision avoidance system.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, including inspections of the braking system and other safety-related components.
• Address Minor Damage Promptly: If your vehicle sustains any damage, even minor scratches or dents, have it inspected by a qualified technician to ensure that the sensors for the collision avoidance system are not affected.

By understanding the "two cars crashing" symbol, its potential causes, and the steps you should take when it appears, you can help ensure the safety and proper functioning of your Nissan's collision avoidance system. Remember to prioritize safety and seek professional assistance when needed. Ignoring this warning light can potentially compromise your well being, as well as the safety of other drivers around you.