Mercedes Radar Sensor Dirty
Mercedes Radar Sensor Dirty raises awareness of a crucial aspect of radar system operation: sensor obstruction. Radar sensors play a vital role in a number of today’s technological applications, including automotive navigation and airspace surveillance. Debris or obstacles can impede even the most sophisticated systems, and even the most sophisticated systems are susceptible to challenges.
To ensure the reliability and performance of these systems, it is critical to maintain these systems in an optimal state of cleanliness. In this paper, we explore the implications of dirty radar sensors on a Mercedes CLA W118, as well as emerging strategies and technologies aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operation of radar sensors.
What does dirty radar sensors mean on Mercedes?
Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems in your Mercedes operate with a radar sensor that is obstructed or dirty. Sensors may not work properly as a result of obstructions, potentially affecting safety systems.
Common Causes:
- Dirt and Debris: The sensor may be triggered by dirt, mud, snow, or road salt accumulating on it.
- Weather Conditions: In adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and fog, the sensor may not function properly for a short period of time.
- Obstructions: The sensor area can be blocked by leaves, ice, bumper stickers, or license plate frames.
- Damaged Sensor: This warning can be caused by physical damage to the sensor.
- Misalignment: In the event of a minor collision or improper repair, the sensor might be misaligned.
Steps to Address the Issue:
- Clean the Sensor: If necessary, use a soft cloth and mild soap to gently clean the radar sensor (usually located in the front grille or bumper). Sensors should not be scratched with abrasive materials.
- Make sure the sensor is not obstructed by anything. Ice and debris should be removed.
- Inspect for Damage: Ensure that the sensor isn’t physically damaged. A professional may need to repair or replace it if it is damaged.
- Check Alignment: A professional technician should check and realign the sensor if it appears misaligned.
Preventive Measures:
- Regular Cleaning: It is especially important to keep the front area of your vehicle clean when it is raining or snowing.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure the sensor is not covered by accessories or decorations.
- Service Inspections: Conduct regular sensor inspections to detect potential problems early.
A qualified technician should be consulted if the message persists despite cleaning and inspection.
Mercedes CLA W118 displays a message about dirty radar sensors
The Mercedes CLA W118 is fully satisfied with its assisted emergency braking functionality, according to a customer. As a result, they feel more secure and confident on the road, particularly during critical situations. It can detect potential dangers and intervene quickly to avert or reduce the severity of accidents thanks to this cutting-edge technology. It adds a new dimension to the driving experience and reinforces the relationship the owner has with their car.
The owner of a Mercedes CLA W118 replaces the bumper on his car with a model from the Mercedes AMG range in order to enhance its aesthetic appeal. He made this decision because he wanted to enhance his already exceptional vehicle with a touch of elegance. As a result of the AMG bumper, the CLA W118 will be enhanced while maintaining its sporty character. The modification represents a way to add a touch of sophistication to the driving experience of this car enthusiast by personalizing his vehicle according to his aesthetic taste and preferences.
His Mercedes CLA W118’s bumper was replaced, but the dashboard display displayed an unexpected message: Radar Sensor Dirty. Radar sensors in the vehicle may have been affected by the aesthetic modification, which raises concerns about their operation. While the new AMG bumper adds an elegant touch, it appears to have compromised the radar sensor’s operation.
Any modifications to a vehicle should be considered in terms of the potential implications on safety and assisted driving systems. In order to ensure safety during his journey, the driver will have to find a way to restore radar sensor functionality.
On the active brake assist control unit, several error codes are discovered after the technician conducts the diagnostic test. This error message and the problems with the radar sensors are caused by a malfunction related to the calibration of the brake assist control unit. Clearly, every component of modern vehicles’ advanced safety systems must function properly to avoid this anomaly.
When the Mercedes CLA W118 was removed from the bumper and the radar sensor was visually inspected, the mystery behind the message Radar Sensor Dirty was solved.
Radar sensor placement for this model of AMG bumper was incorrectly reinstalled by the technician responsible for the bumper modification. As a consequence of this error, the vehicle’s assisted safety features are now inoperative.
In order to resolve this problem, the radar sensor must be reinstalled correctly in its designated position. As a result of this setback, it is essential that modern vehicle’s advanced safety systems are precisely installed according to specifications in order to ensure their integrity. This correction will allow the driver to enjoy all Mercedes CLA W118’s safety features once again.
In order to resolve the issue, the technician reinstalled the radar sensor in its appropriate location and performed a road balancing. Following this intervention, the Mercedes CLA W118 radar sensors were restored to proper working order, eliminating the error message and ensuring that the assisted safety systems were functioning properly. This success illustrates the need for precise technical expertise and a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving electronic component problems and advanced vehicle systems. Having confidence in the car’s safety and performance on the road, the owner can now fully enjoy their vehicle.
Collision Avoidance System Failure in Heavy Rain
On our Mercedes A Class W177, the instrument cluster displayed a warning regarding dirty radar sensors and unavailability of the collision avoidance system prior to recent testing. While driving on the motorway in heavy rain, this issue occurred. In order to fully understand the cause of the fault and its timeline, we conducted a detailed diagnostic scan using the Autel MS906 tool.
Diagnostic Process
1. Identification of faults using the Autel MS906 diagnostic tool
- During a diagnostic scan, a radar sensor fault code was identified.
- In addition to freeze frame data, valuable information about the status of the vehicle at the time of the failure was available.
2. Data analysis for freeze frames
- A wide range of key metrics were stored, including wiper setting, accelerator position, braking status, and speed range.
- Using this data, we confirmed the fault occurred when the warning appeared on the instrument cluster during a heavy rainy motorway drive.
Insights from the Data
Operational Implications:
As a result of the fault code, the collision avoidance system was deactivated since the radar sensors were obstructed and couldn’t function properly.
Potential Legal & Safety Relevance:
In the context of serious accidents, this information is particularly useful. Recorded fault codes prove that the collision avoidance system was temporarily disabled if a driver claims it should have been activated to prevent an accident.
A diagnostic scan is still able to trace the error, even if the fault message no longer appears on the cluster.
Data Limitations:
Despite recording when the system became unavailable, fault data does not indicate when the sensors resumed functioning normally. As a result, it may be more difficult to determine if a safety feature was operational during a crash.
Absence of Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Support:
It is worth noting that Mercedes vehicles in the UK cannot obtain CDR data before a crash occurs, so freeze frame data such as this becomes even more critical when investigating post-collision scenarios.
Manufacturer Data Transmission
Remote Data Storage:
The manufacturer may analyze Mercedes-Benz vehicle fault data at its headquarters. If a customer claims that safety systems did not function properly, this can be particularly relevant.
It is possible for the manufacturer to defend against claims using this remote data, ensuring the reputation of the brand is protected.
Conclusion
In safety-critical systems such as collision avoidance, fault codes should be monitored and investigated. It is possible to verify whether safety features functioned during crucial moments by using diagnostic tools such as the Autel MS906. Further, it emphasizes the importance of freeze frame data in accident investigations because Mercedes CDRs are not retrievable in the UK.
Where is the radar sensor located?
Mercedes Benz Radar sensor location
As you can see in the image below, Mercedes compacts have a radar sensor behind the bumper on the right side.
How to replace the radar sensor in Mercedes CLA and A-CLass ?
Using the image above, you can replace the radar sensor on a Mercedes A Class W177 or CLA 118 by following the steps below;
- Place the front bumper on a suitable support after removing it.
- Radar sensor (A108) electrical connector should be unlocked and disconnected.
- Remove the radar sensor (A108) from the support (1) by unhooking it from the mounting bracket.
- The radar sensor (A108) needs to be commissioned.
- The radar sensor (A108) needs to be calibrated.
