Mercedes Radar Sensor Dirty
Mercedes Radar Sensor Dirty – this concise message sheds light on a crucial issue in radar system operation: sensor obstruction. In today’s technological landscape, radar sensors play a vital role in a myriad of applications, from automotive navigation to airspace surveillance. However, even the most sophisticated systems are susceptible to challenges, and the accumulation of debris or obstacles can hinder their effective operation.
This temporary unavailability of radar sensor underscores the critical importance of maintaining these systems in an optimal state of cleanliness to ensure their reliability and performance. In this article, through a case study on a Mercedes CLA W118, we will explore the implications of radar sensor dirty, as well as emerging strategies and technologies aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operation in environments where accuracy and responsiveness are essential.
What does radar sensors dirty mean on Mercedes?
The Radar Sensor Dirty message in your Mercedes indicates that the radar sensor, which is used for various driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance, is obstructed or dirty. This obstruction can prevent the sensor from functioning correctly, potentially impacting the performance of these safety systems.
Common Causes:
- Dirt and Debris: Accumulation of dirt, mud, snow, or road salt on the sensor can trigger this message.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather like heavy rain, snow, or fog can temporarily affect the sensor’s ability to function.
- Obstructions: Objects such as leaves, ice, or even bumper stickers or license plate frames that cover the sensor area can cause this issue.
- Damaged Sensor: Physical damage to the sensor from impacts or accidents can result in this warning.
- Misalignment: The sensor may be misaligned due to a minor collision or improper repair.
Steps to Address the Issue:
- Clean the Sensor: Check the location of the radar sensor (usually located in the front grille or bumper) and clean it gently with a soft cloth and mild soap if necessary. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the sensor.
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no objects obstructing the sensor. Remove any visible debris or ice.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of physical damage to the sensor. If damaged, it may require professional repair or replacement.
- Check Alignment: If the sensor appears misaligned, a professional technician should inspect and realign it.
Preventive Measures:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the front area of your vehicle clean, especially during adverse weather conditions.
- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure that accessories or decorations do not cover the sensor.
- Service Inspections: Include sensor inspection in regular vehicle maintenance to catch potential issues early.
If the message persists after cleaning and inspection, it is advisable to have the vehicle checked by a qualified technician to ensure the radar system is functioning properly.
Case study #1 : Radar sensors dirty Message displayed on Mercedes CLA W118
A customer is fully satisfied with their Mercedes CLA W118, primarily due to its functionality of assisted emergency braking. This option provides them with a sense of safety and confidence, especially in critical situations on the road. With this cutting-edge technology, the car can detect imminent dangers and intervene swiftly to avoid accidents or reduce their severity. For this owner, this remarkable feature makes all the difference, adding an additional dimension to the driving experience and reinforcing the trust bond with their vehicle.
Deciding to enhance the aesthetic appeal of his Mercedes CLA W118, the owner opts to replace the bumper with a model from the Mercedes AMG range. This decision is motivated by the desire to add an extra touch of elegance to his already exceptional vehicle. The AMG bumper, renowned for its distinctive design and high-end finish, will elevate the appearance of the CLA W118 while preserving its sporty character. For this car enthusiast, this modification represents a way to personalize his car according to his aesthetic tastes and preferences, adding a touch of sophistication to his driving experience.
After replacing the bumper on his Mercedes CLA W118, the driver is surprised to see an unexpected message displayed on the dashboard: Radar Sensor Dirty. This notification raises concerns about the operation of the vehicle’s radar sensors, which appear to have been affected by the aesthetic modification. Although the new AMG bumper adds an elegant touch, it seems to have compromised the ability of the radar sensors to function properly.
This situation highlights the importance of considering the potential implications on safety and assisted driving systems when making any modifications to a vehicle. The driver now faces the need to find a solution to restore the functionality of the radar sensors and ensure safety during his journeys.
Following the diagnostic test conducted by the technician, several error codes are discovered, recorded on the active brake assist control unit. These codes reveal a malfunction related to the calibration of the brake assist control unit, thus explaining the error message displayed and the issues encountered with the radar sensors. This anomaly underscores the critical importance of the proper functioning of each component in the advanced safety systems of modern vehicles.
The mystery behind the message Radar Sensor Dirty on the dashboard of the Mercedes CLA W118 is finally resolved after removing the bumper and visually inspecting the radar sensor. The technician responsible for the bumper modification did not properly reinstall the radar sensor in its appropriate location, suitable for this model of AMG bumper. This error explains why the radar sensor is now inoperative, compromising the vehicle’s assisted safety functionalities.
To remedy this situation, it is imperative to reinstall the radar sensor correctly in its designated position to ensure its proper operation. This setback underscores the crucial importance of precise installation in accordance with specifications to guarantee the integrity of modern vehicle’s advanced safety systems. Once this correction is made, the driver will once again be able to fully enjoy all the safety features of their Mercedes CLA W118.
After properly reinstalling the radar sensor in its appropriate location and conducting a road balancing, the technician successfully resolved the issue. This intervention restored the functionality of the radar sensors in the Mercedes CLA W118, eliminating the error message and ensuring the proper operation of the assisted safety systems. This success underscores the importance of precise technical expertise and a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving issues related to electronic components and advanced vehicle systems. Now, the owner can fully enjoy their car, with confidence in its safety and performance on the road.
Case study #2 : Collision Avoidance System Failure in Heavy Rain
During recent testing, our Mercedes A Class W177 displayed a warning on the instrument cluster indicating that the radar sensors were dirty and the collision avoidance system was unavailable. This issue occurred while driving in heavy rain on the motorway. Given the significance of this fault, we conducted a detailed diagnostic scan using the Autel MS906 tool to better understand the cause and timeline of the fault.
Diagnostic Process
1. Fault Detection Using Autel MS906 Diagnostic Tool
- A diagnostic scan revealed a stored fault code related to the radar sensor.
- Freeze frame data was available, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s status at the time of the fault.
2. Analyzing the Freeze Frame Data
- The stored data included key metrics such as wiper settings, accelerator position, braking status, and speed range.
- By cross-referencing this data, we confirmed the fault’s occurrence matched the time the warning was displayed on the instrument cluster during the motorway drive in heavy rain.
Insights from the Data
Operational Implications:
The fault code indicated that the radar sensors were obstructed and unable to function properly, leading to the deactivation of the collision avoidance system.
Potential Legal & Safety Relevance:
This information is particularly useful in the context of serious accidents. If a driver claims that the collision avoidance system should have activated to prevent an accident, the recorded fault code offers evidence that the system was temporarily disabled.
Even if the fault message no longer appears on the cluster, the error remains stored in the ECU, traceable with a diagnostic scan.
Data Limitations:
While the fault data records when the system became unavailable, it does not indicate when the sensors resumed proper function. This lack of information could complicate efforts to establish whether the safety feature was operational at the time of a crash.
Absence of Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Support:
Notably, Mercedes vehicles in the UK do not support CDR retrieval for pre-crash data, which means freeze frame data like this becomes even more critical when investigating post-collision scenarios.
Manufacturer Data Transmission
Remote Data Storage:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles may transmit fault data to the manufacturer’s headquarters for further analysis. This can be particularly relevant if a customer alleges that safety systems were not working as intended.
In such cases, the manufacturer may rely on this remote data to defend against claims, ensuring the brand’s reputation is safeguarded.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of monitoring and investigating fault codes, especially in safety-critical systems like collision avoidance. By utilizing diagnostic tools like the Autel MS906, vehicle operators can verify whether safety features were functional during crucial moments. Furthermore, it underscores the challenges posed by the absence of CDR retrieval for Mercedes in the UK, emphasizing the value of freeze frame data in accident investigations.
Where is the radar sensor located?
Mercedes Benz Radar sensor location
The radar sensor in most Mercedes compacts is located behind the front bumper on the right side, as you see in the image below.
How to replace radar sensor in Mercedes CLA and A-CLass ?
you can replace the Mercedes A Class W177 and CLA 118 radar sensor by following the following steps looking at the image above;
- Remove the front bumper and place it on a suitable support.
- Unlock and disconnect the electrical connector from radar sensor (A108).
- Unhook radar sensor (A108) from the mounting bracket and remove it from the support (1).
- Commission the radar sensor (A108).
- Carry out the calibration of the radar sensor (A108).
