VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE DISTANCE
CONTROL MODE OPERATION
Always pay attention to the operation of the
vehicle and be ready to manually control the
proper following distance. The vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control mode of the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system may not be able to
maintain the selected distance between ve-
hicles (following distance) or selected vehicle
speed under some circumstances.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
uses a sensor
Alocated on the front of the
vehicle to detect vehicles traveling ahead. The
sensor generally detects the signals returned
from the reflectors on a vehicle ahead. There- fore, if the sensor cannot detect the reflector on
the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not
maintain the selected distance.
The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot detect the signals:
●
When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
positioned high on the vehicle (trailer, etc.)
● When the reflector on the vehicle ahead is
missing, damaged or covered
● When the reflector of the vehicle ahead is
covered with dirt, snow and road spray
● When the snow or road spray from traveling
vehicles reduces the sensor’s visibility
● When dense exhaust or other smoke (black
smoke) from vehicles reduces the sensor’s
visibility
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the trunk of your vehicle
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer, etc.
The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the limita-
tion of the system. When the sensor is covered
with dirt or obstructs, the system will automati-
cally be canceled. If the sensor is covered with
ice, a transparent or translucent vinyl bag, etc.,
the ICC system may not detect them. In these
instances, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con- trol mode may not cancel and may not be able
to maintain the selected following distance
from the vehicle ahead. Be sure to check and
clean the sensor regularly.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is
designed to maintain a selected distance and
reduce the speed to match the slower vehicle
ahead; the system will decelerate the vehicle as
necessary, and if the vehicle ahead comes to a
stop, the vehicle decelerates to a standstill.
However, the ICC system can only apply up to
25% of the vehicles total braking power. This
system should only be used when traffic condi-
tions allow vehicle speeds to remain fairly
constant or when vehicle speeds change gradu-
ally. If a vehicle moves into the traveling lane
ahead or if a vehicle traveling ahead rapidly
decelerates, the distance between vehicles may
become closer because the ICC system cannot
decelerate the vehicle quickly enough. If this
occurs, the ICC system will sound a warning
chime and blink the system display to notify the
driver to take necessary action.
The system will cancel and a warning chime will
sound if the speed falls below approximately 15
MPH (24 km/h) and a vehicle is not detected
ahead. The system will also disengage when
the vehicle goes above the maximum set speed.
See “Approach warning” later in this section.
SSD1047
Starting and driving5-43
