Adaptive Cruise and brake lights?

[dabangsta]

I don't know what section this best fits in, but since I am curious about the brake lights (and I guess when it uses brakes)...

 

I have been trying out the adaptive cruise more and more, to be comfortable with it in long distance freeway drives, stop and go freeway traffic, and to some extent, stop and go city driving. It does make some of that travel less stressful but sometime more stressful, more attention needed.

 

2019 SEL adaptive cruise and lane centering.

 

When slight deceleration, probably no brake lights on? (coming up on a vehicle going 2-3 mph slower)

When aggressive deceleration, brake lights on? (car comes into lane in front of me going 10 mph slower and in my range)

When coming to a stop, brake lights on? (stopping at a light following someone)

 

I am curious because in some emergency stop freeway action (accident and car along road, bring traffic to a stand still) yesterday, the car behind me really kept getting super close. No matter if creeping then stopping or 0-65-0 fast stop. I did let the adaptive cruise warn me of impending collision once (I was on the brake pedal once it happened I went from 1 bar of distance to 2 so it had more time to react), but even without that the driver behind me nearly collided with me 4 or 5 times.

 

I want to follow someone driving it in these situations, but I really am having a hard time explaining what I want them to do, and be comfortable doing it.

[Haz]

My similar curiosity about our 2015 MKX's Adaptive Cruise actuating the vehicle's brake lights was satisfied when driving at night with the second row seats folded down.

 

The CHMSL brake lamp illuminating the cargo area was evident enough in the rear view mirror to put me at ease, that following drivers are sufficiently warned when automatic braking occurs.

 

The following descriptions from the 2019 Edge Workshop Manual on the Adaptive Cruise Control system & the Collision Warning/Collision Avoidance system may enhance your understanding and deepen your confidence in these valuable driver assistance features.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Moving your device cursor over capitalized acronyms should yield an onscreen full-word description...

 

Cruise Control - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

Adaptive Cruise Control

 

Network Message Chart

 

  Network Input Messages - ABS Module

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
ACC deceleration request	IPMA	Used for cruise control automatic braking.
ACC stop mode request	PCM	Used for ACC automatic braking.
Brake pedal applied	PCM	Used for brake switch input.
Cruise control overide	PCM	Driver overriding cruise control with accelerator pedal.

 

  Network Input Messages - CCM

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
APP	PCM	Used for accelerator pedal status.
ACC enabled	IPC	Activates ACC
ACC stop mode request	PCM	Used for ACC automatic braking.
ACC switch comands	SCCM	Used for speed control enable/disable, gap settings and operating mode request.
Brake pedal applied	PCM	Used for brake switch input.
Cruise control override	PCM	Driver overriding cruise control with accelerator pedal.
Ignition status	BCM	Used for ignition switch position input.
Stability control event in progress	ABS module	Deactivates cruise control when requested.
Traction control event in progress
Vehicle yaw rate
Vehicle lateral acceleration	RCM	Deactivates cruise control when requested.
Vehicle longitudinal acceleration
Vehicle configuration data	BCM	Used for comparison checking adaptive cruise control configuration.

 

  Network Input Messages - IPC

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
ACC gap distance display	IPMA	Data used to generate message center display indicating adaptive cruise control gap setting.
ACC follow mode display	IPMA	Data used to activate the follow vehicle indicator.
ACC stop mode display	IPMA	Data used to activate the stop and go auto mode indicator.
ACC resume display	IPMA	Data used to activate the stop and go auto resume mode indicator.
Cruise control set speed display	PCM	Data used to activate the select cruise control display.
Cruise control override	PCM	Driver overriding cruise control with accelerator pedal.
Cruise control status	PCM	Data used for cruise control indicator status.

 

  Network Input Messages - PCM

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
Steering wheel switch speed control request	SCCM	Used for cruise control enable/disable and operating mode request.
Stability control event in progress	ABS module	Deactivates cruise control when requested.
Traction control event in progress
Vehicle lateral acceleration	RCM	Deactivates cruise control when requested.
Vehicle longitudinal acceleration
Vehicle yaw rate

 

ACC Operation

NOTE: For a complete illustration of the ACC indicators and graphic displays, refer to the Owner's Literature.

 

The ACC system functions much like a standard cruise control system. The ACC system automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a set distance gap from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle in the same path of travel. When the ACC system is on and is following a vehicle or a vehicle enters the same driving lane, a follow vehicle graphic is displayed in the message center.

 

The ACC system does not function if the vehicle speed is below 20 km/h (12 mph). As the vehicle slows down during automatic braking, the ACC system discontinues braking at 20 km/h (12 mph). At that speed, an audible alarm sounds and the automatic braking from the ABS module is released. The driver must take over the vehicle braking control. (EDITED by Haz- See subsequent posts, below) 

 

The cruise control deactivator switch (which is integral to the BPP switch) is an additional safety feature. When the brake pedal is applied, the cruise control system deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal from the PCM input circuit, releasing the throttle and immediately deactivating the system.

 

The CCM monitors the yaw rate signal from the ABS module and compares it to the wheel speed and steering wheel angle signals. If the ABS module determines the yaw rate is invalid, the CCM disables the ACC . The message center displays the message COLLISION WARNING MALFUNCTION and/or ADAPTIVE CRUISE MALFUNCTION.

 

The CCM monitors the environment in front of the vehicle while active. If the radar beam is obstructed by a buildup of snow, ice, rain or other debris or the vehicle is driven in a desert environment with no other traffic for extended periods of time, the sensor triggers an "ADAPTIVE CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL" message in the message center and disables the ACC . The ACC resumes once the obstruction is cleared and the radar is able to detect targets or upon a key cycle.

 

The ACC system does not engage properly if the front radar sensor is not aligned correctly and the message center displays FRONT SENSOR NOT ALIGNED. The ACC resumes once the radar is aligned and is able to properly detect targets.

 

The ABS module estimates brake temperature by monitoring applied brake pressure over a period of time and sends a message to the CCM when the estimated temperature is above a given threshold. An alarm sounds and the ACC system is deactivated until the estimated brake temperature returns to cooler operating conditions. This condition can happen in a hilly or mountainous driving terrain.

 

All CCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are sent to the IPMA on a dedicated private CAN . The IPMA acts as a gateway.

 

Cruise Control Indicator

The ACC indicator located in the IPC illuminates a gray indicator lamp and displays the previous gap setting and SET graphic indicating the systems in standby mode. This notifies the driver the system is ready and the vehicle can be accelerated to the desired speed. A green ACC indicator illuminates when the system is active.

 

Steering Wheel Switch Function

The ACC steering wheel mounted switches are momentary contact switches that toggle up and down for the cruise control switch state. Pressing and releasing the steering wheel cruise control ON/OFF switch turns the cruise control system on. Pressing up (SET+) and releasing the SET switch sets the vehicle's speed and stores the set speed in memory.

 

The ACC indicator illuminates and the message center displays the set speed and gap setting graphic.

 

There are two ways to change the set speed. The first way is to accelerate or brake to the desired speed and press and release the SET cruise control switch until the desired set speed is shown on the message center. The second way is by tapping the SET+ or the SET- switch while in the set mode, increasing or decreasing the displayed set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) per tap. If the respective button is pressed and held, the displayed set speed continues to increase or decrease until the button is released. The ACC system may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new set speed. The set speed displays continuously in the message center while the ACC system is active.

 

Pressing and releasing the OFF switch or switching the ignition to OFF, turns the ACC system off. The ACC set speed memory is erased.

 

Applying the brake or pressing the CNCL switch puts the ACC system in standby mode and the last set speed is displayed in the message center with a strike through. Pressing the RES button when the ACC system is in standby mode causes the vehicle to accelerate to the last set speed. The set speed continuously displays in the message center while the ACC system is active. The RES button does not function if the OFF button is pressed, the ignition is cycled OFF or if the current vehicle speed is below the minimum operational speed.

 

The ACC system has the capability for the driver to change from ACC to standard cruise control. The LH 5-way steering wheel switch is used to switch from the ACC system to standard cruise control system within the message center. For information on selecting the standard cruise control in the message center, refer to Owner's Literature. Once the driver has selected the standard cruise control in the message center, the ACC indicator is replaced by the standard cruise control indicator. The vehicle no longer responds to lead vehicles or automatic braking. Upon the next ignition cycle, the vehicle defaults back to the ACC system.

 

Gap Setting

When a vehicle ahead enters the same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts automatically to maintain a preset distance gap. A bar graph with four preset distance gap settings are displayed in the message center. Pressing up (decrease) or down (increase) on the steering wheel cruise control gap switch increases or decreases the distance from the vehicle ahead. If all of the bars are illuminated, this is the longest gap setting. If only one bar is illuminated, that is the shortest gap setting.

 

The vehicle maintains the distance gap to the vehicle ahead until:

• the vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
• the vehicle ahead moves out of the lane or out of view.
• the vehicle speed falls below 20 km/h (12 mph).
• a new gap distance is set.

After each ignition cycle, the previous gap setting is remembered and the system is set to that gap setting.

 

The distance gap can be overridden by applying the accelerator pedal. The follow vehicle graphic is not displayed in the message center and the green indicator illuminates. When the accelerator pedal is released, the ACC system returns to normal operation and the vehicle speed decreases to the set speed or a lower speed if following a vehicle ahead.

 

Deceleration Control

The CCM commands the ABS module, which controls the brakes, to automatically apply the brakes to slow the vehicle to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.

 

Pre-Collision Assist System Operation

The pre-collision assist system is an additional safety feature on vehicles equipped with ACC . The system is active whether the ACC system is on or off. If the system detects a vehicle, pedestrian or other object in the vehicle path of travel, the system provides three levels of functionality:

• Visual and audible alert
• Brake support
• Active braking

The system uses object detection information from the radar sensor integrated in the CCM and the forward-looking camera in the IPMA mounted on the front windshield below the rear view mirror. The CCM and the IPMA scan a designated area in front of the vehicle. Messages are sent between the CCM and the IPMA on dedicated CAN circuit, which determine whether an object, vehicle or pedestrian is in the path of travel, the approximate distance to the object and how fast the vehicle is approaching it. For additional information,

 

Component Description

Steering Wheel Switches

The cruise control steering wheel mounted switches are momentary contact switches that toggle up and down for the switch state. The switches are an input to the SCCM .

 

Brake Switch

When the brake pedal is applied, an electrical signal from stoplamp circuit to the PCM deactivates the system. Under increased brake pedal effort, the cruise control deactivator switch opens and removes the ground signal from the PCM input circuit releasing the throttle, immediately deactivating the system.

 

CCM

The CCM contains a radar sensing unit which measures the relative speed and the distance between the front of the vehicle and the vehicle being followed. The IPMA is responsible for requesting the PCM to increase vehicle speed and the ABS module to brake, when necessary.

 

All CCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are sent to the IPMA on a dedicated private CAN . The IPMA acts as a gateway.

 

IPMA

The IPMA is located on the windshield, below the interior rear view mirror. The IPMA contains a forward-looking camera with a designated sight line in front of the moving vehicle. The camera detects and differentiate between an approaching object, vehicle or pedestrian in the path of travel. This information is shared with the CCM on a dedicated private CAN circuit.

 

 

Collision Warning and Collision Avoidance System - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

ACC With Pre-Collision Assist

 

Network Message Chart

 

  Network Input Messages - ACM

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
IPC chime	IPC	Data used to command a warning chime during possible collision event and audio mute so that the warning chime can be heard.

 

  Network Input Messages - IPC

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
Collision avoidance and driver support camera status	IPMA	Data used to command the pre-collision assist system fault status in the message center.
Collision avoidance and driver support chime status	CCM	Data used to command a warning chime that a collision event is possible.
Collision avoidance and driver support radar blocked warning	CCM	Data used to command a radar blocked message in the message center.
Forward collision chime request	CCM	Data used to command warning chime during possible collision event. When this message is received, the IPC sends the audio mute message to the ACM .
Forward collision warning message request	CCM	Data used to command warning chime and messages during possible collision event.

 

  Network Input Messages - IPMA

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
Collision avoidance and driver support radar status	IPMA	Data used to communicate the function status of the camera in the IPMA .

 

  Network Input Messages - ABS Module

 

Broadcast Message	Originating Module	Message Purpose
Collision mitigation by braking deceleration request	CCM	Data used to enable the brakes to slow vehicle speed when the pre-collision assist system determines that a collision is imminent.
Collision mitigation by braking brake pre-charge	CCM	Data used to enable the ABS module to pre-charge the brakes to prepare them for rapid braking by the driver.

 

Pre-Collision Assist System Operation

The pre-collision assist system is offered as a camera-only option without ACC . An additional safety feature on vehicles equipped with ACC uses both the CCM (radar) and the IPMA .

 

The system is active whether the ACC system is on or off. If the system detects a vehicle, pedestrian or other object in the vehicle path of travel, the system provides three levels of functionality:

• Visual and audible alert
• Brake support
• Active braking

 

Vehicles equipped with ACC uses object detection information from the radar sensor integrated in the CCM and the forward-looking camera in the IPMA located on the windshield, below the interior rear view mirror. The CCM and the IPMA scan a designated area in front of the vehicle. Network messages are sent between the CCM and the IPMA on dedicated CAN circuits, which determine whether an object, vehicle or pedestrian is in the path of travel, the approximate distance to the object and how fast the vehicle is approaching it.

 

Vehicles equipped without ACC uses object detection information from the forward-looking camera in the IPMA only and is located on the windshield, below the interior rear view mirror.

 

When the vehicle approaches the object, the IPMA sends a message through the GWM to the IPC module to turn on the red pre-collision warning indicator in the message center and to sound an audible alert. The IPMA also sends a message to the ABS module to pre-charge the brakes in order to prepare them for rapid braking. If the system determines that a collision is imminent, an active braking message is sent from the IPMA to the ABS module. The system reduces the gap between the brake pads and discs, applying the brakes to slow vehicle speed without driver intervention.

 

The pre-collision alert system uses image recognition software that differentiates shapes, which allows the system to determine if the approaching object is a vehicle or a pedestrian. If the camera does not recognize the shape as a vehicle or a pedestrian, the system does not provide full function. The system may not work properly at night, in direct or low sunlight, when camera vision is reduced due to weather conditions or due to a blocked CCM radar sensor. If the IPMA camera module is obstructed, the pre-collision system does not respond properly to pedestrians or stationary vehicles and reduces the ability to recognize moving vehicles. Unconventional vehicle types, pedestrians in groups or with complex backgrounds or partly obscured pedestrians may not be detected by the system.

 

The pre-collision assist system is active at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and pedestrian detection is active at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

 

The pre-collision assist system has three levels of sensitivity detection (HIGH, NORMAL and LOW) that can be changed through the message center display in the IPC . The alert sensitivity is adjusted and active braking can be turned OFF in the IPC . The active braking function reverts back to ON at the next ignition cycle.

 

When a system fault is detected with the pre-collision warning system, the message PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED or PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE is displayed in the IPC message center.

 

Component Description

CCM

The CCM contains a radar sensor unit that determines the distance and relative speed of the vehicle that is in the path of travel.

 

All CCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are sent to the IPMA on a dedicated private CAN . The IPMA acts as a gateway for the CCM .

 

Edited March 6, 2023 by Haz

[omar302]

9 hours ago, Haz said:

The ACC system does not function if the vehicle speed is below 20 km/h (12 mph). As the vehicle slows down during automatic braking, the ACC system discontinues braking at 20 km/h (12 mph). At that speed, an audible alarm sounds and the automatic braking from the ABS module is released. The driver must take over the vehicle braking control.

 

I thought in 2019+ models Ford added Stop & Go and that the ACC worked till 0.

[Haz]

Good catch, Omar302!

 

The 2019 Edge SEL Order Guide (edited here for specificity) clearly shows Stop-and-Go as a "new for this model year" Adaptive Cruise Control function...

 

 

The paragraph you cite in this 2019 Edge Workshop Manual section is included through the current 2022-2023 edition, which shares the same revision date as the 2019 version...

 

 

 

So, the quoted paragraph certainly deserves updating to properly describe ACC Stop-and-Go behavior, though at least, AAC stop and go is mentioned in the 2019 Workshop Manual section in relation to Network Input Messages from the Image Processing Module A (IPMA)...

 

 

Ford would do well to hire you into a Proofreader/Editor position in the Technical Writing Department, which you could likely fulfill remotely, without any need to relocate to Dearborn.

 

Good luck!

 

[dabangsta]

I was curious as to not working under 12 mph, as I frequently (following the 14 warnings in the owners manual) use it in stop and go freeway traffic and around town traffic.

 

I almost thought I was tempting fate but the owners manual makes it sound like it is stop-go-stop capable and it is.

 

I am going to just have my wife follow me with my car with a dash cam and check out the video later.

 

I find the owners manuals are frequently not updated correctly to changes in vehicles, even by the 3rd or 4th "printing" downloading the PDFs. My 2017 Escape they didn't add the halogen projector bulb, so many people are confused and get the wrong one.

[omar302]

My 2016 Edge Sport that does Not have stop and go would usually disengage ACC at nearly zero speed before letting go of the brakes.

I'll try to make a video of it next time. 

[lildisco]

Our 2020 recently came to a complete stop & also started in a strictly enforced 26mph zone. I had cruise set to 26mph & the police had someone pulled over & directing traffic a we can to standstill & once traffic in front of us started moving, it started going on its own. I'm not a fan, but can see how this can cut down on detracted driving. 

I consider myself a driving enthusiast & don't like too much technology taking control of certain things, however, I can see how 95% of people could benefit from this kind of technology. I do like how I can turn it on & off at my leisure. 

[dabangsta]

I prefer to have a certain amount of control and not let the vehicle do it, but stop and go traffic for 45 minutes? Vehicle, do your thing!

 

You have to be stopped for less than 3 seconds for it to start back up on its own. If over 3 seconds, you have to press RES on the steering wheel or you have to blip the throttle, then it will "follow" again. Creeped forward for 12 cars at a stop sign without pressing the brake or the gas to continue, pressed the brake for me to stop at the stop sign, then pressed RES and it resumed.

 

I do frequently find myself using the gas to get closer to vehicle in front of me than 1 bar allows, and as it states it will accelerate to a faster speed than set sometimes when you change lanes.