A VEC sensor fault Volvo truck problem can happen at any point in any vehicle owner’s life.
Although there are many benefits that the VEC sensor offers, it is most definitely not perfect. There are some issues that can arise, which is why it is important to know how to deal with these once they happen.
Basically, the VEC or the Volvo Enhanced Cruise is a system working with the cruise control of your vehicle to ensure a safe and considerable distance between you and the other motorists on the road.
This feature also comes with a special capability of slowing your vehicle down with the foundation brakes and the engine. Hence, you can prevent colliding with the other vehicle while alerting drivers to possible dangers.
Moreover, this sophisticated technology includes a combination of adaptive cruise control, as well as proactive braking. These are all helpful when it comes to avoiding collisions. As it is already integrated into the Volvo cruise control system, you can simply turn the cruise control and set up your speed, which activates your vehicle’s intervention features.
But what if problems come along? Or can you completely count on this sensor for your safety? We investigate and discuss more about these topics below.
VEC Sensor Fault Volvo Truck Issues
When you have the VEC sensor installed in your vehicle, this gives you the advantage of proactively braking. What this means is that your vehicle slows down automatically – there is no need for your intervention. In the event that a vehicle in front of you slows down and the speed falls below your cruise control’s set speed, the VEC will then reduce the throttle to your engine.
Then, the engine brakes are applied, as well as the foundation brakes. These are all done to make sure there is a safe distance between you and another vehicle. But at the same time, you still have total braking capabilities when necessary.
However, if the vehicle ahead speeds up and drives farther away, the VEC sensor will increase your speed. There is an automatic intervention when you set the cruise control on and you set the set speed.
But it is important to note that there are instances when the VEC sensor becomes faulty. For instance, there are some drivers who encounter seeing the VEC sensor fault code appearing on their dashboard.
This can be concerning, especially if you rely on the VEC for your safety and ease when driving. According to some drivers, upon hitting the front sensor panel, there are times that it works while other times, it does not.
Now, specialists explain that your VEC sensor is located in the bumper, specifically your front antenna radar. When a fault shows up, it is usually due to a connection issue right at the unit. For instance, the wiring connection is faulty or the unit itself is the problem.
When you encounter this problem, you can check the ground and power at the unit while making sure you have the key on. In case the unit is the problem, then this will need to be replaced with a new one while having the newly installed unit aligned.
There were also reports of Volvo recalling some trucks to replace the antenna’s harness. Some units are indeed included in the recall, and it is important to know if yours may be a part of it. The best way to know is by contacting your local dealer and providing the last 8 digits of your VIN. Then, they should be able to let you know if your unit is part of the ones being recalled and in need of an antenna replacement.
Additional Points About The VEC Sensor
When the unit is working properly, there are numerous benefits that you can get from it. For instance, it releases a beep that warns drivers when the distance between you and the other vehicle is minimal. This appears as a modulated tone that rings constantly, so you can quickly apply your brakes or perform the right action with such a short distance.
The other features such as close cut-in alert and the following distance alerts are turned on all the time – even if you have the cruise control turned off. But the only thing that you need to activate by turning the cruise control is the impact alert function.
There is also a visual indicator found on your instrument cluster, which shows you the speed of a vehicle in front of you and the speed at which they are closing the gap between you. There are LEDs that outline your speedometer, including a green or red light for the vehicle ahead.
Generally, the default following distance by the system is 2.8 seconds, which is about 250 feet when you are driving at 60 mph. But you are always free to change this distance setting as you deem necessary. You will need a distance switch for this, which can be purchased as a factory-installed add-on.
Now, there are instances when the VEC sensor fault may show up, which can be concerning if drivers have become fully dependent on this system for maintaining a safe distance with other vehicles. When this happens, it can most certainly increase the likelihood of a collision when you are not able to act swiftly.
Although such technologies are indeed helpful and convenient for drivers, nothing can replace alertness when driving. These tools are available at your disposal and can be very helpful when they work well. Yet, if they begin to malfunction, then you also have to be aware of the right distance and driving speed based on the situation you are in.
Final Word
The VEC sensor fault Volvo truck issue can be concerning when you are completely reliant on this function and fail to act quickly. This is why if you notice some error codes showing up, it is best to take your vehicle to your dealer sooner than later to have this issue rectified and maintain your peace of mind while driving.