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How do I turn on Ford pre-collision assist?

Ford's Pre-Collision Assist is a safety feature that can help detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to turn on this feature in your Ford vehicle.


Enabling Pre-Collision Assist


To turn on Ford Pre-Collision Assist, follow these steps:



  1. Locate the settings menu on your Ford vehicle's infotainment system.

  2. Navigate to the "Driver Assistance" or "Safety" settings.

  3. Look for an option labeled "Pre-Collision Assist" or something similar.

  4. Toggle the setting to "On" or "Enabled".


Once enabled, the Pre-Collision Assist feature will be active and ready to help detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if necessary.


Understanding Pre-Collision Assist


Ford's Pre-Collision Assist uses a forward-facing camera and radar sensors to monitor the road ahead. If the system detects a potential collision, it will first provide visual and audible warnings to the driver. If the driver does not respond, the system will automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.

The Pre-Collision Assist feature can be customized to suit your driving preferences. You can adjust the sensitivity of the system, as well as the timing of the warnings and braking interventions.


Limitations and Considerations


It's important to note that Pre-Collision Assist is an advanced driver assistance feature and not a substitute for safe driving practices. The system may not always detect every potential collision, and it's crucial for the driver to remain alert and ready to take action.p>

Additionally, the effectiveness of Pre-Collision Assist may be affected by environmental conditions, such as poor visibility or inclement weather. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the system's capabilities and limitations before relying on it in critical situations.

How to reset pre-collision assist?


To reset a pre-collision system malfunction, first try a simple car restart. If that fails, clean the front sensors and camera lens, as dirt is a common cause. A more thorough reset can be done by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes, or by checking and potentially replacing any blown fuses. 
Simple resets

  • Restart the vehicle: Turn your car off, wait for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the computers to power down, and then restart it. 
  • Clean the sensors: Wipe down the front of the vehicle, paying special attention to the area behind the brand emblem and the front windshield, as dirt or debris can block the camera and radar sensors. 

This video demonstrates how to clean the pre-collision sensors and restart the vehicle: 57sCar FixYouTube · Jul 2, 2025
Advanced resets
  • Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10 to 15 minutes to fully power down the electronics. Remember to reconnect the terminal securely before starting the car. Some models may require a longer time or connecting the terminals together after disconnection to fully drain the reserve voltage.
  • Check fuses: Inspect the vehicle's fuses to see if any related to the pre-collision system have blown. A short circuit could cause a fuse to blow. 

When to see a professional
  • If the warning persists after these steps, there may be a more complex issue like a faulty sensor, a wiring problem, or a need for a professional diagnostic tool.
  • A dealership or a mechanic with the correct diagnostic software can read the error codes and perform any necessary recalibrations or repairs. 



Why does my Ford say pre-collision assist is not available?


Side just check the manual to know for sure unfortunately. It's not uncommon for four vehicles to develop. Problems with the radars. Themselves. So the rodars may fail or be disconnected.



At what speed is pre-collision assist active?


approximately 3 mph
The Pre-Collision Assist system is active at speeds above approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and pedestrian detection is active at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Alert: When active, the system provides a flashing visual warning and an audible warning sound.



How do I activate collision Prevention Assist Plus?


To activate Collision Prevention Assist Plus, navigate to the "Assistance" menu in your vehicle's onboard computer via the control screen, then select "Collision Prevention Assist Plus" and choose to enable it. The system is often activated by default when the car starts, so you may only need to do this to re-enable it after it has been manually deactivated or if it is disabled due to an error. 
This video shows how to activate Collision Prevention Assist Plus in a Mercedes-Benz: 58sMercedes-BenzYouTube · Jul 8, 2015
Step-by-step activation

  1. Start the vehicle: and turn on the onboard computer display. 
  2. Navigate to the main menu: (often by pressing a "home" or "menu" button on the steering wheel or central console). 
  3. Select the "Assistance" menu: (or similar, like "Driver Assistance" or "Collision Avoidance"). 
  4. Choose the "Collision Prevention Assist Plus": option. 
  5. Select "On" or "Enable": to activate the system. The system may also provide options to adjust sensitivity. 
  6. Confirm your selection: to save the changes. 

What to do if the system remains off
  • Clean the sensors: A dirty or blocked radar sensor (usually behind the front bumper) or camera (often behind the windshield near the rear-view mirror) can cause the system to not function. Clean both areas, as dirt, snow, or ice can interfere with their operation. 
  • Check for system errors: If the system does not turn on after cleaning the sensors, there may be a more serious issue. Check for any warning messages or "inoperative" indicators in the instrument cluster, as described in this Facebook post. 
  • Contact a professional: If the problem persists, it may be necessary to have the system diagnosed by a qualified mechanic or the dealership, as mentioned in this Facebook post. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.