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Why is my automatic emergency braking system light flashing?

If the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system light on your vehicle is flashing, it typically indicates that there is an issue with the system that requires attention. The AEB system is designed to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an accident. A flashing warning light suggests that the system is not functioning properly and may need to be serviced.


What Causes the AEB Light to Flash?


There are several potential reasons why the AEB light may be flashing on your vehicle:



  • Sensor Malfunction: The AEB system relies on various sensors, such as radar or camera sensors, to detect obstacles and potential collisions. If one or more of these sensors is malfunctioning, the AEB light may flash to indicate a problem with the sensor.

  • System Failure: The AEB system itself may have experienced a failure or malfunction, causing the warning light to activate. This could be due to a software or hardware issue within the system.li>
  • Obstructed Sensors: If the sensors responsible for the AEB system are blocked or obstructed, the system may not be able to function properly, leading to the warning light flashing. This could be caused by dirt, snow, ice, or other debris on the sensors.li>
  • System Deactivation: In some cases, the AEB system may be temporarily deactivated, either by the driver or due to certain driving conditions, causing the warning light to flash.


If the AEB light is flashing, it's important to have the issue diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of the safety system.


What to Do if the AEB Light is Flashing


If you notice the AEB light flashing on your vehicle's dashboard, here are the steps you should take:



  • Check for Obstructions: Visually inspect the front of your vehicle, where the AEB sensors are typically located, to ensure that they are not blocked by dirt, snow, ice, or other debris. Clean the sensors if necessary.li>
  • Consult the Owner's Manual: Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on how to troubleshoot and address AEB system issues. The manual may provide guidance on resetting the system or identifying the cause of the warning light.li>
  • Take it to a Mechanic: If the issue persists or you are unable to resolve it yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or the dealership for diagnosis and repair. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to identify and fix the problem with the AEB system.


Addressing a flashing AEB light promptly is important to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems.

Why is my automatic emergency brake light flashing?


A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions: • When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield.
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How to reset parking brake sensor?


To reset a parking brake sensor, try the following methods: manually operate the parking brake (engaging and disengaging it a few times), disconnect the car's battery to reset the electronic system, or use a diagnostic scanner to clear the fault codes. If these steps don't work, there may be an underlying mechanical problem, such as low brake fluid or a faulty actuator, that requires professional diagnosis. 
Method 1: Manually operate the parking brake
This method cycles the system and can sometimes reset the sensor. 

  1. Make sure your car is parked safely.
  2. Press the parking brake button or pull the lever.
  3. While the brake is engaged, firmly press the brake pedal.
  4. Release the parking brake.
  5. Repeat this process several times to see if the warning light turns off.

Method 2: Disconnect the vehicle's battery 
This forces the car's computer to reset. 
  1. Turn the vehicle off and pop the hood.
  2. Locate the negative terminal on your battery and disconnect it.
  3. Wait a few minutes.
  4. Reconnect the negative terminal and start the vehicle to see if the warning light has cleared.

This video demonstrates how to reset the electronic parking brake without a scan tool: 59sIFIXMINIYouTube · Sep 9, 2021
Method 3: Use a diagnostic scanner 
If you have access to one, this is the most direct way to clear electronic fault codes.
  1. Connect the scanner to the vehicle's OBD-II port, which is usually under the dashboard. 
  2. Follow the scanner's instructions to read fault codes. 
  3. Access the "Electronic Parking Brake" or similar menu and clear the code. 

When to seek professional help
If the light remains on after trying these steps, there may be a more serious issue.
  • Low brake fluid: Check the brake fluid reservoir and fill if needed. If you constantly have to add fluid, there may be a leak. 
  • Faulty actuator: The electronic parking brake actuator is a common point of failure. 
  • Other system issues: A mechanic can properly diagnose and repair any mechanical or electrical problems. 



How to fix automatic emergency braking Nissan malfunction?


To fix a Nissan automatic emergency braking (AEB) malfunction, start by cleaning the front sensors on the emblem or grille and the windshield camera, then restart the car. If the issue persists, check for obstructions on rear sensors, try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, or use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes. If these steps fail, a dealership or professional mechanic should be consulted for recalibration or more complex repairs.
 
Initial checks

  • Clean the sensors: The most common cause is a dirty front radar sensor behind the Nissan emblem on the grille, or a dirty windshield camera. Clean both thoroughly with a soft cloth. 
  • Address other obstructions: Make sure there is no dirt, snow, ice, or mud on the rear sensors as well. 
  • Check for weather-related issues: Heavy rain, fog, or snow can sometimes trigger the system. If the problem is related to weather, it may go away once conditions improve and the sensors are clear. 

System reset and advanced troubleshooting
You can watch this video to learn how to clean the front radar sensor: 56sCarnivautoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
  • Restart the car: After cleaning, turn the engine off and on again. A hard reset can sometimes be achieved by turning the car off, holding the brake pedal down for about 5 seconds, then starting it up again. 
  • Disconnect the battery: A more advanced reset is to disconnect the car's battery for a period of time, then reconnect it. One user reported success by doing this and then unplugging and replugging the rear sensor cable. 
  • Use an OBD-II scanner: A diagnostic tool can read fault codes from the system, which may provide a more specific cause for the malfunction. 
  • Check fuses and wiring: Inspect the wiring harness to the sensor and check for any blown fuses related to the system. 

When to seek professional help
This video explains some potential causes for Nissan's AEB system malfunction: 53sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Dec 7, 2022
  • Recalibration: If the sensor has been knocked out of alignment, or after replacing a sensor, it will likely need to be professionally recalibrated using specialized equipment. 
  • Complex repairs: If the issue persists after trying the above steps, there may be a faulty sensor or a deeper software issue that only a dealer or mechanic can diagnose and fix. 

Note: You can temporarily disable the AEB system through the vehicle's settings menu, but it is recommended to leave the system on for safety.



Why is my aeb light blinking?


A blinking Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) light most often means a sensor is obstructed, such as by dirt, snow, or frost on the windshield camera or front grille radar sensor. If cleaning the sensors doesn't resolve the issue, there may be a deeper system fault, such as a sensor misalignment, wiring problem, or software glitch that requires a diagnostic scan or professional inspection.
 
This video explains what to do when the AEB light is blinking: 1mFixbookYouTube · Aug 3, 2025
Common causes and solutions
You can watch this video to learn how to fix AEB faults: 59sJon Suty Automotive RepairYouTube · Feb 2, 2023

  • Obstructions: This is the most frequent cause. The system can't function if its sensors are blocked by anything. 
    • Clean the sensors: Gently wipe the front grille area (where the radar sensor is often located, sometimes behind the emblem) and the inside of your windshield in the area of the front-facing camera. 
    • Check for weather: Heavy rain, fog, snow, or frost can trigger the light. Wiping the windshield or clearing snow/ice should fix it. Driving into the sun can also cause glare that confuses the camera. 
  • System malfunction or damage: If cleaning doesn't work, the system may have a fault. 
    • Check for DTCs: Use an OBD-II scanner to read any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This can help pinpoint the exact issue. 
    • Sensor misalignment: A minor impact can knock the radar sensor out of alignment, requiring a professional recalibration. 
    • Wiring issues or component failure: Damaged wiring or a failed sensor could be the problem. These will need professional diagnosis and potentially replacement. 
  • Low brake fluid: While less common for a blinking light, some systems may trigger a general brake warning if the brake fluid level is low. Check your brake fluid reservoir. 
    • Check brake fluid: Ensure the brake fluid level is between the minimum and maximum lines. 
    • Consult a professional: If the fluid is low, it could indicate a leak and should be inspected by a mechanic. 

What to do next
  • Drive with caution: When the light is blinking, the AEB system is disabled, so you must manually pay extra attention to your surroundings and brake as needed. 
  • Clean the sensors: This is the first and easiest step. 
  • Use an OBD-II scanner: This can provide specific error codes to help diagnose the problem. 
  • Seek professional help: If the light persists after cleaning, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or the dealership for a full diagnostic scan, recalibration, or repair. 


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.