When the  “Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem” warning message appears on your Acura dashboard, it means there is an issue with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The system may malfunction leading to an abnormal operation, which will disable the automatic braking and acceleration while in use, or you may not be able to use the ACC. Fixed the issue as soon as possible.

What Does the Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem Warning Message Mean?

The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is one of the advanced driving assistance or AcuraWatch features that can be turned On or Off with a click of a button on your steering wheel. It can be activated once the speed condition of 40km/h has been met. It is responsible for reducing the stress of the user while driving especially on the long drive highway, by automatically adjusting the acceleration that the user has set, and automatically decelerating the vehicle if there’s a vehicle in the front. When the warning message appears, it means the system detects some faults that need to be checked.

⚠️ Why You Should Fix It As Soon As Possible

Safety Risk – You may cause a collision with another vehicle leading to more damage and trouble

Performance Issues – The Adaptive Cruise Control will not be functional and you may not be able to use it.

Costly Repairs if Ignored – Ignoring the warning message may cause more issues affecting related parts of the feature to get damaged.  The estimated cost of repair is about $100 – $3000.

Common Causes

Here are the most common reasons this light appears:

⚠️Electrical Failure – The common cause of electrical failure in your vehicle is a busted fuse, frayed wire, or loose connections that may cut the signal or the current flow going to the electrical components, 

⚠️Faulty Cruise Control Module (CCM) or Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM)  – A faulty electronic device or module may get damaged because of dirt, water, heat, and short circuit. Outdated software updates may also cause the module to malfunction. 

⚠️Faulty Radar – If something is obstructing the radar, It will cause the ACC to malfunction. The radar is responsible for detecting objects by wave signal and delivering it to the system to analyze that information for the other systems to receive and react. 

⚠️Faulty Camera – A dirty or faulty camera may cause the system to malfunction. The camera is responsible for detecting images like road signs, lines, persons, or cars in front of the vehicle. 

⚠️Faulty VSA/ABS – If there is a fault in the Vehicle Stability Assist or in the Antilock Braking System it may affect the Cruise Control System of your Acura. 

⚠️Faulty MAF Sensor – A dirty or defective MAF sensor may cause the issue. This may also cause engine malfunction and affect fuel efficiency.

⚠️Faulty Acceleration Pedal Sensor – The pedal acceleration sensor is responsible for sending a signal on how the throttle valve body will close and open, synchronized to the user’s request.

⚠️Dirty Throttle Body – A dirty throttle valve may get stuck and block the air intake, affecting the engine performance.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the issue.

Common Symptoms

• A warning message appears on your dashboard – If there is an issue with the Adaptive Cruise Control, the system will trigger a warning message so the user will be notified and to fix the issue as soon as possible. 
• The ACC cannot be turned on or enabled – By pressing the ACC button on your steering wheel will enable the standby mode. Waiting for the user to adjust the desired speed. Once it is achieved it will activate the ACC. If you cannot see the ACC standby mode after pressing the button, this is a sign that the ACC is at fault. 
• The ACC can not be activated – When the ACC is on or in stand-by mode the ACC must be activated once it reaches the desired speed of the user. The minimum requirement for the ACC to activate is 40 km/h. Once activated the color of the ACC icon will turn to color green. 
• The ACC is canceling out – The ACC can not be activated or set. It is canceling out for safety reasons. 
• Other AcuraWatch features not functioning – It affects the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS), and Collision Mitigation Braking System(CMBS)

Troubleshooting & Fixes

Before taking your car to a mechanic, try these DIY fixes:

1. Inspect Fuses– look for damaged or melted fuses in your vehicle’s fuse box. This could be an indicator of an electrical issue in your car. ONLY REPLACE OLD FUSES WITH NEW ONES OF THE SAME AMPERAGE.
2. Inspect Wiring & Connections – Look for loose or frayed wires around the radar, camera, and modules. (CCM, ECU/PCM, and ABS).
3. Inspect Radar, and Camera for Dirt and Damage – Sensors, radar, and camera can become damaged or dirty over time. Check for dirt, water damage, or loose wiring and connector, as this might be the reason for the problem.
4. Check the Windshield – Clean the windshield, especially on the camera side, and make sure it is clear with no dirt and damage that may block the view of the camera. 
5. Calibrate the Camera and Radar – Refer to the repair manual for accurate measurements and make the necessary adjustments.
6. Check the Steering Spiral Cable -A faulty spiral cable or slip ring may cause the cruise control buttons not to be functional. The cruise control can only be found on the steering wheel where the spiral cable is connected. 
7. Check ACC Buttons -A controller or buttons of the cruise control may get damaged mechanically or electrical failure. 
8. Check the Engine Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, Throttle Body, and Accelerator Pedal Sensor – Look for signs of damage, dirt, water damage, or loose wiring and connector. Use the scanner to check their communication signal condition. These engine parts may cause the ACC to malfunction. 
9. Check the Brake Switch – Verify the rear brake light is functioning properly by pressing and releasing the brake pedal. A faulty switch may cause the ACC to malfunction.
10. Check the components related to the acceleration – Check the signal of the accelerator pedal sensor and MAF sensor. Include checking and cleaning the condition of the throttle body assembly. These components may disable the ACC system.
11.  Use an OBD-II Scanner – Follow this step-by-step guide on how to read and clear fault codes on an Acura.
12. Reset the System– If the warning light/error message was caused by a glitch in the system, it can be cleared by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes or using a scan tool.

Common OBD-II Fault Codes 

If you scan your vehicle with an OBD-II scan tool, you may see one of these codes:

• P0564 – Cruise Control Multi-Function Input “A” Circuit Malfunction
• P1570 – Cruise Control Switch Signal Circuit Malfunction
• U0104 – Lost Communication with Cruise Control Module (CCM)
• P0500– Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
• P0571 – Brake Switch “A” Circuit Malfunction
• P0572 – Brake Switch “A” Circuit Low
• P0573– Brake Switch “A” Circuit High
• P0560 – System Voltage Error
• P2122 / P2127 / P2138 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor issues

🚗 Need help decoding a fault code? Use the YOUCANIC Scanner to read and clear trouble codes instantly.

Follow this video tutorial on how to read and clear fault codes on an Acura.

🤔 FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Adaptive Cruise Control Problem should never be ignored, as it could indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s advanced driving assistance features. By following these troubleshooting steps and scanning for fault codes, you can save time and money while ensuring your car remains safe and reliable.