Limitations for camera and radar units

The camera and radar have certain limitations – which in turn also limits those functions that use the units. A driver should be aware about the following examples of limitations.

Common limitations for camera and radar

Blocked unit

Do not position, stick or install anything in front of or around the camera and radar units – this may disrupt camera and radar-based functions. This may result functions being reduced, being switched off completely or giving incorrect function responses.

High temperature

At very high temperatures the camera and radar can temporarily be switched off for about 15 minutes after the engine is started so as to protect the unit's electronics. The units restart automatically when the temperature has fallen sufficiently.

Damaged windscreen

The following rules are also applicable when a camera or radar is placed in the windscreen:
  • If a scratch, crack or stone chip appears in front of the unit and covers an area of approx. 0.5 × 3.0 mm (0.02 × 0.12 inches) or more, a workshop1 must be contacted so that the windscreen can be replaced.
  • Volvo recommends not repairing cracks, scratches or stone chips in the area in front of the unit – the entire windscreen should be replaced instead.
  • Before replacing a windscreen, contact a workshop1 to verify that the correct windscreen has been ordered and will be fitted.
  • The same type of windscreen wipers or windscreen wipers approved by Volvo must be fitted when the windscreen is replaced.
  • When replacing the windscreen, the camera and radar unit must be recalibrated by a workshop1 to ensure the functionality of all the camera and radar-based systems in the car.

 Note

If not rectified, it can lead to reduced performance for the driver support systems that use the camera and/or radar units. This may result functions being reduced, being switched off completely or giving incorrect function responses.

Further limitations for radar

Vehicle speed

The radar unit's ability to detect a vehicle ahead is greatly reduced if the speed of the vehicle ahead is very different to the speed of your own car.

Limited field of vision

The radar unit has a limited field of vision. In some situations another vehicle is not detected, or the detection is made later than expected.

P5-1507-Adaptie Cruise Control, radar sensor field of vision
The radar unit's field of vision
  1. P5-Icon red circle 1Sometimes the radar unit is late at detecting vehicles at close distances - e.g. a vehicle that drives in between your car and the vehicle ahead.
  2. P5-Icon red circle 2Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or vehicles not driving in the centre of the lane can remain undetected.
  3. P5-Icon red circle 3In bends, the radar unit may detect a different vehicle than intended or lose a detected vehicle from view.

Low trailers

P5-1507-Adaptiver Cruise Control, radar limitations when towing
Low trailer in radar shadow

Low trailers can also be difficult for the radar unit to detect, or are not detected at all - the driver should therefore be particularly careful when driving behind low trailers when the adaptive cruise control* or Pilot Assist* is activated.

Further limitations for camera

Impaired vision

The cameras have limitations similar to the human eye, i.e. may "see" worse in for example intense snowfall or rain, dense fog, heavy dust storms and snow flurries. Under such conditions, the functions of camera-dependent systems could be significantly reduced or temporarily disengaged.

Strong oncoming light, reflections in the carriageway, snow or ice on the road surface, dirty road surfaces or unclear lane markings can also significantly reduce camera function when it is used to scan the carriageway to detect pedestrians, cyclists, large animals and other vehicles.

Bicycle racks or other accessories mounted at the rear of the car may obscure the camera's view.

Further limitations for Park assist camera*

Blind sectors

P5-1617-Park Assist Camera 360, all camera views
There are "blind" sectors between the cameras' fields of vision.

In the park assist camera's 360° view* obstacles/objects may "vanish" in the gaps between the individual cameras.

 Warning

Pay attention to the possibility that, even if it only looks like a relatively small part of the image is obscured, a relatively large sector could be hidden from view. An obstacle could thereby go undetected until the car is very close to it.

Light conditions

The camera image is adjusted automatically according to prevailing light conditions. Because of this, the image may vary slightly in brightness and quality. Poor light conditions can result in reduced image quality.

  1. 1 An authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
  2. * Option/accessory.