Limitations of the camera unit

The camera unit has certain limitations - which in turn also limits those functions that use the unit.

Impaired vision

The camera has limitations similar to the human eye, i.e. it can "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.

Blocked unit

P5-1507-CitySafety Vindrutans kamera
The marked area must be kept free from stickers, objects, shade film, etc.1.

The camera unit is placed inside the upper section of the windscreen together with the car's radar unit.

 Important

Do not place, stick or mount anything on the outside or inside of the windscreen in front of or around the camera and radar unit — this can interfere with camera and radar-dependent functions.

This may mean that functions are reduced, deactivated completely or give incorrect function response.

P5-1507-TabellSymbol "Se i-bok" 10x10

If the driver display shows this symbol with the message Windscreen sensor Sensor blocked, see Owner's manual, it means that the camera and radar unit cannot detect other vehicles in front of the car.

The following table presents examples of possible causes for a message being shown, along with the appropriate action:

CauseAction
The windscreen surface in front of the camera and radar unit is dirty or covered with ice or snow.Clean dirt, ice and snow from the windscreen surface in front of the camera and radar unit.
Thick fog and heavy rain or snow block the radar signals or the camera view.No action. Sometimes the unit does not work during heavy rain or snowfall.
Water or snow from the road surface swirls up and blocks the radar signals or camera view.No action. Sometimes the unit does not work on a very wet or snow-covered road surface.
Dirt has appeared between the inside of the windscreen and the camera and radar unit.Visit a workshop to have the windscreen inside the unit's cover cleaned - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
Strong oncoming lightNo action. The camera unit is reset automatically in more favourable light conditions.

 Note

Keep the windscreen clean in front of the camera and radar unit.

High temperature

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

Damaged windscreen

 Important

If a crack, scratch or stone chip in the windscreen in front of one of the camera and radar unit “windows” covers an area of approx. 0.5 x 3.0 mm or larger, a workshop must be contacted to have the windscreen replaced. An authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.

If not rectified it can lead to reduced performance for the driver support systems that use the camera and radar unit.

This may mean that functions are reduced, deactivated completely or give incorrect function response.

To avoid the risk of failed, deficient or reduced operation of driver support systems that use the radar unit, the following also applies:
  • Volvo recommends against repairing cracks, scratches or stone chips in the area in front of the camera and radar unit. Instead, the whole windscreen should be replaced.
  • Before replacing a windscreen, contact an authorised Volvo workshop to verify that the correct windscreen is ordered and fitted.
  • The same type or Volvo-approved windscreen wipers must be fitted during replacement.

 Important

When the windscreen is replaced, the camera and radar unit must be recalibrated at the workshop to ensure the functionality of all the car’s camera and radar-based systems. An authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.

Maintenance

In order that the radar and camera unit shall function correctly, the windscreen in front of the unit must be kept clear of dirt, ice and snow, and be cleaned regularly with water and car shampoo.

 Note

Dirt, ice and snow covering the camera and radar unit will reduce its function and may prevent measurement.

This may mean that functions are reduced, deactivated completely or give incorrect function response.

  1. 1 NOTE: The illustration is schematic - details may vary depending on car model.