Automatic Emergency Braking Nissan Warning Light: What to do When it Comes On?

The automatic emergency braking (AEB) system is an important safety feature in many new Nissan models. This feature mainly uses radar and cameras to detect potential frontal collisions, and it can also automatically apply the brakes to avoid any impact.
However, this system can sometimes malfunction and trigger the AEB warning light on your dashboard.
Table of Contents
Understanding the AEB Warning Light
- The AEB indicator is typically a yellow or orange-coloured symbol that looks like a car braking in front of an impact point.
- It may also be accompanied by a message stating “Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction” or “Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled.”
- This light coming on means that there is an issue with the AEB system that requires attention.
- On some Nissan models like the Rogue, the AEB system integrates with the forward collision warning system.
- In these vehicles, the same warning light may come on for both AEB and forward collision issues.
- Check your owner’s manual to understand what your specific indicator means.
Potential Causes of the AEB Warning Light
There are a few different issues that can trigger the AEB warning light in your Nissan:
- Blocked radar or camera sensors: The sensors along the grille or windshield may be obstructed by dirt, ice, snow or an object. This prevents the system from working properly.
- Sensor misalignment: If the vehicle was in a collision, the radar or camera sensors may have shifted out of their proper alignment.
- System malfunction: Faulty AEB computer, module, wiring issues, or other electrical problems can also cause the light to come on.
- Temporary conditions: Sometimes, driving in very heavy rain or fog can temporarily disrupt the radar signals and set the light on.
What to Do When the AEB Warning Appears
Follow these steps when you see the automatic emergency braking warning:
- Pull over when it’s safe and put the vehicle in park. Turn off and restart the engine to reset the system. See if the light turns back off after the reset.
- Check for obstructions and clear any dirt, ice or debris from the AEB system radar and camera sensors.
- If the light comes back on, have the AEB system inspected by a Nissan dealer or a repair shop. They can check for sensor misalignment and diagnose any electrical issues if onboard.
- Follow safe driving distances until the system can be repaired. The AEB may be disabled, but the regular braking system may still works.
Maintaining the AEB System
You can minimize issues with the AEB by:
- Keep the sensors clean and free of ice, snow, and debris. In addition to that, do not cover those with stickers or accessories.
- Have the alignment checked after major collisions. Even minor collisions should be inspected.
- Follow Nissan’s recommended AEB calibration and testing procedures.
- Watch for recalls. Nissan has issued recalls for AEB sensor adjustments and computer reprogramming.
- Ignoring the AEB warning light can leave you without this critical safety system in an emergency situation.
- Diagnose and repair the issues promptly to restore the full function of your vehicle.
- With proper attention, you can keep this potentially life-saving technology operating properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Emergency Braking Nissan Warning Light
Q: Is it safe to drive with the AEB warning light on?
A: It is not recommended to drive with this light on. The AEB safety system may be disabled if it is on. Use extra caution and increase the following distance until the issue can be repaired.
Q: Can I permanently disable the AEB if I don’t want it?
A: It is not advisable to permanently deactivate a safety system like AEB. But there may be a process to do so through a dealer if you truly do not want this safety feature.