2024-2025 Jeep Compass ACC Sensor Blinded TSB

Owners of 2024-2025 Jeep Compass and Dodge Durango vehicles may encounter various warning messages on their instrument panel cluster related to the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS). These messages, such as "ACC Sensor Blinded" or "ACC Unavailable Service Required," typically indicate a temporary condition affecting the radar sensor responsible for these systems. This issue is addressed in Manufacturer Communication S2408000098.

Symptoms

If you own a 2024-2025 Jeep Compass or Dodge Durango, you might observe one or more of the following warning messages displayed on your instrument panel cluster:

• "ACC Sensor Blinded"
• "ACC Unavailable Service Required"
• "FCW Unavailable Service Required"
• "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system disabled"
• "Loss of Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) Features"

These messages indicate that the vehicle's ADAS features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), may be temporarily unavailable.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these warning messages appear, a technician observing the vehicle will likely find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC):

• C14A5-00: Sensor Blinded

This DTC specifically points to the radar sensor being obstructed or unable to detect targets properly.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The systems that generate these warnings, including the Jeep Compass ACC Sensor Blinded message, rely on a radar sensor located in the front bumper fascia. This sensor can be temporarily affected by various environmental factors and driving conditions. Common triggers include:

• Accumulation of snow, ice, mud, or other road contaminants on the fascia or bumper.
• Blockage due to driving in areas with extremely low radar returns, such as deserts or parallel to large elevation drops.

It is important to understand that these conditions are considered normal operation for the system. The vehicle's ADAS will automatically recover and resume full functionality once the obstruction is cleared and an ignition cycle occurs, validating the cleared condition.

Important Warnings for Owners

Stellantis (Jeep/Dodge) emphasizes specific guidelines regarding the diagnosis and repair of this issue. Owners should be aware of the following:

• Do not replace the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM/ACC) if the DTC C14A5-00 is in a "Stored" status. This is considered normal operation and does not warrant module replacement.
• If the C14A5-00 fault code is still present and "Active," you should drive the vehicle for approximately 5 minutes. During this time, the radar system requires sense targets (such as other cars or metal signs) to detect and receive feedback. Without these targets, the C14A5-00 "Active" fault code will not transition to a "Stored" status.

What Owners Should Do

If you experience the Jeep Compass ACC Sensor Blinded warning or any related ADAS messages, the first step is to inspect the front bumper fascia where the radar sensor is located. Look for any visible contaminants like mud, dirt, ice, or road debris that might be obstructing the sensor's view. Cleaning this area may resolve the issue.

If the warning persists or the DTC C14A5-00 remains active after cleaning, driving the vehicle for about 5 minutes in an area with other traffic (to provide radar targets) should allow the system to re-evaluate and clear the active fault. If the issue continues after these steps, or if you have any concerns, it is recommended to contact your dealership for further diagnosis. This manufacturer communication, S2408000098, provides guidance for technicians on these specific conditions.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11007085

FAQs

Q: What does "ACC Sensor Blinded" mean in my 2024-2025 Jeep Compass or Dodge Durango? A: It means the radar sensor for your Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and other Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) is temporarily obstructed, preventing it from functioning correctly.

Q: Is the C14A5-00 fault code a serious problem? A: Not necessarily. According to TSB S2408000098, if the C14A5-00 DTC is in a "Stored" status, it's often a normal operational event caused by temporary sensor blockage, not a module failure.

Q: How can I clear the "ACC Sensor Blinded" warning or C14A5-00 DTC? A: First, inspect and clean any contaminants from the front bumper radar sensor. If the C14A5-00 fault is still "Active," drive the vehicle for about 5 minutes in an area with other vehicles or metal objects to allow the radar to detect targets and clear the status.

Q: Should I replace the DASM/ACC module if I see the C14A5-00 DTC? A: No, the manufacturer communication explicitly states that the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM/ACC) should not be replaced if the C14A5-00 DTC is in a "Stored" status, as this is considered normal operation.