2022-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio FCW/ACC Warning Lamps

Owners of 2022-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles may observe warning lamps for the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems illuminating on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). This condition, identified in Manufacturer Communication S2408000056, typically indicates a temporary deactivation of these systems rather than a permanent fault. When the Alfa Romeo Stelvio FCW ACC warning appears, specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored in the ACC module.

Symptoms

If your 2022-2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio experiences this issue, you will notice warning lamps or messages related to the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems appearing on your instrument cluster while driving. These warnings signify that the FCW and ACC systems are temporarily unavailable.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the Alfa Romeo Stelvio FCW ACC warning occurs, a technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the ACC module:

• C1417-78: Horizontal Misalignment of Sensor - Incorrect Alignment or Adjustment
• C1418-78: Vertical Misalignment of Sensor - Incorrect Alignment or Adjustment
• C1409-97: Blinded Radar Sensor - Obstructed or Blocked Component

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

These DTCs and the corresponding Alfa Romeo Stelvio FCW ACC warning are set when the FCW and ACC systems become temporarily unavailable. The system is designed to warn the driver and temporarily deactivate when the radar cannot detect obstacles during normal driving conditions. This temporary deactivation can be caused by several factors, including:

• Changes in vehicle weight distribution, such as heavy cargo or passengers.
• Changes in vehicle geometry, possibly due to modifications or damage.
• Roads with limited radar references, like those lacking guard rails, road signs, or other vehicles to be sensed.
• Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain or snowfall.
• Highly reflective conditions, such as driving through tunnels with reflective tiles, over ice or snow, or in areas with road work, or when facing blinding angles of the sun.
• The presence of mud, dirt, or ice on the bumper or radar surface and/or its cover support areas.

Important Warning for Owners

It is crucial for owners to understand the nature of this warning. As stated in Manufacturer Communication S2408000056:

"NOTE: This is not a system fault, but rather a message alerting the driver that the FCW and ACC (if activated) may be temporarily inhibited until the condition is cleared allowing a normal system relearn while driving. In this case no radar adjustment nor replacement is required."

This means that the appearance of these warning lamps and DTCs often does not indicate a need for repair or component replacement. The system is functioning as intended by temporarily deactivating under specific conditions to ensure safety.

What Owners Should Do

If you experience the Alfa Romeo Stelvio FCW ACC warning and the associated warning lamps, it's important to first consider the driving conditions and vehicle load. Often, once the triggering conditions (like heavy rain or an obstructed sensor) clear, the system will relearn and reactivate on its own. No radar adjustment or replacement is typically required for these temporary deactivations. If the warning persists after conditions have normalized, or if you have concerns, it is advisable to contact your authorized Alfa Romeo service center for diagnosis.

Source: NHTSA ID 11001492