When they weather is cold, my 2020 CX-9 dashboard displays: "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" and "Smart Brake System Malfunction". Yet if I drive my 2020 CX-9 on a warm part of the day those 2 messages do not display. I have an oil change scheduled at a Mazda dealership in a week. I don't want them to fool me into an expensive repair when this is just potentially a GLITCH?? Please give advice or best guesses. Thank you! Steve
Dashboard displays 2 malfunctions in cold weather
- Thread starter SteveBrickNJ
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- cx-9 dash lights
Do you predict the dealership can Un glitch me and do whatever is needed without adding to the cost of my oil change and front brakes bill?
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- 2020 CX-5 GT AWD
There is nothing you can do, honestly. You just have to ignore it. There is nothing wrong with the car. It's the sunlight projecting on the sensor at a specific angle and upsets the system, causes the malfunction message. If the mechanic is honest, he should tell you the same thing. You're not the first one having this malfunction code, he must have had numerous complaints about this issue.
Although I am grateful for your posts, it can't have anything to do with sunshine. Right now it is 8am, cool and raining. No sunshine but the 2 things are displayed. I think the glitch is temperature related, not sunshine related.
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- Canada
You can ask them to check for the issue during your oil change. They should check their service database for this concern, and if there is an existing TSB for it, they will follow the diagnostic steps to continue troubleshooting.
In my case, I do get this warning occasionally, but it usually happens when there's a bit of frost on the windshield. I wonder if there is frost also forming on the radar sensor and causing the same issue? Again, something you can bring up with the dealer.
In my case, I do get this warning occasionally, but it usually happens when there's a bit of frost on the windshield. I wonder if there is frost also forming on the radar sensor and causing the same issue? Again, something you can bring up with the dealer.
TSB...technical service bulletin ?
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- Canada
Yep, technical service bulletin
The frost on the windshield or direct sunlight would trigger the camera sensor error message and not the Front radar system malfunction error. They look similar but the messages identifies which sensor is at cause.
The Radar is in the Mazda emblem at the front of the car. If it is dirty it can trigger the error message (for example it happened to me when there was a thick coat of slush on it in a bad winter day). First step I would take is make sure the front of the emblem is clean. (No dirt, bug, ice, etc).
I have also seen where these malfunctions are triggered by low brake fluid level or worn brake pad (due to be replaced). Think of it has the « Smart brake system malfunction » triggering the radar warning instead of the radar triggering the brake system warning. If your brake pads are worn or brake fluid low at your oil change, i would get those done first before touching the radar, because it may fix the issue.
It may be a bad radar sensor or a bad connection, but they are not too common.
The Radar is in the Mazda emblem at the front of the car. If it is dirty it can trigger the error message (for example it happened to me when there was a thick coat of slush on it in a bad winter day). First step I would take is make sure the front of the emblem is clean. (No dirt, bug, ice, etc).
I have also seen where these malfunctions are triggered by low brake fluid level or worn brake pad (due to be replaced). Think of it has the « Smart brake system malfunction » triggering the radar warning instead of the radar triggering the brake system warning. If your brake pads are worn or brake fluid low at your oil change, i would get those done first before touching the radar, because it may fix the issue.
It may be a bad radar sensor or a bad connection, but they are not too common.
