Adaptive cruise control possible damage?

K THOMAS

MEMBER
2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.0L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

A while back I accidentally backed into my car just enough to crack and break a small portion of the front grille, unless you really look at it, it’s barely noticeable. Anyways I think the cruise control maybe worked once or twice after that but then it now displays temporary out of service or something like that, could I have misaligned one of the sensors by backing into it and if so what or how can I fix that for it to work again or is there a process of elimination that I can do to figure out the real problem?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

It's possible that the impact from backing into your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu could have caused an issue with one of the sensors or components related to the cruise control system. While it might not be immediately obvious, minor damage to the front grille area could potentially affect the functionality of certain sensors.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially address the issue with the cruise control:

Inspect for Visible Damage: Start by visually inspecting the area around the front grille and bumper where you had the impact. Look for any visible damage to sensors, wiring, or components in that area. Even small displacements or damage could potentially affect the sensors.

Check for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any error codes that might be stored in the vehicle's computer. This could provide more specific information about the nature of the problem.

Check Sensor Alignment: Modern vehicles often have sensors and cameras that are used for advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control. If the sensors are misaligned, it could affect their ability to function properly. Check if any sensors in the impacted area are visibly misaligned or obstructed. If you're unsure, a professional mechanic can assist with proper sensor alignment.

Clearing Error Codes: If you find that there are error codes related to the cruise control system, try clearing them using the OBD-II scanner. Sometimes, minor issues can trigger temporary faults that can be cleared.

Professional Inspection: If you're unable to identify any visible issues or the error codes persist, it's recommended to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or a Chevrolet dealership for a thorough inspection. They have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately.

Consider Insurance Claim: If the issue is indeed related to the impact you had while backing up, it might be worth considering if your insurance policy covers the repair. Some comprehensive insurance policies cover minor incidents like this.