Learning More About the PCS Pre-collision System
Table of Contents
Understanding the PCS Pre-collision System
Understanding the PCS Pre-collision System (PCS). PCS detects things in front of the car using a camera and laser radar. An auditory and visual alarm is sent to the driver when the system concludes that a collision is imminent. Additional braking power is provided to drivers who react to a danger and use the brakes. Brakes are applied if the driver does not respond within a certain amount of time, lowering speed by about 19mph *1 to avoid or lessen the crash. PCS is capable of operating at speeds where at least 80% of rear-end incidents take place (i.e. relative speeds of between approximately 7 – 50 mph).
PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION
MONOCULAR CAMERA
Scanning what lies ahead of the vehicle, this camera enables the detection of vehicles and pedestrians
under certain conditions, to provide information to the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
MILLIMETER-WAVE RADAR
This sensor is able to scan the roadway far ahead, through some inclement weather conditions, and beyond the light cast by headlamps.
Taking the information from the camera and radar units and channeling them through the ECU, the system makes calculations that assess hazards ahead. If the driver is not responding to a recognized danger ahead, the system will first create an alert. If the appropriate response is not detected, then the brake system is readied by amplifying the driver’s braking input. If there is still no driver response, the system will apply the brake automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision.
When the pre-collision system is enabled, and the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is high, the three modes of PCS operate within the following speeds:
• Pre-collision warning – When vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph or more and, for detecting a pedestrian, when vehicle speed is between approximately 7 mph and 50 mph.
• Pre-collision brake assist – When vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph or more and, for detecting a pedestrian, when vehicle speed is between approximately 19 mph and 50 mph.
• Pre-collision braking – When vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph or more and, for detecting a pedestrian, when vehicle speed is between approximately 7 mph and 50 mph.
HOW IS IT CONTROLLED?
• Enable – PCS becomes automatically enabled with every ignition cycle.
• Disable – The system can be disabled/enabled through the multi-information display.
• Adjustments – There are three selectable ranges of pre-collision warning timing offered through the multi-information display: far, middle (default) and near.
PCS warning light (warning buzzer)
FAQS
What does PCS stand for in a car?
System to Prevent Collision (PCS) To identify things ahead of the vehicle, PCS employs a camera and laser radar. When the system detects the risk of a collision, it alerts the driver with an auditory and visual alarm to brake. If the driver detects the danger and applies the brakes, the system applies extra braking force.
Is it possible to turn off Toyota PCS?
The PCS feature may be switched on and off at any moment, and the alert’s timing can be customized. It will, however, turn itself back on after the ignition. Toyota would like to warn its customers that PCS does not identify pedestrians and that the laser may not perform correctly in some circumstances.
