DO NOT USE cruise control on downhill
grades.

The detected forward vehicle
slows rapidly.

Cruise control should NOT be
used on downhill grades - see
page 3.

Note: If the foundation brakes are applied,
cruise control is cancelled.

The cruise control feature cancels after
the event.

(See the CDL manual instructions on proper gear usage for downhill grades.)

Table 1 - Part 2 - Operational Scenarios with the Wingman Advanced System
NOTE: The system indicators/alerts above are typical, but may vary from the descriptions shown here by vehicle
manufacturer, or earlier versions of the Wingman Advanced System.
6

What to Expect (1.4)
Part Three: Cruise control NOT “SET”, or “OFF”
Situation
Your vehicle comes up
fast behind a slowermoving detected forward
vehicle.

Typical System
Indication/Alerts
The Following Distance Alert (FDA) will sound and a
visual message/icon typically appears on the dash
™
™
screen or Bendix Driver Interface Unit (DIU ) display.
Depending on how close your vehicle approaches, the
system may initiate an Impact Alert (IA) warning.

Typical System Actions
If a collision is likely to occur,
the collision mitigation feature
will apply up to two-thirds of
the vehicle’s braking capacity.

The driver must
immediately act to
potentially avoid, or lessen
the severity of, a collision.
The detected forward
vehicle slows rapidly.

The Following Distance Alert (FDA), or Impact Alert (IA)
warning (continuous tone) will sound and a visual
message/icon typically appears on the dash screen or
DIU display.

If a collision is likely to occur,
the collision mitigation feature
will apply up to two-thirds of
the vehicle’s braking capacity.

The driver must
immediately act to
potentially avoid, or lessen
the severity of, a collision.
Table 1 - Part 3 - Operational Scenarios with the Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ System
NOTE: These are typical situations and responses that may occur when using the Wingman Advanced System. All
possible situations and responses are not covered in this table.

Due to inherent limitations of radar technology, the
collision mitigation technology — on rare occasions
— may not detect moving vehicles or stationary
objects in your vehicle’s lane of travel. Alerts,
warnings or brake interventions may not occur.

Due to inherent limitations of radar technology, the
collision mitigation technology — on rare occasions
— may react to moving vehicles not in your vehicle’s
lane of travel. Alerts, warnings or brake interventions
may occur.

7

1.5 HOW A DRIVER INTERACTS WITH THE BENDIX® WINGMAN® ADVANCED™ SYSTEM
Table 2 illustrates how the Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ system will respond to various actions a driver may take when
using the Bendix Wingman Advanced System on the road.

The driver is always responsible for the control and
safe operation of the vehicle at all times. The Wingman
Advanced System does not replace the need for a skilled,
alert professional driver, reacting appropriately and in a
timely manner, and using safe driving practices.

How a Driver Interacts with the Wingman Advanced System (1.5)
Action

Reaction of Wingman Advanced System

If the driver does this:

Expect the Wingman Advanced System to do this:

Steps on the brake.
(During a collision
mitigation event.)

The driver is always in control and is able to apply full braking power.

Steps aggressively on the
accelerator. (During a
collision mitigation event.)

The driver is always in control. His/her actions override any Wingman Advanced
System actions. Note: If cruise control is engaged, it will be overridden until the
accelerator is released; then cruise control will resume the original set speed
automatically.

Steps on the brake.
(When in cruise.)

Cruise control will be cancelled.

Steps on the accelerator.
(When in cruise.)

Cruise control will be overridden until the accelerator is released; then cruise control
will resume the original set speed automatically.

Switches on the cruise
control.

Nothing. The adaptive cruise control with braking feature will not engage until the
driver sets the cruise control speed.

Switches off the cruise
control.

The adaptive cruise control with braking feature will turn off; the collision mitigation
feature remains active and ready to intervene. The driver will continue to hear all
alerts as needed.

Sets the cruise control
speed.

The adaptive cruise control with braking feature is automatically activated. Your
vehicle maintains a set speed and following distance behind the vehicle ahead.

Covers or blocks the radar.

The Bendix Wingman Advanced System performance will be diminished or even
disabled and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set. A blockage will also affect
engine cruise control availability.

Uses normal cruise control
“+/-” switch.

Vehicle speed increased (+) or reduced (-) to achieve the new set speed while
actively maintaining following distance with the vehicle ahead, if one is present within
500 feet (152 m).

Table 2 - How a Driver Interacts with the Wingman Advanced System
NOTE: The system responses above are typical, but may vary from the descriptions shown here by vehicle manufacturer,
or earlier versions of the Wingman Advanced System. These are examples of driver actions and typical Bendix Wingman
Advanced System responses, however this chart does not attempt to cover all possible situations.

8

THE FORWARD VEHICLE DETECTED ICON

1.6 FOLLOWING DISTANCE

When cruise control is switched on and set and a vehicle
ahead of you is detected by the radar, the detected forward
vehicle icon — or similar — will illuminate on the vehicle
dashboard.

Following distance refers to the time gap, measured in
seconds, between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The
actual physical distance between the two will vary based
on the speeds of both vehicles; however, the set gap will
remain the same for all set cruise speeds.

This is an indication to the driver that the Bendix® Wingman®
Advanced™ system is actively managing the distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, and may
intervene automatically, if needed.
See Figure 6 for examples.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE
ADJUSTMENT SWITCH
The Wingman Advanced System feature has an option
that allows the driver to adjust the following-distance or
time‑gap. The availability of this feature is determined by
the vehicle manufacturer. The switch has an increase or
decrease function. Pressing increase (+) will provide a
larger following distance, measured in seconds. Pressing
decrease (-) will provide a shorter following distance.

1.7 BENDIX WINGMAN ADVANCED
SYSTEM COLLISION MITIGATION
FEATURE OPERATION
Figure 6 - Forward Vehicle Detected Icons

ADJUSTING THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED
Use the switch(es) provided by the vehicle manufacturer
to set your cruise control speed. When adjusted, your
set speed will typically be indicated on the vehicle dash,
message center, or speedometer.

Whenever your vehicle is traveling at speeds above
15 mph (24 kph), the Wingman Advanced System collision
mitigation feature is ready to intervene, if needed. It does
not require cruise control to be set. The collision mitigation
feature of the Wingman Advanced System will alert you
automatically and apply up to two-thirds of the vehicle’s
braking capacity, if a collision with the detected forward
vehicle is likely to occur. You, the driver, must immediately
act to potentially avoid, or lessen the severity of, a collision.
Collision mitigation is ready to intervene as long as no
DTCs are active in either the brake system, the Bendix
Wingman Advanced System, or any other contributing
vehicle system.

AUTOMATIC FOUNDATION
BRAKE APPLICATIONS
The vehicle automatically manages foundation braking
priorities among the various vehicle systems that use the
foundation brakes, such as the Bendix Wingman Advanced
System, Bendix® ESP® (Electronic Stability Program),
Bendix® ATC (Automatic Traction Control) and the Bendix®
ABS (Antilock Braking System).

9

1.8 ALERTS AND WARNINGS
The Bendix Wingman Advanced system operates
differently compared to other cruise control/forward collision
warning systems. It is important for YOU to fully understand
the system’s features, especially the driver alerts and
warnings.
®

®

IMPACT ALERT (IA)

™

Three important warnings provided by the Wingman
Advanced System are the Following Distance Alert (FDA),
Impact Alert (IA), and Stationary Object Alert (SOA). The
driver will be alerted by any of the three warnings, whether
or not the cruise control is activated.
See Appendix B, Sections 3.0-5.0, for more information
about how the Bendix ™ Driver Interface Unit (DIU ™)
communicates alerts.

Any audible and/or visual alert by the system means
that your vehicle is too close to the vehicle ahead
and the driver must immediately act to potentially
avoid, or lessen the severity of, a collision.

The Impact Alert is the most severe warning issued by
the Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ system. This alert
indicates that a collision with the detected forward
vehicle is likely and the driver must immediately
act to potentially mitigate, or lessen the severity of,
a collision.
The Impact Alert is ready to alert the driver whenever
the vehicle is moving above 15 mph (24 kph).
When activated, the IA will sound and a visual message/
icon typically appears on the dash screen or DIU display.
The actual sound/display method varies by vehicle
manufacturer.
NOTE: The Impact Alert is typically accompanied by
automatic brake interventions. The Wingman Advanced
System will apply up to two-thirds of your vehicle’s braking
capacity. The driver must apply additional braking, when
necessary, to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead.
See Figure 7 for an example of an Impact Alert Icon.

Figure 7 - Example of Impact Alert Icon

Figure 8 - Impact Alert Text and Light Pattern as
Seen on the Bendix DIU
10

FOLLOWING DISTANCE ALERT (FDA)

The FDA is ready to alert
the driver whenever the
vehicle is moving above
five (5) mph/ 8 kph.
If
the following distance
continues to decrease, the
driver will hear more rapid
audible alerts. When the
FDA reaches its highest
level, typically a red LED
also illuminates on the
instrument cluster. The
FDA may be accompanied
by a visual alert.

Figure 9 - Bendix™
Note: One-and-a-half (1.5) Driver Interface Unit
seconds is the system default (DIU™) Showing
and may vary by fleet/OEM. Examples of Following
Distance Alerts with
Progressively Faster
Audible Alerts

Above: Examples of other vehicle
manufacturer’s displays.

STATIONARY OBJECT ALERT (SOA)

Stationary Object Alert (SOA) – The Bendix® Wingman®
Advanced™ system will give up to a three (3) second
alert to the driver when approaching a detected,
sizable, metallic (radar-reflective), stationary object
in your lane of travel. This alert indicates that a
collision with a stationary object is likely and the
driver must immediately act to potentially avoid, or
lessen the severity of, a collision.

The SOA is ready to alert the driver whenever the vehicle
is moving above 10 mph / 16 kph. The driver should be
especially careful when approaching certain types of vehicles
or objects. The Bendix Wingman Advanced System radar
may not be able to detect vehicles and objects with limited
metal surfaces (such as recreational vehicles, horse-drawn
buggies, motorcycles, logging trailers, etc.). NOTE: Entering
a curve may reduce the alert time to less than three (3)
seconds.

Figure 11 - Stationary Object Alert (SOA) Displayed

Figure 10 - Following Distance Alert

11

BRAKE OVERUSE ALERT

The Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ system provides
a warning when the system is intervening and using
the foundation brakes excessively. Overuse of the
foundation brakes can lead to the brakes overheating
and a potential loss of braking performance caused
by brake fade. Using cruise control on downhill runs
will cause this alert to be activated.

Note: In all cases, the driver still has the ability to
apply the foundation brakes if necessary. The driver
should take care since overheated brakes may reduce
the vehicle’s braking capability. (See Appendix B7.0).

1.9 BENDIX WINGMAN ADVANCED
SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
The Bendix Wingman Advanced System is monitored and
if any malfunction is detected, a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) will be set and the driver will be alerted. The exact
alert given depends on the vehicle manufacturer: refer to
your vehicle operator’s manual and Sections 3 and 4.

1.10 RADAR SENSOR INTERCHANGEABILITY
Approach grades as you would normally, with the
appropriate gear selected and at a safe speed.
Cruise control should NOT be used on downhill
grades.
When the system detects brake overuse, depending on the
vehicle manufacturer, a text message will be displayed on
the dashboard and an audible alert will be activated. The
driver should intervene immediately.

Many variables must be considered when determining
whether or not the radar sensor can be relocated from one
vehicle to another vehicle. They include, but are not limited
to, the version of the Bendix® ESP® stability system used
on the vehicle, the instrument cluster, the vehicle Electronic
Control Unit (ECU), the engine and the transmission. Contact
the Bendix Tech Team at 1-800-AIR‑BRAKE (1-800-2472725), option 2 to determine if this is a viable option.

Do not interchange radar sensors without contacting
Bendix first!

1.11 ALERT VOLUME

Figure 12 - Brake Overuse Warning
• Once the brake overuse alert is activated, certain
driver interventions that cancel cruise control – like
stepping on the brake pedal or switching off cruise – will
discontinue the alert. Following an overuse alert, the
driver should not reset cruise control for at least 20
minutes. This gives the brakes time to cool down. If
the driver chooses to reset cruise control during that
20 minute period, Bendix Wingman Advanced System
interventions will be limited to de-throttling and engine
retarder only. The system will automatically disable all
Bendix Wingman Advanced System foundation brake
applications for at least 20 minutes.
•

12

If the system does not detect a driver intervention within
15 seconds after the brake overuse alert sounds, it will
shut itself off and set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
The driver will continue to receive alerts, but ALL Bendix
Wingman Advanced System interventions (de-throttling,
engine retarder or brake applications) will be disabled
until the next ignition cycle.

For Bendix Wingman Advanced Systems installed on
vehicles with alerts that come directly through the instrument
cluster, audible alert levels are pre-set at the factory and
can not be turned off, nor can the volume be adjusted.
However, where the Bendix™ Driver Interface Unit (DIU™)
is used, volume adjustment is permitted.

1.12 POTENTIAL FALSE ALERTS
In certain unusual traffic or roadway conditions, Bendix
Wingman Advanced System may issue a false alert. While
eliminating all false alerts is not possible, if false alerts
occur too frequently (more than twice a day), this may
indicate sensor misalignment. Service the system at the
earliest opportunity.
Drivers should take into account the road conditions, and
any other factors they are encountering, as they choose
how to react to any alerts they receive from the Bendix
Wingman Advanced System.

2.0 MAINTENANCE SECTION
Section Index
2.1

General Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . .

13

2.2

Equipment Maintenance: Brake System
and ABS Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.3
2.4

System Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . 13
Additional Support at bendix.com . . . . . . . 13

2.1 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
See Page 2 of this Service Data Sheet for the General
Safety Guidelines.

2.2 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE: BRAKE
SYSTEM AND ABS FUNCTIONALITY

Importance of Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Maintenance – Optimal Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™
system braking requires a properly maintained ABS system,
without any active ABS Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Have active DTCs repaired by a qualified technician. Any
ABS DTCs will cause Bendix Wingman Advanced System
to deactivate.

Importance of Brake Maintenance – Optimal Bendix
Wingman Advanced System braking requires properly
maintained foundation brakes (drum, wide-drum, or air disc)
which meet appropriate safety standards and regulations.
Brake performance also requires that the vehicle be
equipped with properly sized and inflated tires, with a safe
tread depth.

System Problems – If a problem with the Bendix Wingman
Advanced System is detected, depending on the vehicle
manufacturer, typically there will be a message on the
dashboard display. Depending on the type of problem
detected, the system will determine if the vehicle may
continue normal cruise control functions (without the
benefits of Bendix Wingman Advanced System), or whether

all cruise control functions should be disabled until service
is performed. The system should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore full Bendix Wingman Advanced System
functionality.

2.3 SYSTEM PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
The Bendix Wingman Advanced System is relatively
maintenance free. The key items to keep the system
functioning properly include:
1. Keep the radar lens clean and free of obstructions.
2. Inspect for any damage to the bumper or the Bendix
Wingman Advanced System cover, bracket or radar to
ensure that the alignment has not been compromised.
Never use the radar unit as a step.
3. Periodically check the radar alignment.
4. Perform appropriate inspections of the braking system
as required by the manufacturer to ensure brakes are
in proper working order.
5. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated and that
adequate tread is present.

Radar Inspection – The driver should inspect the radar
and mounting bracket regularly and remove any mud,
snow, ice build-up, or other obstructions. The installation
of aftermarket deer guards, bumper guards, snow plows
or similar potential obstructions is not recommended, and
could impair the operation of the radar.

Radar Damage / Misalignment / Tampering - In cases
where the bumper and/or radar have sustained any
damage, are misaligned, or if you suspect that the radar
has been tampered with, do not use the cruise control until
the vehicle has been repaired and the radar re-aligned. In
addition, an indicator on the dash typically will illuminate if
the system detects any of these conditions. Consult your
vehicle’s operator’s manual or contact Bendix for more
information.
NOTE: Any vehicle trouble code that disables vehicle
cruise control will also cause a DTC in Bendix Wingman
Advanced System.

2.4 ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AT BENDIX.COM / 1‑800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725), OPTION 2
For the latest information, and for downloads of the Bendix® ACom® Diagnostic Software, and its User Guide, visit the
Bendix website at: bendix.com.
You will also find a current list of compatible RP1210 data link adapters for ABS and the Wingman® ACB system.
For direct telephone technical support, the Bendix Tech Team is available at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725),
option 2, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET. For assistance,
follow the instructions in the recorded message. The Bendix Tech Team can also be reached by email at: techteam@
bendix.com.
13

3.0 INTRODUCTION TO
TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION

This section introduces three initial steps to accurately
troubleshoot the Bendix® Wingman® Advanced™ system.

Section Index
3.1

Troubleshooting Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.2

Narrowing Down the Problem . . . . . . . 15-16

3.3

Overview of Possible Issues . . . . . . . . .

17

We recommend reading this introductory section, as well
as the Troubleshooting/Diagnostics Section (4.0), before
performing any troubleshooting.
When diagnosing the Bendix Wingman Advanced System,
a current version of Bendix® ACom® Diagnostic Software
will be required. This software is available as a download
from bendix.com.

3.1 TROUBLESHOOTING BASICS

Which
radar
sensor
system is The Wingman Advanced System
installed? (Bendix™ FLR-20™) sensor system
covered in this SD sheet has a flat
rectangular radar sensor.