the engine retarder may be engaged;
and the service brakes may be
applied, in that order.

Cruise is “ON” and speed
is “SET.”
Downhill Grades
Going down a grade
with a detected forward
vehicle.

DO NOT USE Active Cruise
with Braking (ACB) on downhill
grades.

DO NOT USE ACB on downhill
grades. Brake overuse may occur.

Cruise is “ON” and speed
is “SET.”
ACB should NOT be used on downhill grades.
See the CDL manual instructions on proper gear usage for downhill grades.

NOTE: The system indicators/alerts above are typical, but may vary from the descriptions
shown here by vehicle manufacturer. Certain steering system features are separate from
Fusion and may also affect vehicle performance.
NOTE: The preceding sections show examples of situations and typical Bendix® Fusion™ system
responses. However, the charts do not attempt to cover all possible situations.

F3.0

36

Due to the inherent limitations of radar and camera technology as well as
the vast number of traffic scenarios possible, the enhanced Autonomous
Emergency Braking (AEB) technology may not:
• React to moving or stationary vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists in
your vehicle’s lane of travel.
• Sound alerts, warnings, or brake interventions when expected.
Additionally, alerts, warnings, or brake interventions may occur when not
expected.

POTENTIALLY CHALLENGING SITUATIONS FOR
THE BENDIX® FUSION™ SYSTEM
The following examples illustrate situations in which the Bendix® Fusion™ system
may potentially issue an alert or braking in a manner not consistent with your
expectations. The Fusion system may unexpectedly issue warnings, apply braking,
or not respond. For further information on challenging scenarios, refer to BW8107,
Challenging Scenarios, on B2Bendix.com.
Driver Assistance Systems (DAS), such as the family of Bendix Fusion active safety
solutions, help to continuously monitor a variety of vehicle parameters and sensors
to determine if the vehicle is near a collision or a following distance threshold. As
a reminder, all Driver Assistance Systems have limitations and may misinterpret a
scenario leading to a reaction when one is not anticipated or when one may not be
required. This section describes driving scenarios that may be challenging for any
Bendix safety system.

•
•
•

KEY SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY CLARIFICATIONS
High speed differences between your truck and the detected forward vehicle
may potentially result in little to no system alert or activation.
Radars work based on reflections from metallic objects which can overlap,
cancel, or interfere, causing the radar sensor to miss targets or see false targets.
Low light or low roadway-background contrast conditions can impact the
camera’s ability to recognize the forward vehicle and limit system braking
performance.

37

F3.0

Driving Through Curves:
When driving through curves, Active Cruise with Braking (ACB) and collision
mitigation systems may detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. The system also may not
recognize forward vehicles as in-lane depending on curvature and may react late
to in-lane objects within a curve.

Driving Through a
Curve or an
Exit Ramp

Offset Forward Vehicles:
Vehicles that are offset, or not completely in your vehicle’s lane of travel, may not be
detected or trigger a reaction by the vehicle’s collision mitigation system.

Other Vehicles
Partially Inside
Your Lane
of Travel

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38

In-Lane Slow Vehicles:
When the detected forward vehicle makes a sharp turn or your vehicle changes
lanes behind a slow, in-lane vehicle, the Bendix® Fusion™ system may perceive this
as an in-lane slow or stopped vehicle. The system may continue to track the vehicle
as the forward vehicle continues through the turn or your vehicle completes a lane
change causing the Fusion system to possibly warn or brake.
The system may continue reacting as the forward vehicles turns off the original
road and onto the new road or as your vehicle has transitioned into the other lane.
The system will release when the forward vehicle is sufficiently out of the initial lane
and no longer considered a detected forward vehicle by the system.

Turning
Vehicles

Lane Changes
and Dynamic
Steering Input

High Differences in Speed:
The higher the difference in speed between your truck and the detected forward
vehicle, the less time the system has to react. High speed differences between your
truck and the detected forward vehicle may potentially result in little to no system
alert or activation.
High-Speed Vehicle
e.g., 70 MPH (113 KPH)

Low-Speed Vehicle
e.g., 10 MPH (16 KPH)

39

F3.0

Stationary Vehicles and Objects:
•
Signs, bridges, or other sizeable, stationary metallic objects may be falsely
detected by collision mitigation systems. Although not very common and
usually not very long in duration, the system may, on occasion, activate a false
alert or possibly a momentary false braking event on these objects.
•
Objects that are not recognized as a forward vehicle may not trigger a reaction
by the system.
•
Stationary objects or offset vehicles in your vehicle's lane of travel may or may
not generate a system response.

Stationary
Objects

False detection possible: a stationary object or pedestrian in
the forward detection path of the system around a bend may
inadvertently generate a system response.

Stationary
Vehicles

Stationary
Vehicle

Stationary objects or offset vehicles may not be detected by the
system and may or may not generate a system response.
F3.0

40

Speed Limit Sign Detection:
The Bendix® Fusion™ system detects
roadway speed signs in order to alert
the driver when traveling over the
posted speed limit (Overspeed Alert and
Action). In some scenarios, the system
may detect the speed limit sign from a
parallel roadway and inadvertently alert
the driver.
In some other situations, the system may
not detect roadway speed signs. In about
the first five (5) minutes of driving, the
Fusion system will conduct a calibration
procedure in which the system will not
provide any Overspeed Alert and Action
(OAA).

45

Weather Conditions:
Heavy precipitation – in particular, snow and ice build-up in front of collision
mitigation sensors – may contribute to false detection of objects. This may, in turn,
lead to false alerts, nuisance braking events, or no/partial system intervention.
If the forward sensor(s) becomes blocked and the Fusion system cannot reliably
detect forward objects, a sensor fault may be set.

Snow/Ice Build-up
on the Collision
Mitigation Sensors

41

F3.0

Potential Causes of False Object Detection, Warning, and Braking
Potential Cause

Solution

Obstruction of radar –
deer/moose/grille guards,
bumpers, etc.

Installing aftermarket deer or bumper guards is not
recommended and could impair the operation of
the radar. For further information, refer to Appendix
A of the Bendix® FLR-25™ Radar Sensor Service Data
Sheet (SD-29-50022) on B2Bendix.com.

Obstruction of radar and/
or camera – mud/ice/snow/
debris accumulation in front
of the radar and/or camera

Inspect the radar and/or camera and remove any
mud, ice, snow, or debris build-up in front of the
radar and/or camera.

Radar misalignment

Inspect the radar mounting (specified by the
OEM). A solid mounting surface is necessary in
order to hold the alignment. If the bumper or
mounting cross-member is damaged, replace
it. Refer to Appendix A of the Bendix® FLR-25™
Radar Sensor Service Data Sheet (SD-29-50022) on
B2Bendix.com.

If, after becoming familiar with the contents of this document, you still believe
the Bendix® Fusion™ system is not performing properly, Bendix recommends the
following:
•

Run the most current version of the Bendix® ACom® PRO™ Diagnostic Software
to determine if a specific fault exists with the system. Correct the fault(s) prior
to placing the vehicle back in service.

•

Fully understand when the braking occurred. It may be a challenging condition
for the system that may not be called out in this document. Driver training may
be required to fully understand how the system(s) operates.

NOTE: All radar-based systems are sensitive to conditions such as those
described within this document, and all radar systems have limitations. It is
unlikely that full elimination of unwanted false-positive activations will be possible
with this generation of technology. There is no substitute for a skilled, alert driver
exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver education.
Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all
times.

F3.0

42

NOTE: The preceding section shows examples of situations and typical Bendix®
Fusion™ system responses. However, the scenarios do not attempt to cover all
possible situations.
Tracking Vehicles in a Curve
With Active Cruise with Braking (ACB) set, while traveling through a curve, the
detected forward vehicle may no longer be detected by the Bendix Fusion system.
The ACB feature will delay acceleration back to the set speed until one of the following
events occur:
•

The system detects a forward vehicle;

•

The system detects that there is no longer a vehicle ahead; or

•

A time gap has occurred (based on the last following distance recorded).
F or example: Assume ACB is set at 50 mph (80 kph) and you are following
3 seconds behind a vehicle traveling at 45 mph (72 kph) that just entered a
sharp curve. If the vehicle ahead is no longer detected as you travel around
the curve, the Fusion system will delay the vehicle acceleration back to
50 mph (80 kph).

It is also possible for the Fusion system to begin tracking vehicles in other lanes
when traveling around curves. In cases where the Fusion system perceives that an
adjacent-lane vehicle is a detected forward vehicle, the system may intervene and
begin making brake applications.
Curve Speed Control
In sharp curves, ACB may limit acceleration to prevent reducing following distance
with lead vehicles.

43

F3.0

DIMINISHED OR PARTIAL BENDIX® FUSION™
SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY
The performance of the Bendix® Fusion™
system may be diminished or disabled
when the radar or camera becomes
blocked or has not detected a forward
vehicle for an extended period of time.
Figure 29 shows an example of the alert
that may be issued on the integrated
display to warn you of this condition.
When the radar is blocked, Active
Cruise with Braking (ACB), Autonomous Figure 29 – Blocked Sensors
Emergency Braking (AEB), and Following
Distance Alert (FDA) will not function.
When the camera is blocked, Following Distance Alerts (FDA), ACB, AEB, Lane
Departure Warning (LDW), Highway Departure Braking (HDB), and Overspeed Alert
and Action (OAA)will not function.
If the Fusion system has detected a problem, depending on the vehicle manufacturer,
there may typically be a warning message on the display, a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) may be set, and you may be alerted.

F3.0

44

Speed Only Mode
In the case of blocked radar or detection
of a problem on the radar, the system
will determine – depending on the type
of problem detected – if the vehicle may
continue to have normal cruise control
functions (without the benefits of the
Bendix® Fusion™ system), or all Active
Cruise with Braking (ACB) functions
need to be disabled until the vehicle is
serviced. The system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore full Fusion Figure 30 – Driver Assistance Error
functionality.
Conventional engine cruise control may
be re-engaged by the driver when the radar is disabled. Camera-based functions,
such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) will remain. Figure 30 shows messages you
may receive on the integrated vehicle display.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
Preventive Maintenance
The Bendix Fusion system is relatively maintenance-free. The key items to keep the
system functioning properly include:
• Keep the area in front of the radar sensor and camera lens clean and free
of obstructions.
• Visually inspect for any damage to the bumper or the Fusion cover, bracket,
or radar to ensure the alignment has not been compromised. Never use the
radar unit as a step.
• Verify there are no active system Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

45

F3.0

Equipment Maintenance
Importance of Antilock Braking System (ABS) Maintenance – Optimal
Bendix® Fusion™ 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
the Fusion system to deactivate.
Importance of Vehicle System Maintenance – The Bendix Fusion system
will not operate and will set a DTC if any of the following vehicle systems
also show a relevant DTC: engine, engine cruise, instrument cluster,
Bendix® ABS, Bendix® Automatic Traction Control (ATC), Bendix® Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®), or transmission.
Importance of Brake Maintenance – Optimal Fusion system braking
requires properly maintained truck service brakes (drum, wide-drum, or
air disc), which meet appropriate safety standards and regulations. Brake
performance also requires the vehicle be equipped with properly sized
and inflated tires with a safe tread depth.
Radar Inspection – You should visually inspect the radar and mounting
bracket regularly and remove any mud, snow, ice build-up, or other
obstructions. An alert may be issued when the radar detects it is blocked.
After clearing any obstructions, you will need to turn the vehicle off and
then on to clear the fault code. Installing aftermarket deer, bumper, or
grille guards is not recommended and could impair the operation of the
radar.
Radar Damage / Tampering – In cases where the bumper and/or radar have
sustained any damage, or if you suspect the radar has been tampered
with, do not use Active Cruise with Braking (ACB) until the vehicle has been
repaired. In addition, an indicator on the display typically will illuminate
if the system detects any of these conditions. Consult your vehicle’s
Operator’s Manual or contact Bendix for more information.
Camera Inspection – The Bendix Fusion system camera is mounted to the
windshield of the vehicle. The camera will be mounted inside the wiper
pattern and should be clear of any obstructions. An alert may be issued
to the driver when the camera is blocked. After clearing any obstructions,
you will need to turn the vehicle off and then on to clear the fault code.

F3.0

46

ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL NOTES
Adjusting the Alert Volume
The Bendix® Fusion™ system audible alerts are pre-set at the factory for fully
integrated systems and cannot be turned off.
Event Capture
For vehicles configured to do so, you can manually
activate data and video capture by pushing and
holding the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) disable
switch for 6 seconds. This will indicate to the
SafetyDirect® processor to capture and possibly
transmit 10 seconds of video & data (5 before and 5
after button press). In some cases, more video data
may be available using the optional SafetyDirect web Figure 31 – LDW, HDW, &
portal (subscription fee applies).
HDB Disable Switch
Other Information
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15: These devices comply with
Part 15 of the FCC rules with the limits for a Class B digital device and with RSS-210
of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) these
devices may not cause harmful interference; and (2) these devices must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Additional Information Sources for Bendix® Systems on Your Vehicle
Visit B2Bendix.com to download the Service Data sheets listed below. Consult the
vehicle manufacturer’s documentation.
•

SD-29-50022 Bendix® Fusion™ FLR-25™ Radar Sensor

•

SD-13-4986 Bendix® EC-80™ ESP® Controllers

•

SD-29-50024 Bendix® Fusion™ FLC-25™ Camera Sensor

For additional support, contact your local sales representative, visit B2Bendix.com, or
call the Bendix Tech Team at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725). Representatives are
available to assist you Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

47

F3.0

Acronyms and Definitions
ABS

Antilock Braking System

ACB

Active Cruise with Braking

ACC

Adaptive Cruise Control

Bendix® ACom® PRO™

Bendix diagnostic software

AEB

Autonomous Emergency Braking

ATC

Automatic Traction Control

CMS

Collision Mitigation System

Detected Forward
Vehicle

The forward vehicle identified by the safety system that
can cause a system reaction (alert or automatic braking).

DTC

Diagnostic Trouble Code

ESP

Electronic Stability Program

FDA

Following Distance Alert

Forward Vehicle

A car/truck/other vehicle in front of the host vehicle.

HBA

High Beam Assist

HDB

Highway Departure Braking

HDW

Highway Departure Warning

IA

Impact Alert

LDW

Lane Departure Warning

LED

Light Emitting Diode

OAA

Overspeed Alert and Action

OBC

On-board Computer

PAEB

Pedestrian Autonomous Emergency Braking

SafetyDirect®
SVB
Your Vehicle/
Host Vehicle

24/7/365 ACCESS
FULL SERVICE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Web portal
Stationary Vehicle Braking
The truck/tractor/specialty vehicle equipped with the
Bendix safety system.

1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725)
TECHTEAM@BENDIX.COM

WEB-BASED TRAINING
LOG ON AND LEARN FROM THE BEST

The trademarks used in this document, including Bendix®, are United States trademarks
owned by or licensed to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
SafetyDirect® is a trademark of Rand McNally.
BW8190 Rev 001 © 2024 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of Knorr-Bremse • 5/24 • F3.0 • All Rights Reserved
Printed on recycled paper

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