# 2020 Toyota Tacoma Adaptive Cruise Control Not Working > ClearTheCode — Is your 2020 Toyota Tacoma adaptive cruise control not working or disengaging unexpectedly? Learn common causes, how to diagnose, and effective fixes to restore this crucial safety feature. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/adaptive-cruise-control-malfunction-toyota-tacoma-2020 Author: ClearTheCode # 2020 Toyota Tacoma adaptive cruise control not working Experiencing issues with your 2020 Toyota Tacoma's adaptive cruise control can be frustrating, especially when relying on this advanced safety feature for long drives. When the system fails to engage, disengages unexpectedly, or displays warning messages, it not only impacts convenience but can also raise concerns about overall vehicle safety. This guide will help you understand why your adaptive cruise control might not be working and what steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem on your 2020 Tacoma. ## What drivers notice on this 2020 Toyota Tacoma Drivers of a 2020 Toyota Tacoma encountering this issue typically notice immediate and clear indications that their Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system is not functioning as intended. The most common experiences revolve around the system's inability to activate or its sudden deactivation during operation. - The adaptive cruise control button on the steering wheel does not respond, or the system fails to set a speed. - A warning message appears on the multi-information display, such as "Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Malfunction" or "Clean Sensor." - The system disengages abruptly while driving, often accompanied by an audible alert and a warning light. - The Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is integrated with DRCC, may also become inactive, indicated by a separate warning light. - The vehicle may revert to conventional cruise control mode, or cruise control may be entirely unavailable. ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Moderate - **Common Symptoms:** Adaptive cruise control fails to engage: The system simply won't turn on, or you cannot set a target speed or following ; System disengages unexpectedly: While driving, the cruise control suddenly turns off without driver input, often with a ; "Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Malfunction" message: This direct warning indicates a problem with the DRCC system itself.; "Clean Sensor" message: This message appears even when the front radar sensor appears visibly clean. - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$900 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. ## Symptoms and warning signs Recognizing the specific symptoms is the first step in diagnosing why your 2020 Toyota Tacoma adaptive cruise control is not working. These signs can point towards different underlying causes. - **Adaptive cruise control fails to engage:** The system simply won't turn on, or you cannot set a target speed or following distance. - **System disengages unexpectedly:** While driving, the cruise control suddenly turns off without driver input, often with a chime. - **"Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Malfunction" message:** This direct warning indicates a problem with the DRCC system itself. - **"Clean Sensor" message:** This message appears even when the front radar sensor appears visibly clean. - **Pre-Collision System (PCS) also inactive:** Since DRCC and PCS share sensors, a fault in one often affects the other. - **Warning lights on the dashboard:** Look for specific indicators like the cruise control light blinking, the PCS warning light, or a general malfunction indicator light. - **Cruise control works only in conventional mode:** If you can switch to and use standard cruise control but not the adaptive function, it narrows down the problem to the radar/camera components. ## What is different on this year and model For the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, the adaptive cruise control system is part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite. This integrated system includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) which relies on a millimeter-wave radar sensor located behind the front grille (often behind the Toyota emblem) and a monocular camera mounted on the windshield, typically near the rearview mirror. Unlike older, simpler cruise control systems, the DRCC in your Tacoma is a complex network that communicates with various other vehicle systems, including the braking, engine, and steering ECUs. Its reliance on both radar and camera data means that obstructions, damage, or misalignment to either of these components can cause the entire system to malfunction. This sophisticated integration means that a problem with one sensor can cascade and affect multiple safety features. ## How to verify and confirm the issue Verifying the adaptive cruise control issue on your 2020 Toyota Tacoma involves a combination of visual checks, practical tests, and potentially using a diagnostic scan tool. - **Visual Inspection:** - **Front Radar Sensor:** Carefully inspect the area behind the Toyota emblem on the front grille or the lower bumper area. Look for any dirt, ice, snow, mud, or physical damage (cracks, dents) to the radar sensor cover. Ensure it's clean and unobstructed. - **Windshield Camera:** Check the windshield area near your rearview mirror for any cracks, chips, or obstructions (like stickers or debris) that might block the camera's view. Also, confirm the windshield is clean. - **Recent Repairs/Impacts:** Consider if the vehicle has had any recent front-end bodywork, windshield replacement, or minor impacts, as these can misalign sensors. - **Practical Driver Tests:** - **Driving Conditions:** Test the system in clear weather conditions on an open road. Sometimes heavy rain, snow, or fog can temporarily impair the sensors. - **Conventional Cruise Control:** Attempt to engage the conventional (non-adaptive) cruise control mode (if your system allows switching). If conventional cruise works, it helps isolate the problem to the radar/camera components rather than a general cruise control failure. - **Diagnostic Scan Tool:** - **Check for Trouble Codes:** Use an OBD-II scanner to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the DRCC, Pre-Collision System (PCS), or other related modules. Codes like C1A00 (Front Radar Sensor Malfunction), U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM), or B2220 (Camera Malfunction) are common indicators. While this article isn't about specific codes, they are crucial diagnostic clues. You can learn more about various codes at our [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) section. - **Live Data:** Monitor live data streams from the DRCC module, such as sensor status, vehicle speed inputs, and brake switch signals, to identify any inconsistencies. ## Common causes (most likely first) Several factors can lead to your 2020 Toyota Tacoma's adaptive cruise control not working. Understanding the most common causes can help in pinpointing the problem. - **Obstruction or dirt on sensors:** This is the most frequent cause. The front radar sensor (behind the Toyota emblem) or the windshield camera can be blocked by dirt, ice, snow, mud, or even a leaf. - **Misalignment of radar sensor:** Even a minor bump, a previous front-end repair, or improper reinstallation of the bumper can cause the radar sensor to be out of calibration, leading to system failure. - **Faulty radar sensor:** The millimeter-wave radar unit itself can fail internally due to age, impact, or manufacturing defect. - **Faulty windshield camera:** The camera, which assists the radar and is crucial for the Pre-Collision System, can malfunction. A cracked windshield or an improperly installed replacement windshield can also affect its operation. - **Wiring issues:** Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring harnesses connecting to the radar sensor, camera, or related control modules can interrupt communication. - **Brake light switch malfunction:** The adaptive cruise control system requires accurate input from the brake pedal. A faulty brake light switch can falsely indicate that the brakes are being applied, causing the system to disengage or not engage. - **Low battery voltage:** A weak or failing 12V battery can cause erratic behavior in various electronic systems, including advanced driver-assistance features. - **Software glitch or ECU issue:** Less common, but a software bug or a fault within the main vehicle ECU or the DRCC control module can cause malfunctions. ### Related guides on this vehicle - [Strut Mount Bearing Noise When Turning Steering Wheel 2000 Toyota Tacoma](/articles/strut-mount-bearing-noise-turning-4756-toyota-tacoma-2000) - [AC Not Cold Enough 2018 Toyota Rav4: Fix Warm Air](/articles/ac-not-cold-enough-warm-air-toyota-rav4-2018) - [2020 Toyota Corolla: Car Won't Start, No Fuel Pump Prime Sound](/articles/car-wont-start-no-fuel-pump-prime-toyota-corolla-2020) ## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes Addressing the issue with your 2020 Toyota Tacoma's adaptive cruise control often starts with simple checks before moving to more complex diagnostics. - **Step 1: Clean the sensors.** Start by thoroughly cleaning the front radar sensor (behind the Toyota emblem) and the windshield area around the camera. Use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Ensure no residue remains. - **Step 2: Check for physical damage or misalignment.** Inspect the front bumper and grille area for any signs of impact or if the radar sensor appears visibly crooked. If the windshield was recently replaced, check for proper camera re-installation. - **Step 3: Verify battery health.** Ensure your vehicle's 12V battery is fully charged and in good condition. Low voltage can trigger false warnings. - **Step 4: Scan for trouble codes.** Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any stored DTCs from the DRCC, PCS, or other related modules. These codes are vital for guiding further diagnosis. - **Step 5: Test the brake light switch.** Verify that the brake lights illuminate correctly when the pedal is pressed and that the switch provides the correct signal to the vehicle's computer. A faulty switch is a common, inexpensive fix. - **Step 6: Inspect wiring harnesses.** Visually check the wiring leading to the radar sensor and windshield camera for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. - **Step 7: Consider professional calibration.** If a sensor (radar or camera) has been replaced or if there's been front-end damage, professional calibration using specialized Toyota diagnostic tools will be necessary to ensure proper operation. This cannot be done at home. ## Repair options and cost factors The repair options and associated costs for a 2020 Toyota Tacoma adaptive cruise control issue vary significantly depending on the root cause. - **Cleaning sensors:** This is a free, DIY fix if the problem is simply an obstruction. - **Brake light switch replacement:** This is a relatively inexpensive part and generally an easy DIY repair. The part itself is typically under $50. - **Wiring harness repair:** Costs can vary widely based on the extent of the damage, from a simple splice to replacing a section of the harness. - **Radar sensor replacement:** This is a costly repair. The radar sensor itself can be several hundred to over a thousand dollars, plus labor and mandatory calibration. Calibration requires specialized equipment and expertise. - **Windshield camera replacement:** Similar to the radar sensor, the camera is an expensive component, and its replacement requires professional calibration. If a new windshield is installed, ensure it is compatible with the camera and that recalibration is performed. - **Professional diagnosis:** If you're unsure, a professional diagnostic fee (typically 1-2 hours of labor) will be incurred to accurately pinpoint the issue. For more detailed repair information, you can explore our All repair guides. ## When to see a professional While some initial checks and fixes can be performed by a DIY owner, there are clear instances when professional assistance for your 2020 Toyota Tacoma's adaptive cruise control is necessary. - If cleaning the sensors and checking basic connections do not resolve the issue. - If persistent warning lights remain on the dashboard after your initial troubleshooting. - If diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) point to a specific sensor (radar or camera) or control module failure. - Any time a radar sensor or windshield camera needs to be replaced or realigned. These components require precise calibration using specialized tools that are typically only available at dealerships or qualified independent shops. - If you suspect internal wiring damage or a complex electronic fault that is beyond basic inspection. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I still use regular cruise control if adaptive cruise control isn't working? Often, yes. The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system typically allows you to switch to a conventional, non-adaptive cruise control mode. If the issue is specific to the radar or camera components affecting the adaptive distance keeping, the conventional system, which relies only on speed, may still function normally, providing a temporary solution. ### How do I clean the adaptive cruise control sensor on my 2020 Tacoma? The primary radar sensor for your 2020 Tacoma's adaptive cruise control is usually located behind the Toyota emblem on the front grille or in the lower grille area. To clean it, use a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution to gently wipe away any dirt, ice, snow, or debris from the sensor's surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing pads, as these can damage the sensor's protective cover. ### Does a cracked windshield affect adaptive cruise control on my 2020 Tacoma? Yes, potentially. The adaptive cruise control system, as part of Toyota Safety Sense P, utilizes a camera mounted on the windshield, typically near the rearview mirror. A crack, chip, or even improper installation of a new windshield can obstruct or misalign this camera, leading to errors or complete malfunction of the adaptive cruise control and other integrated safety features like the Pre-Collision System. ## Sources and further reading For more information on your Toyota Tacoma, including other common issues and maintenance tips, visit our [Toyota vehicle hub](/vehicles/toyota) and the dedicated [Tacoma model hub](/vehicles/toyota/tacoma). You can also browse general vehicle information and other models at [Browse vehicles](/vehicles). This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; always use a qualified technician for safety-critical work. ## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode - [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) - [All repair guides](/articles)