What it means
The pedestrian alert (AVAS - Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) control module reports a circuit low condition. Acoustic warning at low speed for pedestrians may be impaired.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
How it works
The pedestrian alert control module operates the low-speed acoustic warning intended to make a quiet hybrid or EV audible to pedestrians. The vehicle monitors the module circuit and sets this code when its signal is lower than expected. That points to an electrical low condition, such as a short to ground, and the alert sound may be absent or intermittent.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Wire shorted to ground
- Module internal short
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
Symptoms
- Check-engine or hybrid/EV system warning light on
- Pedestrian alert sound may be absent or intermittent at low speeds
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and check for other pedestrian-alert or hybrid-system codes before clearing the fault.
- At a safe standstill, check whether the low-speed pedestrian alert sound is present under the vehicle's normal operating conditions.
- Inspect the module connector and harness for chafing, crushed insulation, moisture, corrosion, or a wire contacting ground.
- Check connector pins for corrosion, poor fit, or damage that could pull the circuit signal low.
- Following the manufacturer's wiring procedure, test for a short to ground and verify module power and ground before testing or replacing the module.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure the pedestrian alert module connector if poor contact is confirmed.
- Repair a control wire shorted to ground.
- Replace damaged or corroded connector terminals.
- Replace the module only if the wiring and connections test correctly and the module itself is confirmed to cause the low signal.
Can I keep driving?
The vehicle may still drive, but pedestrians may not hear it at low speeds. Use extra caution around pedestrians and in car parks until the alert sound is restored.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.