When your 2015 Chevrolet Equinox's lane departure warning system stops working, you lose an important driver assistance feature. Understanding how the system functions and common failure points helps identify why it's not operating.
How Lane Departure Works
The lane departure warning system uses a forward-facing camera typically mounted near the rearview mirror. This camera monitors lane markings and alerts the driver when the vehicle begins drifting out of its lane without a turn signal activated. The system requires clear lane markings and adequate visibility to function.
When the System Doesn't Work
Several conditions disable or affect system operation. Dirty windshield or camera lens prevents clear image capture. Faded or missing lane markings can't be detected. Low light conditions (dark roads, heavy fog, rain) reduce camera effectiveness. Vehicle speed below the activation threshold disables the system. The feature must be enabled in the vehicle settings.
Common Malfunction Causes
A dirty camera lens is the simplest cause—clean the windshield area directly in front of the camera housing. Camera calibration can be lost after windshield replacement or certain repairs, requiring recalibration. The camera module itself can fail from heat, electrical issues, or age. Wiring problems to the camera or control module can disable the system.
Diagnostic Steps
First verify the system is enabled in vehicle settings—it can be accidentally disabled. Clean the windshield and camera lens area thoroughly. Check for any warning messages or indicators related to the lane departure system. Scan for DTCs in the forward camera module. If the windshield was recently replaced, camera calibration may be needed.
Repair Costs
Cleaning is free and often resolves the issue. Camera calibration after windshield replacement costs $100-$300 at dealerships. Camera module replacement runs $500-$1,000 including calibration. Wiring repairs vary from $100-$300 depending on damage extent. Some independent shops now offer ADAS calibration services at lower cost than dealers.