Abstract: A vehicle contained warning system and method for warning the occupants of a motor vehicle approaching a railway grade crossing at which there is installed a railway grade crossing warning system including such as warning lights and a crossing gate wherein a radio frequency transmitter radiates selected signals responsive to information stored in the crossing analyzer of the railway grade crossing warning system. Upon approach of a train, the grade crossing warning system begins transmitting an encoded signal including such as information on the approach of the train and what of any of the functional aspects of the warning system may be non operational such as the warning lights, and the crossing gate. The receiver in the vehicle within the range of the transmitter decodes the received signal and activates the contained alarms to alert the occupants (particularly the driver) of the vehicle of the approaching train and the condition of the warning system.