New Technology & Repair Techniques
Article by Andrew Markel
Here are 10 ADAS calibration tips because sometimes it feels like ADAS overload when you start a calibration. But, after you stumble through a few, you start to recognize a pattern — common procedures shared or mistakes that you may have made previously.
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1) Millimeters Matter
When you set up a target or fixture for a camera or radar, the position and distance from the vehicle are critical to the performance and operation of the system. If the target or fixture is a few millimeters off when placed a few meters from the sensor, it can change the alignment of the sensor by meters when it is pointed down the road.
2) Do the Test Drive
Many ADAS features do not become active until it reaches a specific speed. Depending on the OEM, pre-collision systems might start working between 5-10 mph. Lane departure might not begin to work until above 25 mph. A test drive is required before calibration is performed. Simply pulling out of the bay and parking the vehicle in a spot will not allow the vehicle to activate or run a self-diagnosis routine.
3) You Might Have to Remove the Bumper Cover
Before you attempt to calibrate, look at the adjustment process for the forward radar sensors. Some OEMs make accessing the adjustments easy with removable panels and cutouts. Other manufacturers want the bumper cover removed to reach the adjusting mechanisms. Looking up the procedures can save you time in the calibration bay and a possible misalignment. If an adjustment takes a significant amount of time, the customer should be billed.
4) Bumper Covers Hide Damage
The front crash structure and forward radar sensors are mounted behind a bumper cover. The thin layer of plastic and paint are very resilient and can hide much damage to the structure and sensor below. Always take scuffs and slight cosmetic damage to the bumper cover seriously before a calibration or diagnostic procedure.
5) Check Tire Pressure
Checking or setting the tire pressure is typically the second or third item on the procedures list for an ADAS calibration procedure. If a single tire is under-inflated, it can change the vehicle’s stance and the relationship between the camera and radar sensors.
6) Check the Battery
If the battery can’t keep the system voltage in a specific range during the calibration procedure, it will be aborted. Before you start, check the health of the battery with a tester, or you can use a power supply.
7) Clean the Sensors
Excessive dirt can obstruct camera and radar sensors. Cleaning the sensors off can often resolve deactivation and calibration problems. Snow and salt are the natural enemies of any ADAS sensor.
8) Let Codes Resolve on Their Own
A great piece of advice is not to erase codes to see if they come back. Sometimes, you are better off correcting the problem and letting the code go away on the test drive.
9) Know the Options
Before you start any ADAS calibration, look to see what ADAS features are even on the vehicle. Some may be optional. There is no sense in trying to calibrate a sensor that is not there. Check the active safety features using the NHTSA website and the VIN.
10) Confirm the Problem
Always go for a test drive to confirm the symptoms and the customer complaint. Many driver complaints result from not being familiar with how the system operates. Another common problem happens when someone changes the following distance or a guest driver turns off an ADAS system. Many drivers do not understand that proper road marking is required for the system to work. This is where showing them the owner’s manual either on the glovebox or on the infotainment center can be helpful.
Article Credit to: BodyShop Business
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