Additional Calibration Requirements: Volkswagen

The addition of the OEM Calibration Requirements Search to the RTS portal was a big step for the collision industry. While this new feature has been well received, there has been some confusion about what is included in the search tool. OEM Calibration Requirements Search is designed to provide information on the calibration requirements that are needed for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision braking.

It does not include occupant classification systems (OCS), steering angle sensors, battery disconnects, or other calibrations/initializations required, when not related directly to ADAS. Let’s take a look at what additional items may require calibrations/initializations on Volkswagen vehicles.

Information can be found in the various vehicle-specific repair manuals. The following items may require calibration after removal or replacement:

  • Sunroof
  • Power folding seats
  • Steering angle sensor
  • Occupant classification system
  • Seat Position Sensor

When disconnecting the battery, Volkswagen states: “For vehicles equipped with an anti-theft radio, be sure of the correct radio activation code before disconnecting the battery or removing the radio. If the wrong code is entered when the power is restored, the radio may lock up and become inoperable, even if the correct code is used in a later attempt.” They also say: “Any time the battery has been disconnected on an automatic transmission vehicle, it will be necessary to reestablish Transmission Control Module (TCM) basic settings using the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).”

There are many more systems that may need to be calibrated after removal or a collision. Make sure to check the repair manual to know what systems may be affected by the repairs that you are performing to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Volkswagen information, check out the Volkswagen OEM Information page.

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