Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

Details Posted on 01 June 2023 | Share: | Print

A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Toyota/Lexus say on the subject?

When considering making a repair on a Toyota or Lexus rear bumper cover you want to first access the document Precautions For Blind Spot Monitor. This document is located in the Body Repair Manual (BRM) (click any blue text under CR to open the BRM) ➤ Introduction ➤ Work Notices And Precautions ➤ Precautions For Blind Spot Monitor.

The Precautions For Blind Spot Monitor document provides vehicle-specific information pertaining to bumper cover repairs with blind spot monitoring. Toyota/Lexus provide vehicle-specific locations of the radiation range (blind spot field of vision), repair restrictions and examples.

Per Toyota/Lexus Precautions For Blind Spot Monitor document:

"The following work is prohibited within the radiation ranges of electromagnetic waves because they might affect the waves.

1. Putty application repair of damaged areas
• Hint: Repair by painting is allowed for slight damage that can be filled in by a primer surfacer or paint.
2. Paint work having paint boundaries (boundaries of final color or gradations) within the radiation range of electromagnetic waves
• Hint: There is no problem if the entire radiation range of electromagnetic waves is completely painted.
3. Resin repair of cracks and perforations
• Hint: Always replace the rear bumper cover if there are cracks or perforations in the radiation range of electromagnetic waves."

Starting with select 2023 models, for example the 2023 Toyota Prius, Toyota/Lexus is beginning to use 77 Gigahertz (GHz) radar sensors. They have released CRIB# 201 - Bumper Repair Precautions for 77 GHz Radar. In this document Toyota/Lexus state special precautions which are unique to 77 Ghz radar sensors.

A procedure called Check Reflection Power can be found in some vehicle-specific Repair Manuals (click any blue text under RM to open the manual) ➤ Audio/Visual/Telematics ➤ Park Assist/Monitoring ➤ Blind Spot Monitor Sensor ➤ Check Reflection Power.

These are just some examples of bumper repair restrictions from Toyota/Lexus. Always be sure to reference the vehicle-specific repair manual and training materials prior to performing any repairs. Always refer to Toyota/Lexus service information for the most up-to-date CRIB information.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS
Collision Information Website Access: Toyota/Lexus/Scion
Locating ADAS Information: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

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