Typical Calibration Requirements For Adaptive Lighting

BMW adaptive LED headlamp

Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not function as intended, or checking for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). For a basic understanding of what’s required, we’ve put together a series of articles that provide general information on what’s required to repair the system after a collision. Let’s take a look at adaptive lighting systems.

Adaptive lighting systems may have several sensors located on many different areas of the vehicle. Some common sensors and locations are axle position sensors located on the front and/or rear axles, light sensors on or near the windshield, and steering angle sensors on the steering column. Adaptive lighting can have several functions depending on the vehicle features. The lights can turn to illuminate around corners when the steering wheel turns, they can self-level, and automatically dim the high-beams for oncoming traffic. There are many things that may make a calibration procedure necessary after a collision repair. A few events that may be cause for calibration include suspension or structural repairs, headlight replacement, or windshield replacement.

Typical calibration procedures will involve a scan tool to aid in zeroing out angle sensors. There may also be the need for a target or other special tools. There are different conditions required depending on the vehicle. These conditions may include that the vehicle be level, that the area be dark, or that a certain amount of weight be placed in or on the vehicle.

Being informed on these systems is important to a complete, safe, and quality repair. Many consumers are purchasing a certain vehicle specifically for these driver assistance features. The consumer knows the system is on their vehicle and they are relying on it to help keep them safe. Therefore, technicians also need to be aware when driver assistance systems exist and have the knowledge to properly repair the system.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results Monday, 30 June 2025

    The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....

  • Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning Friday, 27 June 2025

    We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

  • Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging Thursday, 26 June 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.

  • Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 23 June 2025

    Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...

  • Rivian Restraints Wiring Thursday, 5 June 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Rivian's position on this subject.