- Quick Search By Vehicle
- OEM Information
- Collision Repair News
- OEM Calibration Requirements Search
- OEM Partial Part Replacement Search
- OEM Restraints System Part Replacement Search
- OEM Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Disable Search
- OEM Glass Replacement
- I-CAR Best Practices
I-CAR 360 - Ask I-CAR
Follow us on 
@Ask_ICAR for daily updates.
When ADAS Can't See: Parking Assist System
Collision repairs on vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can have more restrictions than vehicles without ADAS. Items that historically would be a simple repair may now need to be replaced. The ADAS needs to be able to see/sense in some way, whether it be by radar, camera-view, ultrasonic, etc. Repairers need to keep sensor/camera field of vision clear to avoid system malfunctions. For example, repair material that would normally be used to repair a gouge in a bumper cover is now a problem because it can block the sensor’s field of vision and may not allow the sensor to function properly.
Some OEMs have warnings against making repairs in front of sensors/cameras or a certain distance from the sensors/cameras. However, many times there is also a list of other items that can block the sensor/camera view. Let’s take a look at some common things or materials that can interfere with the parking assist system.
Parking assist systems almost exclusively use ultrasonic sensors. An ultrasonic sensor uses soundwaves to detect the distance to an object. The sensor sends out and receives the soundwave after bouncing off a detected object. The time it takes for the soundwave to return determines the distance the object is from the sensor. Due to how an ultrasonic sensor works, things like excess refinish material can impede the sensor’s ability to “hear”. For this reason, some OEMs restrict any repairs, which can include the amount of refinish material that can be applied or in some cases no refinishing the ultrasonic sensors.
Other things that can cause failures in the parking assist sensors can include mud, dirt, rain, snow, and stickers. Due to the fact that ultrasonic sensors use sound, loud noises near the vehicle can prevent the ultrasonic sensors from being able to hear as well.
To prevent impeding the ADAS's ability to function and potential failure, check OEM repair information to identify what restrictions may apply to the repairs you are considering. Always verify that the ADAS is functioning properly after completing repairs.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Understanding the Park Assist System
Related I-CAR Courses
-
MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
June 02, 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA (MIG) welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding.…
-
2015 Ford F-150 Outer Box Side Replacement Options
August 07, 2015
The method for replacing the outer box side on the 2015 Ford F-150 has been a popular area of discussion, and many people are asking, "What are my options and…
-
I-CAR Best Practice: Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges
July 21, 2017
Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged…
-
Restraints Wiring Repairs
May 23, 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
-
Mazda I-ELOOP Overview
January 27, 2014
Beginning model year 2014, Mazda has introduced a regenerative engine braking system called i-ELOOP, short for "Intelligent Energy Loop." In this system, a capacitor is used to store electrical energy…
-
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
June 09, 2016
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC has released a position statement related to the use of scan tools following collisions. In the position statement, FCA states:
-
Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
July 28, 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
-
2012 Ford Focus Active Grille Shutters
January 01, 2014
When making collision repairs to the 2012 Ford Focus, be aware that the vehicle may be equipped with an active grille shutter system (see Figure 1). This motorized system is…
-
Typical Calibration Requirements for Blind Spot Sensors
October 19, 2016
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…
-
I-CAR Best Practice: Full-Body Sectioning Should Not Be Done
July 24, 2017
Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged…
-
Collision Repair New Video: ADAS Calibrations Require Precision
September 21, 2018
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Don't believe everything you see on the internet….” While that statement is only partially true, it is an unfortunate reality for some recent advanced driver assistance…
-
Back-to-Basics: Solvent Popping
September 20, 2018
Sometimes going back to basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to preparing a surface for refinishing, it is easy to…
-
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
September 19, 2018
One of the top technical inquires received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial…
-
Locating ADAS Information: BMW/MINI
September 18, 2018
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern…
-
2018 SEMA Collision Repair and Refinish Stage Preview: ADAS Panel Discussion
September 17, 2018
This year at SEMA, I-CAR will be hosting demonstrations and panel discussions that are free to all SEMA attendees. The demonstrations and discussions will take place Tuesday through Friday at…
-
Locating ADAS Information: Volkswagen
September 14, 2018
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern…
-
Toyota Collision Pros: Summer 2018
September 13, 2018
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is now common on many vehicles. Toyota/Lexus are making certain ADAS standard on their entire lineup. So, what does that mean for collision repairers? A…
-
GM: Applying Impact Resistant Structural Adhesives
September 12, 2018
According to gmrepairinsights.com, there are rules that must be followed when using impact resistant (I.R.) structural adhesives. Per Bob Hiser, GM Lead Service Engineer, “The glue doesn’t tell you what…
-
New ADAS Feature Available From Hyundai
September 11, 2018
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is bringing a new feature in child safety, called safe exit assist, which is standard on all trim levels. This concept expands on the traditional…
-
2018 SEMA Collision Repair and Refinish Stage Preview: Riveting
September 10, 2018
As the number of aluminum-intensive vehicles and mixed-material vehicles continues to rise, the need to incorporate riveting and rivet bonding into the repair process also increases. Self-piercing rivets (SPRs) and…
- 2018
- September 2018 (14)
- August 2018 (23)
- July 2018 (21)
- June 2018 (22)
- May 2018 (22)
- April 2018 (21)
- March 2018 (23)
- February 2018 (20)
- January 2018 (21)
- 2017
- December 2017 (16)
- November 2017 (19)
- October 2017 (19)
- September 2017 (21)
- August 2017 (21)
- July 2017 (19)
- June 2017 (23)
- May 2017 (22)
- April 2017 (18)
- March 2017 (20)
- February 2017 (13)
- January 2017 (13)
- 2016
- December 2016 (10)
- November 2016 (13)
- October 2016 (21)
- September 2016 (15)
- August 2016 (12)
- July 2016 (11)
- June 2016 (14)
- May 2016 (12)
- April 2016 (12)
- March 2016 (14)
- February 2016 (12)
- January 2016 (10)
- 2015
- December 2015 (11)
- November 2015 (10)
- October 2015 (13)
- September 2015 (11)
- August 2015 (13)
- July 2015 (13)
- June 2015 (13)
- May 2015 (12)
- April 2015 (15)
- March 2015 (15)
- February 2015 (11)
- January 2015 (13)
- 2014
- December 2014 (15)
- November 2014 (9)
- October 2014 (13)
- September 2014 (11)
- August 2014 (13)
- July 2014 (15)
- June 2014 (12)
- May 2014 (14)
- April 2014 (11)
- March 2014 (6)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 2014 (28)
