Calibration Research Tips: GM Manuals That Share A Common Platform

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a look at GM manuals that cover multiple vehicles.

Some GM repair manuals cover an individual model, while others cover multiple vehicles that share a common platform. When looking up the 2019 Suburban on the GM service site, the manual states it also covers Escalade, Tahoe, and Yukon models. When a manual covers multiple models, extra attention should be given to which service procedure is selected.

For example, when looking up image display cameras, under description and operation, the section called Surround Vision Camera Description and Operation (without UKL) gives a system description with no specific vehicle designation. This may lead one to believe that this system is available on all of the models covered in the service manual. However, this would be an incorrect conclusion. When proceeding to the image display camera repair instructions, the manual specifies the front and side cameras are for Cadillac only. Digging deeper is required to verify what systems are available on a particular model when using GM manuals that cover multiple vehicles.

Another example is on the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. In the service manual, under the Forward Range Radar Module Replacement, there are two options listed. One is designated for Chevrolet and GMC, while the other is specific to Cadillac. There are very different replacement procedures and mounting locations for each vehicle.

It is important to always refer to the service manual for the exact procedures. Understanding ADAS, and specific procedures is important to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional GM information, check out the following pages:
Chevrolet OEM Information
GMC OEM Information
Buick OEM Information
Cadillac OEM Information

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


Related I-CAR Courses