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As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become standard on most vehicles, and as the complexity of ADAS on vehicles increase, calibrations are here to stay.
ADAS calibrations are nothing new and, as you know, can vary between vehicle makers and even within an OEM. Tools and equipment often are unique to an OEM and are not typically compatible or interchangeable with other vehicle makers. However, one thing that is standard among most OEMs is the need for meeting certain requirements before calibrating.
These requirements may be related to the size of the workspace or the need for it to be empty to prevent objects from interfering with the calibration process. Pre-repair calibration requirements may also apply to the vehicle.
For example, per the 2024 Lincoln Aviator Workshop manual, Cruise Control Radar Alignment procedure: "In order to align the CCM, the front bumper cover must be removed to access the sensor and the vehicle must be in a wheel alignment bay station so that the vehicle is level." This is a simple requirement, but could be easily overlooked.
Some requirements may be less obvious. For example, per the 2024 Mazda CX5 Workshop manual, Radar Unit Aiming procedure: "Level ground conditions must be within 1 degree for the front and back, and right and left." The procedure also states to "remove cargo from the cabin and trunk compartment so that the vehicle is in an unloaded condition" and to "adjust the tire pressure of each tire to the specified value."
There are some specific pre-repair calibration requirements that many may not even think about. For example, per the 2024 Nissan Altima service manual, Distance Sensor Alignment procedure: "Adjust all tire pressure to the specified value" and "fully fill the fuel tank, and then check that the coolant and oils are filled up to correct level." That is not where it ends however, as the procedure also states: "A 4-wheel vehicle alignment must be performed before proceeding with radar alignment procedure."
As different vehicle makes and models can have specific pre-repair calibration requirements, it is important to identify these prerequisites before attempting to calibrate ADAS to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
- SEMA 2020: I-CAR How ADAS, Calibration, Structure, And Wheel Alignments Are Connected Presentation