Typical Calibration Requirements For Blind Spot Sensors

Details Posted on 19 October 2016 | Share:

| Print

Blind spot sensors on a 2015 Toyota Tundra.

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 blind spot sensors.

Blind spot sensors are radar units normally located on the sides of the vehicle, behind the rear bumper cover, in the quarter panel, and sometimes behind the front bumper. These sensors monitor the locations of other vehicles that the driver cannot see. Some systems controlled by blind spot sensors include blind spot detection, rear cross traffic, and front cross traffic. Events that may require a calibration of the sensor include, removal of the sensor, removal of the bumper cover, or damage to mounting locations.

Programming will be required on many blind spot sensors, followed by an aiming procedure. There are many different procedures to aim the sensors. Some procedures will require setting up a target to see if the sensors detect the target. There are also procedures that are not a calibration, but a test to see if the system if functioning as intended. Also, keep in mind that most OEMs do not allow repairs to bumper covers in front of blind spot sensors.

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:

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• Collision Repair Diagnostics Definitions
• Typical Calibration Requirements

Related I-CAR Courses

Course I-CAR ADAS Courses