Typical Calibration Requirements For Adaptive Lighting

Details Posted on 26 October 2016 | Share:

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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:

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

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