Typical Calibration Requirements For Park Assist Sensors

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 park assist sensors.

Park assist sensors are ultrasonic sensors that can be found in the front and rear bumper covers. However, there can be additional locations, such as bottom of the fender, on certain vehicles equipped with Active Park Assist. These sensors monitor the distance between the vehicle and other objects. Park assist sensors are used to control front park assist, rear park assist, and active park assist. Calibration or aiming may need to be done after removal of the bumper cover, removal of the sensor, or an impact on or near the sensor.

Most OEMs do not require a calibration but call for a system test after installation. These tests may use a scan tool along with other special tools. Normally objects are placed in certain locations then a scan tool is used to see if the object is being correctly detected. Some OEMs have a calibration or learning procedure. A scan tool is connected then a learn procedure is initialized. Under specified conditions the sensor will then learn how to detect objects.

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.

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