I-CAR Best Practice: Damage Analysis for ADAS Identification and Calibration Requirements

Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged vehicles. In the I-CAR Repairability Summit the topic of damage analysis for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) identification and calibration requirements was discussed.

  1. Identify equipped advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
    1. Using a factory scan tool
      1. Identifies all modules and build data
      2. Will have current model year
      3. Can perform all program/scan/calibration/initializations
    2. Using an aftermarket scan tool
      1. Identifies most modules
        1. May not have coverage of most current model year
        2. May not be able to identify/communicate with all modules
        3. OEM may not test or approve aftermarket scan tools
      2. Can perform many program/scan/calibration/initialization procedures
        1. Dependent on scan tools capabilities; a robust scan tool can do most program/scan/calibration/initializations, while a code reader will not have the capabilities to perform any program/scan/calibration/initializations
    3. Using OEM repair information and VIN build data
      1. Not all OEMs have build data in non-dealership information
      2. Not all OEM build data terms mirror repair information terms
        1. Some will have a sales designation for an ADAS that does not match the name in the repair information
  2. Identify affected systems from pre-scan
    1. Use DTC information
    2. Flow charts
    3. Part location diagrams
    4. Physical damage to systems/parts/wires/mounting areas
    5. Modules that are present, but unresponsive
  3. Identify calibration requirements
    1. RTS Calibration Requirement Search
      1. Need OEM repair information to perform procedures
    2. OEM information for procedures
      1. Special tools/targets/scan tool requirements/drive cycle requirements
  4. Some parts may require in-process calibration to verify the system will be calibrated when repairs are completed.
    1. If mounting location is damaged/disturbed
  5. Prepare for post-repair calibration and post-scan

Here is an additional I-CAR Collision Repair News article you may find helpful:
I-CAR Best Practice: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Collision Repair Diagnostics Process

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

  • Your 2025 Favorites: Top Articles Friday, 16 January 2026

    As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...