Understanding When & Why OEMs Mandate Post-Repair Calibrations of ADAS Technology

Disruptions in Connectivity, Shifts in Angle and Changes in Attitude

Over the past few years, the industry has seen a dramatic increase in the percentage of collision repairs that feature OEM-mandated post-repair calibrations of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Requirements change so quickly that, in some cases, it seems like the same type of collision on the same make and model of vehicle might not have mandated calibrations for one model year but require them for the next.

Every autobody shop knows that OEM requirements and processes are the one source of truth when it comes to performing a proper repair. However, it can help your team if you understand some of the methodologies the OEMs employ to determine when and why a calibration may need to be performed as part of the collision repair. Generally speaking, post-repair ADAS calibrations are required if there has been a disruption in sensor or camera connectivity, a shift in angle for the sensor or camera, or a change in attitude or vertical elevation between the sensor or camera and the roadway.

Disruption in Connectivity

Why calibrate: If the connection between a camera or sensor and the vehicle’s computer “brain” has been disrupted, OEMs will generally require a post-repair calibration. The calibration will ensure the systems are once again communicating with each other.

How connectivity is disrupted: Connectivity is often disrupted during a repair and replace (R&R) or repair and install (R&I) procedure, but the collision itself can cause sensor connectivity loss through damaged wires and/or connectors. Even if the ADAS component itself isn’t removed, if the repair calls for an R&R or R&I of a related part, such as a bumper, a mirror or a door, the OEM will often require a post-repair calibration.

Looking to the future: As individual systems become increasingly interconnected, such as ADAS L2+ and future L3 systems, the industry can expect connectivity-targeted calibration demand to increase. For example, if a forward-facing camera communicates with a rear sensor, both might need to be calibrated after a rear bumper removal to ensure they are still communicating.

Shift in Angle

Why calibrate: As even tenths of a degree (a measurement far too small for the human eye to detect) in sensor angles can have a tremendous impact on performance, it is essential to validate that all ADAS units are at the proper angles. This validation is best performed by aiming or calibrating the sensor, depending on vehicle’s make, model and year. Calibration validates proper aiming was performed.

How angles can shift: Shifts in angle most often occur during a collision, even if it was a low-velocity impact. Additionally, any time the repair process alters or may have altered the angle of a sensor or camera, calibration is essential to validate that the angle of the sensor or camera has been returned to its intended position.

Change in Attitude

Why calibrate: Collisions and associated repairs can change a vehicle’s attitude—that’s the height of the vehicle from the surface, which changes the way the sensor or camera sees down the road. This attitude change can also be uneven, especially if there is improperly distributed vehicle weight, which can cause poor left/right sensor performance.

Common ways attitude changes: The attitude of the sensor or camera can be changed both as an aspect of the collision, a repair procedure or even a mechanical issue. Some common causes include:

Suspension issues
Structural damage
Customer modifications (including lift kits and wheels)
Improper tire inflation
Gas tank not filled to the proper level
Unaccounted for weight in the vehicle (including items left on a seat or in the trunk)

Required pre-calibration mandates: OEMs often require vehicle adjustments to ensure that a proper attitude-based calibration can occur. These adjustments might include seat weight calibrations, fully emptying the trunk or entire vehicle, filling the gas tank, removing customer modifications and more. Often these required preliminary tasks aren’t specifically included within the calibration requirements and must be cross-referenced with related manufacturer documents. It’s essential to make sure you reference all OEM documents before performing a calibration.