ADAS Recalibration​

What Is Recalibration And Why Is It Critical?

Have you ever seen the old 60’s futuristic cartoon – The Jetson’s? Whether you like it or not, the day of George Jetson is here. Wait. What? No, we don’t have flying cars…yet, but we do have cars no longer operated solely by the driver. For example, not so long ago, if you were driving down the road and a rock hit and cracked your windshield, you could quickly and easily have it replaced. It’s not that simple anymore. Why?

Is your vehicle equipped with a Heads-up Display which projects vehicle information, such as speed, onto the windshield? Is there a camera connected to your windshield? Chances are your vehicle has ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance System.

These systems feature cameras and sensors which are the “eyes” of the vehicle. The “eyes” create a safety zone around the vehicle by aiding, warning and assisting the driver of potential problems to avoid collisions.

By the year 2025, according to an article entitled Advanced Driving Assistant Systems – A Ubiquitous Technology for the Future of Vehicles by Roland Berger dated March 31, 2021, 86% of all vehicles operated worldwide will have some level of driving automation including:

• Front and rear warning indicators
• Forward collision alert
• Blind spot detectors
• Lane departure warnings
• Automatic emergency braking (pre-collision braking)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pedestrian avoidance
• Traffic sign recognition
• Automatic emergency steering
• Fully automated parking assist
• Highway piloting with automatic lane changes
• No human interaction from exit to exit
• Chauffeur mode

Can you see how accurate operation of these sensors becomes more critical as vehicles become more automated?

WHAT IS CALIBRATION?

If the “eyes” are not pointing in the right direction or not seeing clearly, the vehicle could brake or swerve into another lane on the highway for no reason. This could lead to catastrophe for the vehicle…and its occupants.

Sensors can become out of calibration due to normal daily use, changes in temperature, standard vibrations, and when a windshield is being replaced. That’s why it is essential to have the settings or gradations checked with a measuring instrument, at the time of replacing a windshield to ensure the vehicle’s sensors operate at the highest fidelity. This is referred to as calibration.

Calibration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is a somewhat sensitive procedure. The cameras and sensors used are highly technical and can be mis-calibrated if not all requirements are met before calibration is performed.

The accuracy of ADAS relies on the accuracy of the calibration. The key to a successful calibration relies on making sure the vehicle is properly prepared before starting calibration.

WHEN IS ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED?

• Windshield Replacement
• Sensor or Mounting Bracket Replacement
• Front Airbag Deployment If Deflected Off Windshield

After a windshield replacement, vehicles with ADAS require a safety system recalibration to ensure that the sensors and camera connected to the windshield continue to work properly and meet all legal requirements.

TYPES OF RECALIBRATIONS

Removing damaged glass will affect the forward-facing camera attached to the vehicle’s windshield. To ensure this camera continues to work properly after replacement, the vehicle manufacturer requires recalibration by a qualified technician to reprogram the modules/sensors.

Different vehicle manufacturers require different calibration processes, which will include one of the following:

1. Static
2. Dynamic
3. Dual

1. Static Recalibration

Static recalibration requires using tools and targets and must be performed in controlled conditions with the proper amount of space and lighting in shops, not outside in parking lots.

In order to calibrate a camera or sensor, the vehicle has to be sitting in an area with very specific requirements. Normally this means that the surface the vehicle is parked on has a limited slope or is level. It also means that the vehicle needs to have a controlled ride height and level. Many calibrations require that the fuel tank be filled. You may be required to unload any heavy objects from the vehicle. The spare tire may also need to be in the correct place to ensure the vehicle is at the proper weight and at the correct ride height. If the wrong tire size is installed, it can also affect the calibration. Air pressure and lift kits all must be considered for recalibrations. You may even see warnings of not to enter the vehicle while the calibration is being performed.

Next, a specific target image is mounted on a fixture in front of the vehicle during the recalibration process.  Should the targets not be placed correctly, the recalibration will be faulty and that’s why the set-up of targets and alignment to the vehicle is a critical factor to owner safety.

This process can typically take up to one hour or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. 

2. Dynamic Recalibrations

As opposed to static recalibration, this method calls for the cameras and sensor systems to go through a range of movement to recalibrate the camera system.

The technician sets the vehicle to dynamic test mode with the proper tool and software within certain guidelines to meet outlined on the computer. During the driving test, the vehicle is driven at a constant speed on closed roads in relation to fixed objects. Speed, marked lines, distance from other vehicles, road conditions, traffic, weather and even the type of road are factors considered in achieving a successful dynamic recalibration.

After the initial road test, the technician should then perform a post-repair scan (see below) to verify that no reoccurring codes are set. 

A dynamic recalibration typically takes up to one hour or more. The actual time needed to run these tests varies based on the specific make and model of the vehicle.

3. Dual Calibration – Combination Static And Dynamic

Some vehicle manufacturers may require both processes outlined above. A dual calibration requires a significant amount of time to complete.

REPROGRAMMING

Parts or control modules replaced during repairs may need reprogramming. Just because a part is plugged in does not mean it will communicate correctly to the main computer.

These parts need to be synced up with vehicle computers.

POST-REPAIR SCAN

A post-repair scan is used to determine if any codes are set in the vehicle. This is not a simple hook-up to the vehicle and scan; there is more to performing it correctly.

First, a clearing of codes will be performed, resulting in a clean slate. Next, a test drive that has many of the same procedures as a dynamic test must be done. Driving a vehicle around the block does not verify correct operation. Testing ADAS features at different speeds and in different environments is needed to verify correct operation. This will activate all systems to verify that there are no reoccurring codes.

A final scan is then performed to verify all codes are clear.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Calibration times vary from vehicle to vehicle and each vehicle has to be recalibrated per manufacturer recommendations. A typical ADAS calibration procedure can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.

CONCLUSION

With technology advancing every day at lightning speed, self-driving vehicles are already a reality. Soon the flying car? Until then, be sure when your windshield is replaced, it includes recalibrating.