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CIECA

Calibration Committee
 Best Practices for Calibration 

Disclaimer:  The Best Practices was created from the CIC Calibration Workflow for the purpose of a quick reference to help the Calibration Committee find Data needed to be transferred and documents that needed to be captured for the Repair Process.  This is not intended to be a New or different Repair Facility Standard; this is to focus on the data.  

Document Pre-Scan and Research
Document Vehicle ADAS Options
Document Parts and Repair Operation
Document DTCs and the Assessment
Use OEM Procedures to Document Initialization, Programming and Module Setup Process
Document DTCs and Research Results
Document Scan results
Retrieve OEM Calibration Procedures and Identify Calibration Prerequisites
Pre-requisites met, document OEM Calibration procedures
Document Completed Calibration
Document Test Drive and Results
Review ADAS Features with Owner and Document
Document Pre-Scan and Research
Document Pre-Scan and Research
  • Pre-Repair Test-Drive (Optional)
  • Discuss ADAS Features with owner
    • Notify owner of known ADAS Systems and update them on these features being returned to OEM specifications.
    • Refer owner to the owner’s manual the factors that can impact their ADAS Systems operation (e.g., weather, tires, etc.)
  • Complete Pre-Scan according to OEM procedures
  • Review, Interpret & Research Scan Results and Research corrective OEM Service Information
  • Evaluate if vehicle has been altered from original OEM configuration electronically or physically.
    • If the vehicle was altered, it may not be possible to perform an OEM specified proper calibration 
    • Some OEMs may have limited procedures for related alterations if the vehicle is altered, document and advise the owner/driver that the alteration(s) can cause the inability for some ADAS systems to operate correctly and proper OEM centric calibrations to be performed successfully
    • Notify all parties involved (e.g., owner and insurance carrier) of all related and non-related ADAS research findings and then document.

Pre-Repair Documentation:

  • Document preexisting and unrelated damage.
  • Document DTCs - Virtual Printout (*.pdf, *.jpg, etc.) of all the DTCs and all the modules tested and must include the valid VIN number associated with the scanned vehicle.
  • Document related and not related to the damage/repair, and to define corrective remedies.
  • Document OEM service information (Date, Time, Personnel, Source for Download Documented)

Note: Calibration or re-learn may or may not be reported via DTCs (vehicle specific)
Document Vehicle ADAS Options

Document Vehicle ADAS Options 

  • Identify Vehicle ADAS Option’s Content and Features using a Check List and/or
    • Visual verification
    • OEM Build Data Sheet (if Available)
    • Repair Procedures (If OEM Procedures are Available)
    • This includes identifying pre-existing and nonrelated damage.
  • Blueprint Vehicle for repairs including visual inspection for ADAS, Disassembly, then creating a Repair Plan

This is critical information that is not easily captured.

Identify Vehicle Options/Features Documentation

  • Document Vehicle ADAS Options
  • Document Vehicle Features/Options
  • Document OEM Build Data Sheet (Date, Time, Personnel, Source for Download Document)
  • Document OEM service information (Date, Time, Personnel, Source for Download Document)
Document Parts and Repair Operation

Document Parts and Repair Operation to include ADAS Systems

  • Identify the tasks that need to be completed and determine who is going to complete the work.
  • Identify if and what Calibrations are Needed, (ADAS & Non-ADAS Calibrations)
  • Evaluate the State of Reassembly Needed for Calibrations and Document
  • Identify Required Inspections
  • Start/Continue Repair
  • Evaluate the State of Reassembly needed for calibration.  Some components may need to remain exposed for calibration procedures (installing bumper covers, grills may prohibit needed access to ADAS components).
  • Complete repairs include reassembly, Alignment, any mechanical adjustments following OEM Repair Procedures.


Repair Documentation
  • Document Parts and Repair Operation to include ADAS systems
  • Documenting All Dates and Times Associated in this Process (i.e. for info retrieved, for repair procedures downloaded, etc.) Is Critical
  • Document Technicians completing the work
  • Document inspections done
Document DTCs and the Assessment

Document DTCs and the Assessment

  • Assess and Address Any Diagnostic Codes
  • Using the OEM Repair Procedures, complete initialization, programming and module setup.
    *May be performed with a scan tool attached, and DTC's addressed while this step happens.

Documentation of Scan Vehicle after Reassembly

  • Document DTCs and the Assessment
Use OEM Procedures to Document Initialization, Programming and Module Setup Process

Initialization and Programming and Module Setup Steps

  • Document initialization, programming and module setup using the OEM Procedures.  
  • Clear DTC codes
  • Perform Post-Repair Scans
*  These steps are recommended to be repeated

Initialization and Programming and Module Setup Documentation

  • Document Initialization, Programming, and Module Setup Processes using OEM Procedures (e.g., for modules), if needed 

Initialization and Programming and Module Setup Documentation

  • Document Initialization, Programming, and Module Setup Processes using OEM Procedures (e.g., for modules), if needed 
Document DTCs and Research Results

Document DTCs and Research Results 

  • A DTC may exist to indicate calibration is required
  • Research means to identify what is related and not related to the damage/repair and defining corrective remedies. (Notify owner of all results)
  • Research includes OEM Service information.
  • Calibration or re-learn may or may not be reported via DTCs (vehicle specific) 

Post-Repair Scan Documentation

  • Document DTCs (Document Scan Results) - Virtual Printout (*.pdf, *.jpg, etc.) of all the DTCs and all the modules tested.
  • Document Required Repair Procedure
  • Document Clean Scan Results (No DTCs)
Document Scan results

Document Scan Results

  • Documenting All Dates and Times Associated in this Process (i.e. for info retrieved, for repair procedures downloaded, etc.) Is Critical
Retrieve OEM Calibration Procedures and Identify Calibration Prerequisites

Pre-Requisite for Calibration Steps

  • Retrieve Calibration Procedures from OEM
  • Identify Calibration Prerequisites
    • All vehicle repairs have been completed with vehicle completely reassembled and drivable.
      • Exception:  Check SI for conditions that may require access to sensors for adjustment during calibration such as bumper covers or access panels.
    • Any module programming required for repairs is complete
      • After module replacement or required by manufacturer due to recalls/ or service bulletin requirements.
    • Any required base calibrations required from repairs such as steering angle, Yaw/multi-axis, ride height, calibrations have been completed.
    • (Post Scan) All system diagnostic DTC check and/or code clearing as needed is complete.
      • Note if DTCs remain, analyze DTCs relationship to ADAS functionality and perform further diagnosis/repairs needed.
      • Note it may be necessary to do a 2nd post scan after calibration to clear any DTCs that may be set due to calibration process.  (Many systems set a history calibration incomplete DTC or implausible data DTCs in other modules while calibration is taking place)
    • Review manufacturer specific service information for any calibrations requirements by year/make and model and system being calibrated are addressed and completed.
      • Refer to manufacture specific service information.
    • See Calibration Pre-requisite Category Chart 
    • Confirm tire size is correct for vehicle and all tire sizes are uniform for vehicle.
    • Tire pressures are set to OEM specification.
    • Verify Tire pressure sensors are functional, and any required tire pressure position relearns, or initialization are complete.
      • On some system calibrations, TPMS malfunctions are DTCs may electronically prevent calibration commands from scan-tool Tire pressures are set to specification.
    • OEM Weight specifications are meet.
      • Clear vehicle of Owners personal items and accessories that are not part of original ‘as manufactured’ vehicle configuration.
      • Fuel and fluids are full to OEM specifications.
    • Vehicle ride height has not been altered and set to specification.
      • If vehicle modifications have been made (tie/wheel size, lifted/lowered) verify manufacture supported programming or adjustments related to ADAS functions have been addressed.
    • If any repairs require vehicle alignment, alignment must be completed prior to calibration.
      • Above bullet points are required for a proper vehicle alignment.
      • Alignment check is highly recommended for most ADAS calibrations.
    • Verify any added accessories such as bug deflectors, cattle guards, window tint, stickers or vehicle wraps do not obstruct ADAS sensors inputs (camaras, radar/lidar components) in any way.
  • Identify Tools & Qualified Personnel 
  • The same process follows for sublet; a health scan can be an added step.

Pre-Requisite for Calibration Documentation

  • Document Calibration Procedures from OEM and the pre-conditions were met
    • Ensure and document all calibration process pre-conditions have been met (See Calibration Pre-Requisite Category Chart)
    • If the vehicle was altered, e.g. larger/high performance tires or modified ride heights, it may not be possible to perform a proper calibration.
    • However, some OEMs may have limited procedures for related alterations. 
      • If altered, document and advise the owner/driver that the alteration can cause the inability for some ADAS systems to operate correctly and proper calibrations to be performed successfully.

CIECA References:

  • BMS - Chapter 3 Common Data Aggregates, CalibrationInfo
  • BMS - Chapter 3 Common Data Aggregates, ScanInfo
  • CIECA Message - VehicleDamageEstimateAddRq
  • CIECA Message - RepairOrderFolderAddRq
  • Test Instance - VehicleDamageEstimate_Add_Calibration.xml
Pre-requisites met, document OEM Calibration procedures

Pre-Requisites met and Calibration process.

  • Ensure and document all calibration process pre-requisites have been met (See Calibration Pre-Requisites Category Chart)
  • If vehicle was altered from original OEM configuration, e.g. larger/high performance tires or modified ride heights, it may not be possible to perform a proper OEM centric calibration.
  • OEMs may have limited procedures for related alterations.  If altered from OEM original configuration, document and advise the owner/driver that the alteration can cause the inability for some ADAS systems to operate correctly and prevent proper OEM centric calibrations from being performed.

Document Pre-requisites and OEM Calibration procedures

  • Document pre-requisites were met before execution of Calibration
  • Document Calibration Procedures from OEM were done
Document Completed Calibration

Document Completed Proper Calibration Process

  • Multiple calibrations may be necessary.  Follow to OEM Procedures
  • Typically, the scan tool is required and will need to remain connected to confirm calibration is complete.
  • On glass replacement the adhesive specifications may require it to be adequately cured to prevent slippage and throw off calibration.

Final Scan Documentation

  • Retrieve OEM Calibration process, show all steps were followed with photos, videsos and other documentation(e.g., screen shots) to provide evidene it was performed correctly.
  • Make sure all personnel, dates and times are associated with each step.
  • Insurance companies and OEMS may require pictures supporting calibrations
Document Test Drive and Results

Road Test Steps

  • ADAS features can be found in Build Sheet or Owners Manual.
  • Perform Dynamic System Verification (DSV), formal road test that includes engaging ADAS features.
  • Perform Road Test.
  • Repair facility should have an agreement with the personnel performing the test drive and receive adequate documentation to prove it completed correctly.
  • Document Personnel and Date & Time of Test Drive and Results

Road Test Documentation

  • Document Personnel and Date & Time of Test Drive and Results

Road Test Documentation

  • Document Personnel and Date & Time of Test Drive and Results
Review ADAS Features with Owner and Document

Return Vehicle to Owner Steps

  • When vehicle has completed a clean scan, is calibrated and passes all ADAS functional tests, the car can be returned to the owner.
  • Review ADAS Features with Owner, Document and Inform Owner ADAS Systems set to OEM Specifications

Document Return of Vehicle to Owner 

  • Document Date of Return