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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
  • 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 

  • 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 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

  • 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

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 

  • 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

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

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 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 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

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

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