A Collision Industry Conference task force has called for major changes to advanced driver assistance system calibration, warning that inconsistent practices can put consumers at risk.
The Consumer Advocacy and ADAS Calibration Task Force, created in January, has been working to define the requirements for safe and accurate calibration. Its recommendations were completed months ahead of a November deadline.
The task force found there is no consistent, standardized approach to ADAS calibration across the collision industry. It cited confusion among consumers, repairers and insurers, along with gaps in training, equipment, procedures, facility requirements and verification.
“ADAS presents this industry with the greatest challenge it has ever faced, and one that poses a safety risk to your customers, your loved ones and yourself,” the task force wrote.
The group identified 10 practices it considers “non-negotiable,” including following OEM procedures for the specific make, model and VIN, documenting calibration work and ensuring technicians performing ADAS-critical work meet defined training and competency requirements.
“OEM procedures and processes must not be shortened, improvised, or skipped,” the task force wrote. “There is no such thing as ‘OEM equivalents.’”
The document also identifies five major problem areas: awareness, process, environment, knowledge and validation.
The task force found the industry lacks a consistent, independently verifiable method of confirming that all required calibrations were completed correctly before a vehicle is returned to service.
It also called on OEMs to more clearly identify when calibrations are required, provide unambiguous equipment and facility requirements, identify which ADAS components and refinishing areas can be repaired and provide easier access to calibration documentation.
“The problems are obvious, the impact to the consumer could have life and death consequences, and there is an immediate and urgent need for collaboration, change and action,” the task force wrote.
Lou DiLisio Jr., co-chair of the task force, did not respond to a request for comment.
The 10 non-negotiables
- Follow OEM scanning and calibration procedures for the specific make, model and VIN.
- Follow OEM tooling, vehicle-preparation and facility requirements.
- Do not shorten, improvise or skip OEM procedures. The task force states there is “no such thing as ‘OEM equivalents.’”
- Document all calibration procedures and processes to validate the repair.
- Make pre- and post-repair diagnostic scanning a standard procedure for damage repairs.
- Require defined training and competency levels for technicians performing ADAS-critical work.
- Document dynamic calibration conditions, including speed, distance, weather, road conditions, lane markings and OEM-specific requirements.
- Do not treat a cleared diagnostic code as proof of successful calibration without full process documentation.
- Do not allow cost or economic pressures to affect calibration requirements.
- Treat calibration as a critical vehicle-safety procedure that must be completed accurately and completely.
