Oakes: Equipment updates key to successful ADAS service

Welcome back to another edition of Getting the Straight-Skinny on ADAS — advanced driver assistance systems — where we discuss real-time shop situations to help you understand the intricate nature of ADAS calibrations/recalibrations.

In today's case study, we discuss how the human element — outside the ADAS bay — has a direct effect upon procedure success in front of the target frame.

Let's face it. Sometimes we just get too comfortable — or preoccupied — with performing certain repairs and forget to execute the basic steps before going forward with the job. Those vital footsteps include:

• Verify customer complaint;
• Visual inspection of vehicle;
• Electrical systems check;
• Recall/TSB verification (NHTSA decoder);
• Scan all modes, Pre-Scan documentation;
• Original equipment flowchart (if applicable) diagnostics;
• Repair;
• Verify repair/customer complaint; and
• Post-Scan documentation.

And when we incorporate vehicles with ADAS, the protocol list becomes a little longer, before going forward:

• Verify ADAS feature(s) functions; and
• Verify alignment specs (performed, if needed).

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This case study features a technician who followed the diagnostic rules yet failed on his first — and second — attempt on calibrating a front RADAR (radio detection and ranging).

It all started when a local body shop sublet a 2017 Nissan Maxima for a ADAS calibration. The vehicle had been in a minor front-end accident.

After replacing the bumper skin, brackets and the ICC (intelligent cruise control) RADAR, it was time to calibrate. The hired ADAS crew — a two-person operation — verified:

• No passengers, cargo in the interior of the vehicle or trunk;
• The vehicle in park;
• Verify proper tire pressure;
• Full fuel tank;
• Fluid levels checked; and
• External power source connected to stabilize vehicle electrical system.

It was time for the scanner and target to perform their magic.

First attempt: no-go.

Second attempt: no calibration.

Verified target, sensor angle and calibration step — all good, yet the system was not cooperating.

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What could be wrong?

Something simple. Something we have discussed, previously: scanner update.

This can happen to anyone of us. Life and business routine take over and we forget to dot the "i" and cross the "t;" overlooking the simple things because we are taking care of our customers and in a hurry to get vehicles in and out of the bay.

With all that rushing around, making a profit can turn 180-degrees and take a big bite out of the business' wallet — just like it did with our case study shop. Time wasted; profit diminished.

The fix? Set-up a standard for equipment updates. From scanners to TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) hand-held devices, there are technical updates throughout the life of the units.

Timing will vary according to manufacturer, so it is up to the shop to be vigilant to these revisions. In this case study, it had been more than six months since a tablet update was performed — even though the device was "pinging" the user that updates were available with the operator taking the position of "I don't have time; I'll do it later."

It is easy to add equipment updates as part of your daily routine. Just like pulling up the garage doors in the morning and making coffee for the customers, take a moment to turn on your electronics and trigger the update tab.

At first it may seem a little cumbersome, but like all routines, it will become second nature in your morning standard. Lesson learned.

Here's more important ADAS industry information for all techs who are calibrating/recalibrating vehicles:

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced that the newly created L4- ADAS exam is available for technicians, now. The exam of 80 questions — with a 180-minute window to take the test — will cost technicians $100.

But before you can take the exam, specialists will need to have passed the B5 — Mechanical and Electrical Components. This collision test consists of 60 questions and will cost the individual $50. Study guides are available for both assessments. Both tests are available for purchase on your individual ASE dashboard.

ASE states that the L4 certification will help shops and technicians with any post-calibration/recalibration legal issues as past ASE certifications have held-up in court proceedings as a skills certification and proficiency standard.

For those who are deep into automotive electrical, ASE will be launching a high-voltage safety certification. This exam is scheduled for a summer launch.

Not only will it cover hybrid (HEV/PHEV) and electric vehicles (BEV), but other, high-voltage circuits manufactured in today's cars and trucks.