CASE STUDY
Driving Safety Forward: The Impact of Correct Repair and Calibration on Road Safety
2014 Volkswagen Golf R Front Radar Calibration
Background
Smart AVR recently undertook the calibration of the front radar on a 2014 Volkswagen Golf R following a front-end collision. The vehicle's owner sought a solution to restore the functionality of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, which had been deactivated due to an error message on the dashboard.
Diagnostic Process:
Upon receiving the vehicle, Smart AVR conducted a thorough diagnostic process, documenting the successful calibration report in the scan. The vehicle underwent a road test of over 6 kilometres, followed by a post-scan to ensure the accuracy of the calibration. Additionally, the body shop responsible for the repair conducted their own road test after completing the repairs.
Issue Identification and Solution:
After the customer drove the vehicle for 20 kilometres, an Adaptive Cruise Control warning message appeared on the dashboard, deactivating the cruise control function. Further scanning revealed an 'radar misadjusted' fault, which required initiation of a calibration using a scan tool to rectify. This fault, if left unaddressed, can lead to the radar not functioning correctly, potentially compromising safety.
Complex Calibration Process:
The calibration process involved checking the position of the radar and providing adjustment values for manual adjustment of the vertical and horizontal angles. However, in this case, the radar's adjustment required multiple attempts, with the angle constantly changing back and forth before achieving the correct position. This indicated a potential fault with the radar unit itself.
Root Cause Analysis:
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the radar unit's housing bracket was slightly bent and twisted, with a securing clip missing and another clip that secures the radar to the bracket broken. Additionally, the wiring connector for the radar showed scrape marks, indicating a hard impact. These findings suggested that the radar had suffered significant damage, affecting its functionality.
Resolution and Outcome:
To resolve the issue, Smart AVR replaced the faulty radar unit with a new bracket from Volkswagen. Following the replacement, the vehicle underwent a successful calibration, confirmed through over 40 kilometres of driving. This ensured that the ACC system functioned correctly, providing the driver with reliable and accurate radar-based cruise control functionality.
Expert Insights and Recommendations:
This case study highlights the importance of thorough diagnostics and calibration for ADAS components following a collision. It also underscores the significance of using genuine parts and following manufacturer guidelines for calibration and repair to ensure the system's reliable and safe operation.
Industry Expertise and Best Practices:
At Smart AVR, our team of experts specialises in ADAS calibration and diagnostics, ensuring that vehicles leaving our facility meet or exceed OE specifications. Our commitment to excellence and industry-leading practices make us the preferred choice for insurance assessors and panel shop owners seeking reliable ADAS solutions.
Conclusion:
This case study showcases Smart AVR's expertise in diagnosing and resolving complex issues with ADAS components. By leveraging our industry knowledge and commitment to quality, we were able to restore the functionality of the ACC system on the Volkswagen Golf R, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the vehicle's owner.