While setting up a calibration system you could encounter some problems. In the following checklist, I’ll explain how to recognize these and what you need to think about.
1. Hardware Check: My first tip is the most banal, but quite justified, as special equipment is needed for a calibration. Before starting a calibration, check if the required target is available and whether additional specialized tools will be needed.
2. Software Check: Regularly check the software version of the calibration system and keep it up to date. New updates might provide additional vehicle diagnostic options and fix software-related issues.
3. Calibration Location Hack: It’s helpful to use markings on the floor in your calibration location to define the correct position of the car. This allows a quicker and more convenient set up of the calibration equipment.
4. Save Time: Start the calibration process with the execution of the initial diagnostic and read out the fault memory (see chapter 1) first. While the software is doing its job, you can set up the calibration target and other calibration equipment at the same time.
5. Calibration Target Set up: Set up the required height of the calibration target before you position it in front of the vehicle according to specifications of the calibration system. In reverse order, the position of the calibration target may change again.
6. Look at the Tires: When attaching wheel receivers to the rear and/or front axle, pay attention to the tires. Unevenly worn tires can lead to problems with the wheel alignment.
7. Unlikely Data: Calibration often fails by entering unlikely data or a communication issue between two persons. Hence, my tip: The person who determines the heights of the wheel arches should also enter them into the system.
8. Extra Tip: For vehicles with adaptive chassis often the “jack mode” must be activated. After that, the height of the wheel arches can be measured.
9. Save protocols: Save the diagnostic protocols once the calibration is complete. Normally, these are automatically stored in the vehicle history, but better safe than sorry 😉
10. Build up your own database: Organize your calibration protocols in a way so that you can easily access them anytime. This allows you to search and compare suitable protocols when issues come up with a specific model.
I hope my tips are helpful for you! 😊