You should always check the vehicle load before each calibration. This can have a drastic effect on the calibration of ADAS because of changes to the pitch angle.
If you're carrying out a static calibration of a radar or camera system, the target (reference panel) is positioned using criteria specified by the manufacturer. The vehicle also needs to be set to the manufacturers criteria, such as the fuel tank being full.
Why is that?
The pitch angle plays a critical role in the calibration of camera and radar systems. When accelerating, the body of the car leans back due to driving forces. When braking, on the other hand, the car body leans forward. When the vehicle is stationary, other things can affect the pitch angle. When the weight of a fuel tank changes, the body will rise or lower in the front or rear. If this happens evenly on one axle, it only affects the so-called pitch angle.
Examples of things that can affect the pitch angle when the vehicle is stationary.
- Fuel tank level
- Window position (distance to roof edge, height of the glue bead)
- Camera position in the bracket (often not correctly mounted or locked)
- Boot load (shopping bags, tyres, etc.)
- Wheel/tyre combination
- Axle suspension (shock absorber, lowering or raising)
- Air suspension not in comfort or service mode
- Tyre pressure
If the camera calibration fails, try adjusting the hight of the target to see what the problem is. If changing the height works, then the problem should be in the pitch angle.
Important!
Adjusting the target height is not a solution to the problem! Calibration must be performed according to the manufacturer's specifications and must not be forced by adjusting the height.
Having an incorrectly calibrated ADAS can cause the system to fail or, worse, lead to a traffic accident. Make absolutely sure that the ADAS system is calibrated and functioning correctly and reliably for the safety of your customer.