Ford, Lincoln ‘mandate’ standards in updated ADAS position statement

Ford and Lincoln have released an updated ADAS position statement that uses stronger language to say that all standards in the document are mandated. 

“Ford Motor Company officially mandates adherence to these standards to ensure the vehicle is restored to the high safety standards to which it was originally manufactured,” the three-page position statement states at the end. 

It states that the proper function and performance of the ADAS systems is strictly dependent on the vehicle being equipped and repaired according to Ford’s original design and service specifications. 

Ford defines ADAS-related repairs to include the replacement and removal or installation of ADAS sensors such as cameras, radars, and ultrasonics but notes it is not limited to these systems. 

It adds that repairs include parts that provide attachments for or affect the position of ADAS sensors, which could include but is not limited to bumper beams, quarter panels, and mounting brackets. It also includes parts that are in the field of view of ADAS sensors, which could include bumper fascias, grilles, glass, licensed accessories, etc. 

Diagnostic scanning and calibrations are required to ensure the safety of our customers, the statement says. 

Pre-repair diagnostic scans are required for all vehicles with damage to identify diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), even when no dashboard indicators are present. 

Post-repair diagnostic scans are also required to confirm all systems are communicating correctly and no new faults were introduced during the repair process. 

System calibrations are required for all vehicles with ADAS-related repairs to ensure proper operations of ADAS sensors and features. Calibration must be performed on any affected component regardless of whether a DTC is present. 

“Certain ADAS sensors may not immediately trigger a DTC if misaligned. Failure to calibrate could result in a vehicle leaving the repair facility with compromised or inoperative ADAS features,” the statement says. “Calibration procedures are described in Ford’s Workshop Manuals (WSM) and require Ford Service Information, Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, and Integrated Diagnostic System (FDRS/IDS) procedures.”

Obstructions to ADAS sensors require unobstructed “field of view,” the statement says. Partially or fully obstructed sensors could affect the ADAS behavior and may prevent them from working as designed. 

“This could lead to unexpected system responses or other behaviors,” the statement says. “Certain ADAS sensors may not immediately trigger a DTC, indicator light, or warning message if obstructed.” 

Ford also does not approve and “highly cautions” against the use of aftermarket accessories, aesthetic modifications, and glass tint or decals near ADAS sensor fields such as the front/rear bumpers, grilles, windshields, side mirrors, and quarter panels. It adds that these components have not been validated by Ford. 

Aftermarket accessories that Ford specifically mentions include grille guards, bull bars, light bars, winches, snowplows, body armor, and oversized roof racks, cargo racks, or other similar items. 

Aesthetic modifications mentioned include decorative wraps, paint protection films (PPF), stickers, magnets, heavy metallic-based paints, and other similar tints. 

Ford also mentions window tints and decals that overlap camera field of view near the rearview mirror can distort light transmission and cause system failure or unintended braking. 

The OEM says it also does not validate or support the performance of ADAS features on vehicles modified with non-OE suspension components such as sanctioned lift or lowering kits or non-sanctioned wheel/tire combinations. 

“Any component failure or damage resulting from the installation of any such modification — unless it is a Ford or Ford Performance sanctioned accessory installed per Ford procedures — is not covered by the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty or service plan for all ADAS-related systems, components, and performance outcomes,” the statement says. 

Ford also says that any damage or failure caused by the installation or use of non-Ford/aftermarket parts will not be covered under the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty or extended service plans. It says Ford technologies are validated exclusively using Ford Genuine Parts. 

ADAS modules are programmed with vehicle-specific software and configurations, the statement says. Unapproved electronic modules may be incompatible with the vehicle or its sensor, preventing proper system communication and performance. 

Recycled, salvaged, aftermarket, or reconditioned ADAS sensors are not approved for use, as they have not been validated by Ford and also may not be compatible with the software or the other sensors on the vehicle, the statement says. 

“Such parts may lead to DTCs, warning messages, calibration difficulties, and/or deficient ADAS functionality or performance,” the release says. 

The statement says that many radar sensors are mounted behind the bumper fascias and must “see through” them to function correctly. 

“Many radar sensors are mounted behind the bumper fascias and must ‘see through’ them to function correctly,” the statement says. “Aftermarket or recycled parts may have different material thickness, composition, or repair history (such as plastic welding or the use of body filler) that can interfere with radar signal transmission.” 

It adds that the accumulation of paint layers, including primer, basecoat, and clearcoat must not differ from Ford factory specifications. 

“Changes to paint thickness (for example, the application of three or more coats of paint) can attenuate or deflect radar signals, leading to system failure or inaccurate detection,” the statement says. “Only approved refinishing procedures and specific thickness limits found in the WSM may be utilized to ensure sensor performance.”

Ford states that an ADAS camera may be mounted at the windshield near the rear-view mirror and must “see through” the windshield to function correctly. 

“Unapproved windshields can distort the camera’s vision and cause system failure, unintended braking, or other ADAS performance issues,” the release says. 

The statement says that not only is any failure of a Ford system or component resulting from the use of a non-OE parts, unapproved repair procedures, or unauthorized vehicle modification not covered under the Ford warranty, failure to adhere to the official WSM procedures for ADAS calibrations and repair significantly increases the risk of system malfunction. 

“Ford Motor Company disclaims all liability for damages, injuries, or fatalities arising from repairs performed with non-approved parts or procedures,” the statement says. 

Ford points repairers to its technical procedures at www.fordserviceinfo.com

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