DEG: How to identify scanning, aiming, diagnostic steps for proper documentation

In a recent Autobody News webinar, Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Administrator Danny Gredinberg shares an overview of proper verification and repair planning steps when running diagnostic scans and completing calibrations.

“The goal here is to understand that there’s different terminology and not everything has to be a calibration procedure, so utilizing the right terminology will help you achieve the correct discussion,” said Danny Gredinberg, DEG administrator. “When you’re thinking about discussing these things for reimbursement, you want to make sure that you use the correct terminology each and every time.

“You always need to make sure whatever you perform, as always, following the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines; there’s going to be research of repair information. Whether you use one of the third-party information sources or the OEM sources, you always have to trust but verify.”

Gredinberg walked viewers through a case study of an inquiry received by DEG on a 2024 Hyundai Tucson in which the repair required an ADAS calibration, including correct front radar sensor aiming operation for forward collision assist (FCA).

“The forward collision assist system is designed to help avoid a potential collision or reduce its impact when drivers apply inadequate, delayed, or no brakes at all to avoid a collision,” he said. “That’s a pretty important feature to restore to return that vehicle back to its pre-accident condition when you think about the consumers that are driving these vehicles to help them avoid another collision and potentially avoid hitting a pedestrian.”

The inquiry was submitted over concern that the labor time required to aim the distance sensor was inaccurate within CCC/MOTOR.

“The goal here is to prove, justify, and validate the work that must be done in order to come up with an accurate time,” Gredinberg said.

“Everything that you perform in that car, whether you do it in-house or you sublet that out, you still want to verify that everything was done correctly, have the documentation to prove the work was set to the factory specs, and that you can prove it… to reduce your liability.”

According to OEM procedures, Gredinberg said the operation requires:

• • Measuring and locating the center line on the windshield
  • Verifying the center line of the front rail
  • Setting up the special surface tools
  • Using lasers
  • Using targets
  • Using a factory GDS scan tool

After MOTOR reviewed the operation, they responded to the inquiry, correcting labor to 1.6 hours from 1.1 hours.

Gredinberg added that CCC updated its Guide to Estimating (GTE) to include a new section under the front bumper group dedicated to camera and sensor aiming, which provides the end user with included and not-included operations.

Some of the not-included operations for this particular vehicle repair are: checking that the ground the vehicle is on is level, creating targets, adjusting tire pressure, checking the wheel alignment, checking that the front surface of the FCA unit is clean, removing heavy objects from inside the vehicle, and ensuring correct radar sensor power.

In general, when it comes to performing ADAS calibrations, Gredinberg said repairers must first:

• • Identify whether the vehicle has ADAS, and if it does, which system(s) it’s equipped with
  • Determine if ADAS calibrations are needed
  • Research the procedure (for sublet or in-house) to ensure the correct tools and equipment are on hand
  • Prep the vehicle for the procedure

If a calibration fails, duplicate efforts to calibrate are also not-included operations.

Gredinberg also noted that every vehicle and OEM has variations in repair operations, so it’s necessary to look up OEM repair procedures for every repair on every vehicle.

“Never assume every year, make, and model car is going to have the exact same steps in the exact same time,” he said. “You’ve got to research to learn and learn to research.”

It’s also important when pulling from third-party information sources to verify that against the OEM source to confirm accuracy, he said.

To watch the webinar recording, register here.

Images

Featured image: File photo of Danny Gredinberg, DEG administrator (Teresa Moss/Repairer Driven News)