Nissan has made it clear: if you’re working on their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), specifically the Around View Monitor, calibration is not optional—it’s mandatory. For collision repair professionals, understanding the nuances of these systems is crucial, especially when it comes to camera calibration. A key takeaway from Nissan’s official position is that Around View Camera Calibration Requires Using The Consult Scan Tool. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for ensuring vehicle safety and the proper functioning of the Around View Monitor system.
Understanding Nissan’s Mandatory Calibration for Around View Monitor
The Around View Monitor is a sophisticated system that utilizes cameras positioned around the vehicle to provide the driver with a 360-degree bird’s-eye view. This technology significantly enhances parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. However, the precision of this system relies heavily on the accurate calibration of its cameras.
Nissan emphasizes that any disturbance to the camera system or its mounting components necessitates calibration. This includes seemingly minor repairs that might involve removing or replacing parts such as:
- Front grilles
- Door mirrors
- Any other part Nissan classifies as a “camera mounting part”
Essentially, if a repair affects the physical positioning of an Around View Monitor camera, calibration becomes mandatory. Failing to calibrate after such repairs can lead to a malfunctioning system, providing a distorted or inaccurate view, which compromises the safety benefits it’s designed to offer.
Nissan emphasizes mandatory calibration for Around View Monitor cameras after any disturbance to the camera system or its mounting components.
The Crucial Role of the Consult Scan Tool in Calibration
Why is the consult scan tool specifically required for Around View Monitor calibration? The answer lies in the complexity and precision of ADAS. These systems are engineered to operate within very tight tolerances. Generic aftermarket scan tools may not offer the depth of diagnostic and calibration capabilities needed to meet Nissan’s stringent specifications.
The Nissan Consult scan tool is the OEM-specific diagnostic tool designed for Nissan vehicles. It provides:
- Precise Calibration Procedures: The Consult tool is programmed with Nissan’s factory-specified calibration procedures for the Around View Monitor. This ensures the cameras are calibrated according to the exact parameters defined by the manufacturer.
- System-Level Access: It allows technicians to access the deeper levels of the vehicle’s computer systems necessary to perform calibration on ADAS components.
- Verification and Validation: The Consult scan tool can verify that the calibration process has been successfully completed and that the system is functioning correctly, often providing reports or confirmations that are essential for quality repair documentation.
Using a consult scan tool is not just about following Nissan’s recommendation; it’s about ensuring the repair is performed to the highest standard, maintaining the vehicle’s safety systems as originally intended by the manufacturer. This is particularly critical for systems like Around View Monitor that directly impact driver awareness and vehicle safety.
Beyond Around View: A System-Wide Approach to Calibration
While the Around View Monitor calibration is a key focus, Nissan’s position statement extends to other critical safety systems. They also mandate calibration for:
- Safety Shield Radar Sensors: Essential for features like Forward Emergency Braking and Intelligent Cruise Control, radar sensors require recalibration after any front-end collision or disturbance.
- Steering Angle Sensors (SAS): Integral to the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, the SAS needs a reset after any alignment adjustments or steering/suspension work.
This holistic approach underscores Nissan’s commitment to safety and the importance of proper ADAS calibration after collision repairs. For repair professionals working on Nissan vehicles, adhering to these guidelines, and especially utilizing the consult scan tool for Around View Monitor camera calibration, is not just best practice—it’s a mandatory requirement for ensuring vehicle safety and customer satisfaction.
By understanding and implementing these OEM guidelines, repair facilities can ensure they are providing repairs that meet the highest standards of safety and quality, particularly when dealing with advanced systems like the Nissan Around View Monitor.
