Want to learn how to use an Autel scanner for your ADAS calibrations? Check out our guide on how to get started, along with some common calibrations and next steps.

Setting Up Your Autel Account

Before you start working on your newest car repair, you’ll need to set up the scanner with your Autel account and register your tools so you can start using them. To do so, go to Autel’s official website, create an Autel ID, and follow their instructions. From there, you can register your scanner and software with a few simple steps.

Conducting Pre-Scan Preparations

As with every type of ADAS calibration, you need to start with a vehicle that is on a level surface, has adequate pressure in all tires, and all the sensors are free of obstructions as you set the car in place to calibrate with the targets. Whether you’re using string, lasers, or the latest camera technologies to get the precise calibrations in place, this step will determine if your calibrations are accurate later.

No matter if you have your targets on a mobile frame or in a permanent, designated area of your shop, make sure these measurements are as accurate and aligned with the target as possible.

This is also the time to review the repair order so you know exactly what issues your customer is experiencing.

Before the actual scan, we also recommend conducting a pre-scan. This will help you identify the ADAS modules and run initial diagnostics that help you find the error codes you’ll need to fix.

What to Look for During the Pre-Scan

While the exact steps and specifications for each repair may vary depending on the type of car you’re working on, these are the things you should do or look for during the scanning process:

• Connect to the OBD-II port: If the car you’re working on was built after 1996, it is required to have an OBD-II port with 16 pins. Some models from 1994 and 1995 also have these ports. Look for this either beneath the steering column or on the dashboard. Make sure the car is turned off and plug the connector cable on the scanner directly into the port.

• Check scanner instructions: The scanner will indicate whether the car needs to be on or in accessory mode after you connect it, depending on the scanner model. For Autel scanners, it’s simply a matter of following the instructions on the screen and selecting the “Scan” icon when prompted.

• Select vehicle: The scanner will prompt you to select the vehicle manufacturer’s regional coverage, along with the make, model, year, type, and VIN. The steps may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer.

• Select system: To scan and adjust the system included in the vehicle’s work order, follow the steps on the screen to look for the codes controlling the system you need to calibrate, such as ABS, SRS, or engine sensors. Once you select whether you want to automatically scan the entire system or only scan certain parts, this will start the scanning process.

• Review errors: Once the scanner has pulled the error codes, you can review them. The diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)  will tell you what’s wrong with each affected system in the vehicle.

• Clear codes: Next, you’ll need to clear the codes the scan brought up on the screen so the vehicle’s sensors can function correctly again. This process is as simple as pressing a button on the touchscreen to select the issues the system has.

• Adjust sensors: Most Autel diagnostic scanners make it easy to calibrate the ADAS tools in the vehicle and orient it to the 3D space, provided the targets are correctly placed. As long as you have correctly measured and aligned the targets with the car, this is just a matter of pressing a button again for the system to automatically calibrate. This will ensure the sensors are all functioning once more

• Perform quality assurance: Test to ensure all systems on the vehicle are working as intended following the scan and any corrections. This may involve putting the vehicle on a test course or using the Autel scanner to conduct a post-scan.

Common Diagnostic Needs and What They Mean

• Damaged or displaced frontal systems: These include the sensors in and around the windshield. They can take damage from anything as small as a pebble cracking the glass, so it’s essential to calibrate these if you’re repairing or replacing the front windshield. Your Autel scanner can detect potential issues with everything from the adaptive cruise control system to automatic emergency braking.

• Lane departure warning system (LDWS) malfunctions: The sensors that operate for your LDW system are located all over the sides of the vehicle, and they must be recalibrated or adjusted in the event that the vehicle’s airbags are deployed.

Performing the Post-Scan

As part of quality assurance during the later phases of the scan, you should also conduct a post-scan to ensure the systems are working as intended and the vehicle is fully functional.

The post-scan will let you know whether each module in the vehicle is working or not, and if there are any issues. Once you turn the car off and turn it on in accessory mode—without igniting the engine—this will show you whether the read is valid and the car is back in working order.

On top of being an excellent way to ensure customer satisfaction, conducting these tests—and potentially making adjustments to your calibrations—ensures that your customer’s vehicle is safe to use once more. In turn, this can protect your repair center from liabilities.

Find the Right Autel Scanner for Your Needs

We have a trusted team of experts in all things Autel at ADAS Depot. Not sure which tool is right for your shop, or have questions about your newest scanner? We can help. Connect with our team at (925) 566-8545 or email us today with questions and you’ll be using your new scanner like an expert in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Update an Autel Scanner?

Autel scanners have software that occasionally needs to be updated, typically once every year. Purchasing these updates every year ensures that your Autel tablet and scanner has the latest OEM updates and can repair systems on vehicles from the latest model year.