replacing windshield of 2018 Lariat 502A
12-29-2018, 01:02 PM
#11
Gone Golfin
iTrader: (3)
Sound like you totally missed my point. Maybe 9 times out of 10 everything will be fine, but the one time it doesn’t work, you might not get a chance to say, I guess I should get that calibration done.
A shop hop we do work for unknowingly replaced the emblem in front of the precollision sensor with the wrong one. While driving and rounding sharp corners the vehicle would occasionally apply the brakes. Luckily no one was injured, but let’s say a semi was following too close and all of a sudden the vehicle abruptly applied the brakes, someone could have been injured. There were no warning lights, no fault codes, and a calibration was required because the shop removed the sensor. Had the shop done the required calibration after the repairs were completed, the problem would have been caught before the customer was put in harms way. We recently had another shop that removed the windshield (same windshield was reinstalled) to replace the headliner in an Acura MDX after curtain airbag deployment. After repairs were completed they asked us to calibrate the windshield camera as required by Acura. The vehicle did not have any fault codes and no warning lamps on. The vehicle failed the drive cycle calibration 4 times and now had warning lamps on as well as fault codes stored for failed calibration. When I informed the shop that it failed and now has a dash lit up like a christmas tree, they proceeded to say “you must have done something wrong, it didn’t have any issues before you tried to calibrate it”. The problem was an aftermarket windshield that was installed prior to the collision (Honda/Acura says you must use OE if the vehicle has a camera). Because the glass shop never calibrated the camera after windshield replacement, no one was aware of a problem, including the customer. We informed the shop that they would need to install a $1200 factory windshield, they did and the camera passed calibration the first time.
Maybe i do turn down a lot of business, but at least I can sleep at night knowing I did the right thing. I will never let money drive my decisionsq. As a business professional, it’s my job to look out for my customers and protect them from uneducated (on this topic) people like you.
Sorry, I’m not a confrontational person, but I’m very passionate about what I do.
Gary T
Keep up the good work. LMK the next time someone has their calibration done after an alignment, I have a Bridge to sell....
12-29-2018, 01:31 PM
#12
Junior Member
I dont think anyone (but you) can fault me for wanting to do the right thing, the thing that’s required by Ford. I’m just trying to make sure everyone that reads this post knows all the FACTS!
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Ricktwuhk (12-29-2018)
12-29-2018, 02:29 PM
#14
Gone Golfin
iTrader: (3)
@Ricktwuhk You're going to tell me you would have the calibration done (if you have/had the cameras) after an alignment? Change in tire size? Windshield when everything works perfect?
You'd be the last person to spend $300+ on it. This is no different than a dealer upselling his service. If it's needed for some reason (like incompetence) then sure, have it done.
Carry on everyone. This has become beyond boring and futile.
12-29-2018, 04:31 PM
#15
Old Fart
I have to agree with Airbagguy. How will you know if everything is working correctly unless you run a test on it? You can't just eyeball it. Measure twice - cut once. Guessing is for lazy people.
12-30-2018, 12:18 AM
#17
I believe you have to have the big roll out checkerboard mats. Forscan may be able to initiate the calibration but, without those, you're screwed... might make things worse, not better.
12-30-2018, 12:24 AM
#18
Senior Member
Those are needed for the 360 cameras which is 4 cameras, grill, tailgate and mirrors. Not the windshield camera for lane keeping.
12-30-2018, 10:07 AM
#19
Junior Member
12-30-2018, 02:14 PM
#20
Airbag guy is correct
Airbagguy is fully correct. He and I have been in the automotive safety systems repair business since the early 1990’s and have watched the tremendous changes since there was only an airbag in a car. All of these systems rely on a set standard of calibrations. I’ve yet to see a glass tech replace a windshield to the standard at the factory. If the windshield is off kilter on any axis it will have a drastic change at the longer distances of operation. It’s your choice in the long run but your insurance will cover it and it won’t change your policy.