Camera Recalibration After Windshield Replacement?

I think that the process takes just a few minutes - sounds more like dealer is busy

 

I haven’t done it myself, but Toyota’s Flat Rate Manual allows 2.1 hours for adjusting the Forward Recognition Camera Sensor Assembly (operation number 088144). Looking through the procedure in the Repair Manual, that figure doesn’t seem unreasonable, even if the alignment itself goes quickly; most of the time would be spent preparing the target and the alignment range.

Toyota’s allowance also wouldn’t include any time needed to move other vehicles or equipment in the workshop to clear the necessary space, which is larger than a typical service bay. The Repair Manual recommends a 3 m × 3 m open area in front of the vehicle; this area must be level, properly lit, and free from objects that could be misrecognized.

 

Did you test to see if it actually wasn't working OK - or do we make an assumption that it needs recalibrating?

 

According to the Repair Manual, “If the forward recognition camera has been replaced with a new one or the windshield glass has been removed and installed, it is necessary to perform Forward Recognition Camera Learning.” A similar statement appears in Toyota’s service bulletin T-SB-0184-17, “Toyota Safety Sense Front Camera Optical Axis Learning Information,” which explains:

If the installation position or orientation of the front camera is changed due to it being replaced with a NEW one or the windshield glass sub-assembly being replaced or removed and installed, it is necessary to perform front camera optical axis learning for the front camera to learn the driving direction of the vehicle and its horizontal axis in order for each driving support system (Pre-Collision System [PCS], Lane Departure Alert [LDA], Automatic High Beams [AHB], etc.) to operate correctly.​

The bulletin also has some photos of the alignment targets, under acceptable and unacceptable conditions.

 

Thanks, good to know - I realised it controlled the LDA & AHB - which you could test by driving to see if it's working OK.

But I didn't realise it was used for PCS - in which case, you definitely don't want it to fail!! Nor to test it out.

I was under the misapprehension that the RADAR sensor did the PCS sensing. Mine gave a false warning only last week, so I cleaned the RADAR sensor cover - I should have cleaned the windscreen instead.

With DRCC and PCS seemingly working seamlessly together, I wonder if they both communicate with each other in normal driving situations?

 

It's would be unlikely for the two systems to communicate a resolution, because of one system failed, without a third to identify the failed unit the computer could use the wrong info. This is why aircraft essential systems have multiple redundancy so that the failed sensor stands out from the others.

 

I had my windshield replaced recently and took the car in to the dealer to have the camera re-calibrated. I was also getting my 10K Toyota car service done at the same time. Dropped the car off at 9AM, and got a call at 3PM saying they needed to keep it overnight and work on it again the following day because the re-calibration service was taking longer than expected. I didn't get the car back until noon the following day. They kept saying that they had to set up the "grid" to re-calibrate the camera and that the other mechanics kept moving the grid which made it impossible to re-calibrate. Basically, my dealership didn't have the adequate space and respect of the other mechanics to get this service completed in a reasonable time. Total service for the re-calibration was $580 USD and 27hrs later.

In all honesty, I did not notice ANY difference before the re-calibration vs after the re-calibration service. But since my insurance company was reimbursing me for the expense, I figured better safe than sorry.

 

Failed bad???

 

Commiserations, never the less. A little bit like losing an old aquaintance I imagine.

 

Our 2015 OutBack has cameras and need a windshield replacement, got it done by safety-glass for $600, and was eventually reimbursed by Subaru due to a defect in the heater wire bonding agent at the bottom of the glass. There were hundreds, possibly thousands, of similar claims and most of us who didn't use a dealer never got the calibration check done. As long as they're not touched, I see no reason to get them checked (pun not intended). 18 months later, still working normally.

I wonder if a glass breakage insurance rider would cover the recalibration?

 

I would suspect so. Here's why: If the recalibration wasn't covered and it was stated as required by the manufacturer (like Toyota does), then the Insured person could come back and sue the Insurance Company.

Typically, glass breakage is covered by the Comprehensive rider. I seem to be up to date on this because my Prius just got a cracked windshield (due to a stone / rock) yesterday.

Because I have "Comprehensive" there's supposed to be no charge for me: Windshield, Recalibration and Tinting.

 

Does anyone have documentation on the calibration procedure for the windshield mounted cameras and sensors that are part of the Toyota Safety Sense system? I want to know if it is something I can attempt on my own or if special equipment and training are required.

 

See my previous posting and the bulletin linked in post #5, above. The only required special equipment is a Toyota Techstream diagnostic system; you could use locally-available substitutes for the other necessary tools and equipment, including the Stand Base mentioned in the Repair Manual (more info).