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Front radar · Adaptive cruise (ACC) · Emergency braking (AEB)
Car radar calibration, on your drive or in our Sheffield bay.
The radar behind your badge or bumper runs adaptive cruise control (ACC) and emergency braking (AEB). If it's knocked even slightly off aim, those systems switch off or react late. We come to you, find out why the warning is on, and calibrate the radar to the manufacturer's procedure.
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Warnings that can point to the radar
- Adaptive cruise (ACC) not available
- Front Assist or emergency braking warnings (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT)
- "Active Brake Assist functions currently limited" (Mercedes)
- Radar sensor blocked, or collision warning unavailable
When the radar needs calibrating
- Front bumper, grille or badge removed or replaced
- Any front impact, even a car-park knock
- Radar replaced, new or second-hand
- A warning that started after bodywork
Diagnosed first
We check before we calibrate
Intermittent warnings are often a dirty or knocked sensor. We check that first, so you don't pay for a calibration you don't need.
A rear-end shunt, then a front radar warning. The two rarely connect, but the radar gets calibrated anyway and the light comes straight back.
Radar and ABS lit together usually points to a wheel-speed sensor. No calibration will clear it.
If we can't complete a calibration for any reason, you don't pay for it. You only pay the call-out and diagnostic: a full pre-scan with a written report you keep, and a visual and physical check of the sensor and its mounting where we can reach it.
How it's done
- A pre-scan of every module
- The target or reflector set at the maker's distance and height, and lined up with the car
- The calibration routine run on the scan tool
- A post-scan and certificate
We need flat, level ground with a minimum of 2 metres clear in front, and up to 5 metres for some cars (we'll tell you if yours needs more), or we'll book the car into our Sheffield calibration bay.
Questions
Radar calibration questions
Do I need a radar calibration after a new bumper?
Yes, if the radar sits behind it or its bracket was disturbed. The pre-scan confirms it.
My cruise control says not available. Is it the radar?
Often, but a dirty or knocked sensor or a wheel-speed fault can do it too, which is why we scan first.
Can you code a second-hand radar?
Yes. New and second-hand modules often need coding to the car before they'll work, then calibrating. We do both in one visit, and you agree the coding price before we do it.
Can you calibrate VW adaptive cruise (ACC)?
Yes. Recent radar jobs include VW models, and we work on all makes.
How long does it take?
Most single calibrations take under an hour.