Auto Diagnostic Scanners and ADAS Explained

The eye and ear test — once mainstays in collision diagnostics — are no longer up to the challenge of modern auto repair. Nowadays, diagnostics is a highly sophisticated and exact science that requires the right knowledge and tools. In fact, just to stay competitive your shop needs reliable and modern diagnostic solutions, or else you risk falling behind.

Using the right diagnostic scanners and shop softwares are what you need. When it comes to identifying any required calibrations and validating your work, you want to work with the right tools and partners to ensure you get the job done correctly the first time.

This guide will lay out what modern auto diagnostics look like, and what you need to know when choosing the right tools.

What are auto diagnostics in today’s repair landscape?

Modern automotive diagnostics today are defined by an increasingly higher number of ADAS safety systems. These systems are reliant on different radar, camera, ultrasonic, and even infrared sensors placed all around the vehicles. These sensors record data, send it to the vehicle’s central computer, and then output a vehicular response.

With all of these moving parts, it is important that your techs know exactly what each vehicle is equipped with so that the proper service can be performed. This is where tools matter.

But how do you know which system needs to be addressed?

There are many new tools and software products out there to help your shop with this exact question. The first step at understanding today’s diagnostics, is understanding today’s world of ADAS.

ADAS systems of today and tomorrow

As you already know, ADAS is everywhere. And while you already have a good amount of knowledge of current systems (like Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)) this is just the tip of the iceberg. These current systems rely heavily on radar sensors and cameras, while some may also integrate with ultrasonic or infrared sensors, but the capabilities of these sensors will allow for more advanced safety systems sooner rather than later.

While these sensors are powerful, they are also fragile and can be tedious to work with in the repair process. They are often in need of calibration due to typical wear and tear, collisions, or routine vehicle repair. Because of this, knowing how to diagnose is vital for your shop. Not only is it a question of liability, it also generates more revenue opportunities.

ADAS performance relies on precise calibration, and precise calibration relies on accurate diagnostics. In the same vein, accurate diagnostics require your techs to be equipped with the right tools. 

The high initial cost of working with state of the art tools and software will pay itself off over and over again. Right now, your shop is at the precipice of an industry that is changing forever. Proper diagnostics will become harder yet more important as manufacturers continue to move towards higher levels of automation. 

The role of OEM scanning in ADAS calibration

OEM scanning is an important feature that differs from traditional aftermarket tools. OEM scanning uses manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools to collect data from the vehicle’s ECU to accurately diagnose any issues. These types of tools are very specific to certain vehicle models, providing access to all ECUs, read any DTC, access all vehicle modules, and perform bidirectional control at the same level as manufacturer equipment.

Generic aftermarket tools just do not provide this level of performance, and can hinder your shops abilities to accurately diagnose. OEM scanners allow your shop to precisely follow OEM calibration sequences. In fact, a traditional or generic car diagnostic scanner could even land your shop in liability issues due to insufficient calibrations. Without bidirectional communication, in some cases, you won’t even be able to activate calibration modes or confirm proper service.

OEM-level scanning is not a luxury — it’s a must. Modern ADAS systems require precise diagnostics throughout the entire calibration process. Not all scanners are made the same, generic scanners have:

• Limited ADAS module access
• Missing or incomplete calibration commands
• Inaccurate or generic data
• Gaps in bidirectional control
• No guidance on OEM-specific calibration sequences

You must use manufacturer-specific tools to ensure you identify every necessary issue. ADAS systems must be reset according to manufacturer-specific standards, which must be the new standard for any collision shop.

How Automotive Diagnostic Tools Work

Despite how advanced some new diagnostic scanners may sound, they truthfully function very simply. A typical diagnostic reading looks like:

1. The reader is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, normally located under the dashboard
2. Via proprietary communication protocols to communicate with the ECUs, the scanner sends a query message to specific modules
3. The modules respond with the requested data

This is a very straightforward process, with high impact. But how can you read the returned data? Luckily, these scanners include easy to read hardware interfaces. In addition to these user-friendly interfaces, scanners also may include:

• Diagnostic software that is able to translate and clear and DTCs, activate calibration modes, and validate calibration work
• Regular updates to stay up to date with vehicle changes
• Real-time data monitoring
• Vehicle-specific databases containing reference values and procedures, and coverage that accurately reflects each model year

Scanners are important tools for ADAS-equipped vehicles as you must be able to communicate with  ECUs before, during, and after calibration. This communication is what anchors the repair process from start to finish, keeping a clear focus when dealing with multiple interconnected modules.

Using the right scanner is vital to the health of your shop, and the safety of your customers. Being able to accurately communicate with the vehicle’s central computer will make your job easier and more efficient. Collecting real-time data is a huge help to identify potential issues and also to confirm successful calibration completion.

What shops should look for when choosing diagnostic equipment

So what exactly should you look for when choosing the right diagnostic scanners?

Here are several considerations you must make when choosing:

• Complete ADAS module coverage: Ensure the tool provides full access to any necessary modules. With ADAS work, you must be able to communicate with modules that control cameras, radars, infrared sensors, and more. Missing any of these is detrimental to your operation.
• Product success guarantees: Let’s face it, we have all bought dud products before. Doing your research on the quality of a product beforehand can save you time and money. Look for highly-rated scanners, preferably brands that guarantee success.
• Frequent update options: With how fast OEM requirements change, as well as ADAS technology in general, you want a tool that will be relevant for the long haul. You should choose manufacturer-specific tools that are guaranteed to provide regular updates when needed. The worst thing you could do is to waste money on new equipment when the previous one becomes obsolete. Don’t try to save money on a tool for a constantly evolving industry.
• Strong customer service and technical support: Go with the partners that will be there when you need them. Expert guidance and care is paramount to a smooth transition process when introducing new tech in your shop.
• Access to OEM repair and calibration procedures: Apart from just using the tool, you want to work with companies that want you to get the most out of their product. Go with the brand that offers accurate, step-by-step factory instructions to improve your communication with ECUs and your overall calibration process.
• Tools approved by various brands: While in most cases, manufacturer specific tools are the way to go, there may be exceptions. Some scanners are approved to work efficiently across different makes and models. Always make sure that this is worth the hassle, as manufacturer-specific scanners tend to work more efficiently.

The diagnostic scanner market is crowded, using these points will ensure you find the right fit for your shop.

Where traditional diagnostic tools fall short for ADAS

Traditional diagnostic tools just won't cut it anymore. Most shops who still use older or generic scanners run into issues such as:

• Improper identification of equipped ADAS features
• Missed DTC readings
• Missed necessary calibrations

The correct tools and partners will ensure that your shop doesn’t miss calibrations, revenue, and keeps your ship tight in terms of liability concerns. With Revv, you gain:

• Automated VIN decoding and ADAS identification
• Instant retrieval of OEM requirements
• Step-by-step calibration assistance
• Auto-generated documentation
• Seamless integration with existing platforms

By partnering with Revv you’ll capture more ADAS repairs, avoid missed calibrations, improve customer trust, reduce liability exposure, all while capturing more income. For example, one Revv partner increased revenue by 75% in a mere 9 months after joining the Revv team.

ADAS complexity is rising fast. Shops that invest now will win more work, reduce risk, and stay ahead of OEM and insurer expectations. 

Set up a call with our team today and drastically improve your diagnostics practices.