Dealing with Gray Areas: 'May' vs 'Must' in OEM Procedures

You've probably been there: You're reading through an OEM calibration procedure, and instead of clear, definitive language, you encounter phrases like "calibration may be required" or "consider performing a calibration check." 

Meanwhile, your customer is asking whether the extra $400 for ADAS calibration is really necessary.

The language in OEM procedures isn't always black and white. This creates real challenges for shops trying to provide proper repairs while managing customer expectations and controlling costs. Understanding how to navigate these gray areas can mean the difference between a safe, compliant repair and potential safety or liability issues down the road.

Why OEM language varies

OEM manufacturers use different language in their procedures for good reasons, and understanding these reasons helps shops make better decisions.

"Must" language typically appears when:

• Safety systems will definitely malfunction without calibration.
• Regulatory requirements mandate specific procedures.
• The repair directly affects sensor mounting points or positioning.
• Field data shows consistent calibration needs for specific repairs.

"May" language often appears when:

• Calibration requirements depend on specific circumstances.
• The repair could potentially affect calibration, but not in every case.
• Multiple repair scenarios are covered by a single procedure.
• Manufacturers want to provide guidance without mandating unnecessary work.

"Should" or "recommend" language indicates:

• Best practices that aren't always mandatory.
• Situations where calibration provides an additional safety margin.
• Procedures that depend on technician judgment or specific conditions.

Common gray area scenarios

Several repair scenarios consistently create interpretation challenges for shops:

• Suspension work and wheel alignments. Many procedures note that calibration "should be considered" after suspension repairs or alignments. The key factor is often whether the repair affects the vehicle's thrust line or changes sensor positioning relative to the road surface.
• Body panel repairs near sensor locations. When repairing panels adjacent to ADAS sensors, procedures may indicate calibration is "recommended." The determining factors usually include whether work involved heating, welding, or structural modifications near sensor mounting points.
• Software updates and module replacements. Some procedures state that calibration "may be necessary" after certain software updates or control module replacements, depending on what systems were affected.

ADAS calibration and VIN-specific OEM requirements

ADAS systems present unique challenges when it comes to interpreting OEM procedure language, largely because of the precision required and the VIN-specific nature of these systems.

Unlike traditional repairs that might have some tolerance for variation, ADAS calibration demands exact adherence to manufacturer specifications. A forward-facing camera that's off by even a degree can fail to detect lane markings properly, while a radar sensor with slight misalignment might not accurately measure following distances for adaptive cruise control.

VIN-specific procedures also matter immensely.Every vehicle's ADAS configuration is unique, even within the same model year. Two identical-looking Honda Accords might have different camera mounting angles, radar sensor specifications, or software versions that require entirely different calibration procedures. This is where VIN-specific information becomes critical.

Insurance and reimbursement considerations

Insurance companies are increasingly focused on OEM compliance, which affects how they handle ambiguous procedure language:

• Clear requirements get approved. When procedures state calibration "must" be performed, insurance approval is typically straightforward. Companies understand these are non-negotiable safety requirements.
• Gray areas need documentation. For "may" or "should" scenarios, insurance companies often want documentation of why calibration was deemed necessary. This might include photos of damage, diagnostic scan results, or technical explanations. 
• Preventive calibrations face scrutiny. Insurance companies may question calibrations performed when procedures only suggest they "may" be necessary, especially without supporting evidence of actual need.
• Position statements carry weight. When manufacturer position statements clarify ambiguous procedure language, insurance companies typically recognize these clarifications as binding requirements.

As a note: We always recommend documenting everything. It may increase insurance reimbursements, even for “must” calibrations, and it’s a good practice to follow. However, it’s particularly important to document in those gray areas. 

Staying current with changing requirements

OEM procedures evolve constantly, and language that was ambiguous yesterday might be definitive today:

• Position statements provide clarity. Manufacturers regularly issue position statements that clarify or update procedure language. A repair that "may require" calibration in the service manual might become "must require" in a later position statement.
• Technical bulletins update procedures. Service bulletins can modify existing procedure language, changing "may" to "must" or providing specific conditions that trigger requirements.
• Field experience drives changes. As manufacturers gather real-world data, they update procedure language to reflect actual calibration needs. Procedures that initially used cautious "may" language often become more definitive over time.
• Software updates affect requirements. Vehicle software updates can change calibration requirements, potentially making previously optional calibrations mandatory.

Best practices for gray areas 

Developing consistent approaches to ambiguous procedure language helps shops make better decisions:

• Create decision trees. Develop systematic approaches for common gray area scenarios. Document factors to consider and decision criteria to ensure consistency across technicians.
• Invest in training. Ensure technicians understand not just how to perform calibrations, but when they're needed. Training should cover interpreting procedure language and making professional judgments.
• Detail your decision rationale. When choosing whether to calibrate in gray area situations, document the reasoning. This protects the shop and provides valuable information for similar future situations.
• Build customer relationships. Clear communication about safety implications and professional recommendations helps customers understand value rather than viewing calibrations as unnecessary upsells.

• Document everything. Take photos of damage, sensor positions, and any warning lights before and after repairs. This documentation helps support calibration decisions and provides protection if issues arise later.
• Check multiple sources. Don't rely on a single document. Cross-reference service manual procedures with position statements, technical bulletins, and manufacturer websites. Sometimes additional clarity exists in supplementary documents.
• Get accurate, up-to-date OEM data. Revv will provide access to VIN-specific OEM documentation to help you determine best practices and current procedures based on the repairs you anticipate completing. 
• When in doubt, calibrate. From both safety and liability perspectives, performing calibration when there's any uncertainty is often the safest choice. The cost of calibration is minimal compared to potential consequences of non-functional safety systems.

Navigating complexity with confidence

The gray areas in OEM procedures aren't going away. If anything, they're becoming more common as ADAS systems become more sophisticated. 

Revv helps shops navigate these complexities by providing VIN-specific procedures and OEM position statements in one place, eliminating the need to search through multiple manufacturer sources. Our platform identifies when procedures use ambiguous language and provides additional context to help shops make informed decisions.

Rather than guessing about calibration requirements or spending hours researching multiple sources, shops get clear guidance based on the specific repair being performed. When gray areas exist, Revv provides the documentation and reasoning needed to support professional decisions.

Book a demo today to see how Revv can help eliminate the guesswork around ambiguous OEM procedures.