Any Sensor Recalibration Needed after PPF Install?

[ibe121]

This is a question for anyone who's done a full PPF wrap of the car. I received a proposal from a shop and it mentioned:

Calibration Notice: Adaptive driving systems and advanced sensors within new vehicles often need to be recalibrated after removing and reinstallation of parts (most commonly: side mirrors, front/rear bumper). Graphix Lab is happy to facilitate recalibration service with the client's preferred dealership/shop or provide the services of our affiliated calibration shop (A.D.A.S Clinica in SSF) at a discounted charge of $250 per panel with documentation of full diagnosis, recalibration success, and invoice. Client may also opt out of removing these parts to avoid recalibration in acceptance that some panels will have visible seam lines we cannot avoid. We will always recommend recalibration due to our own preference for perfection.

If you've had your car wrapped, did you need to recalibrate any of the sensors (i.e. ACC, parking sensors or other)?

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[Frenzal]

No

 

[Victorofhavoc]

No, but it doesn't sound like they're just laying out and cutting a hole for the sensor. It sounds like they're pulling sensors to tuck the ppf, and that's way beyond what most shops will do.

If they unplug the sensor it technically needs to be recalibrated. If you get an alignment you're technically also supposed to recalibrate the lane centering and collision stuff too, but rarely does anyone bother with either.

As long as all sensors go exactly in the space where they came from and are vertically aligned to the exact same position, you don't need to recalibrate. Depends on their carefulness, really.

 

[acurax]

If they are removing the front/rear bumper to apply PPF, then the sensors were more than likely unplugged. I would think this is uncommon for clear PPF, but a colored wrap, which is also PPF, would be more likely to have this done. In either case, here's the A.D.A.S. calibration requirements for the front/rear bumpers. For insurance reasons, i.e. CYOA, they must follow these requirements.

 

[ibe121]

No, but it doesn't sound like they're just laying out and cutting a hole for the sensor. It sounds like they're pulling sensors to tuck the ppf, and that's way beyond what most shops will do.

If they unplug the sensor it technically needs to be recalibrated. If you get an alignment you're technically also supposed to recalibrate the lane centering and collision stuff too, but rarely does anyone bother with either.

As long as all sensors go exactly in the space where they came from and are vertically aligned to the exact same position, you don't need to recalibrate. Depends on their carefulness, really.

Right on, I’m giving them a call later today and gonna ask about the bumper/sensor removal.

 

[ModJPB]

The only sensor that needs to be adjusted are your eyes for that fancy looking wrap.

The shop is covering their butts for legal purposes. As long as everything mounts back up the same way, it'll be good. The only sensor that is very sensitive is the one attached to the windshield. Since they aren't removing the windshield then you're good.

 

[Frenzal]

I've removed my front bumper and never did a sensor recalibration.

Probably like most people who installed an aftermarket intercooler did.

 

[Victorofhavoc]

I've removed my front bumper and never did a sensor recalibration.

Probably like most people who installed an aftermarket intercooler did.

Did you actually pull the sensors, or unplug them from the bumper?

The sensors themselves have a distinct vertical and horizontal plane. It's not uncommon for shops to flip them or move one from one spot to another. If you just unplugged them, you won't have a problem. If you removed them and lost track of which goes where and in which direction, you won't have errors, but the sensors may be missing zones or pointed the wrong way.

Most shops cut a circle around the sensor. A few will actually pull the sensor to tuck the ppf down. Obviously you shouldn't ppf over them. In theory they don't need recalibration if they pull and put back exactly the same... In theory ppf shouldn't take off your paint when it's being removed (but tell that to the black sections on my car). The legal disclaimers are there because this has happened, not because it's supposition.

 

[Frenzal]

Did you actually pull the sensors, or unplug them from the bumper?

The sensors themselves have a distinct vertical and horizontal plane. It's not uncommon for shops to flip them or move one from one spot to another. If you just unplugged them, you won't have a problem. If you removed them and lost track of which goes where and in which direction, you won't have errors, but the sensors may be missing zones or pointed the wrong way.

Most shops cut a circle around the sensor. A few will actually pull the sensor to tuck the ppf down. Obviously you shouldn't ppf over them. In theory they don't need recalibration if they pull and put back exactly the same... In theory ppf shouldn't take off your paint when it's being removed (but tell that to the black sections on my car). The legal disclaimers are there because this has happened, not because it's supposition.

Just unplugged them. So I was OK. I understand the difference.

 

[optronix]

Yeah... pulling the panels technically requires a recalibration. At that point it gets more expensive than it's worth.

I feel it's safe to say the vast majority of shops do not pull panels to install ppf. And honestly it's probably better that way, for this car at least.

If it's a GT3 or McLaren and you literally want to be able to take a fusion microscope to each panel to not see the edge of the PPF, then maybe. Otherwise I don't personally see the sense in it.

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