Perfect Radar Alignment with a 2021 Toyota Highlander
Using 7 Step ADAS To Perform Millimeter Wave Radar Adjustment
Intro To Multiple ADAS Calibrations
Today, we’ll be working on a 2021 Toyota Highlander, focusing on achieving the perfect radar alignment. This session will highlight the importance of precise alignment and adherence to manufacturer guidelines to ensure accurate and safe vehicle operation.
Background
A few days ago, we had a 2023 Toyota RAV4 in the shop for a dynamic calibration. Although the dynamic calibration completed successfully, the horizontal alignment check afterward revealed an issue: the alignment was significantly out of specification. This prompted a deeper dive into the calibration process, especially the horizontal alignment.
Calibration Requirements
For the 2021 Toyota Highlander, we have three calibration options:
- Dynamic Calibration
- Static Calibration with a Cone Target
- Static Calibration with a Flat Target
Since we do not have the flat target, we will perform the calibration using the cone target. We’ve already conducted a test and achieved a horizontal alignment of 0.4, which is within Toyota’s specifications.
Pre-Calibration Setup
- Remove and Install Bumper: The bumper was removed and reinstalled, which, according to Toyota, necessitates a millimeter wave radar calibration.
- Plumb Bob Setup: The plumb bob is set up at the rear of the vehicle to ensure precise alignment.
- Laser Alignment: We use a bright laser typically used for headlight adjustments to enhance visibility. This laser helps us align the vehicle accurately.
- Target Placement: Two cones are usedβone Honda OE cone set at Toyota’s specified height and one Texa cone set slightly lower for comparison.
Results and Observations
- Horizontal Alignment: Achieved a reading of 0.0 after correction.
- Vertical Alignment: The reading remained at 0.4, which is within Toyota’s specifications.
- Target Placement: Both the Honda and Texa cones yielded similar results, confirming the setup’s accuracy.
Conclusion
Today’s session highlights the critical nature of precise alignment in performing calibrations. Any deviation, no matter how small, can significantly impact the calibration results. By following the 7-step alignment process and using accurate tools, we ensured that the 2021 Toyota Highlander’s camera calibration and millimeter wave radar adjustment were completed successfully.