Aiming Driving Support Systems (JA07519)

Millimeter Wave Radar

In general, the millimeter wave radar is mounted directly behind or below the front Acura emblem. On some models such as the MDX and TLX, it is mounted to the side, behind the front grille.

Multipurpose, FCW/LDW Cameras

Though different in function and control, the LKAS, multipurpose, or FCW/LDW camera is mounted right above the rearview mirror. Camera types will differ from model and year and may use two cameras (LKAS, FCW/LDW) for older models and one camera (multipurpose) for later models.

Multi View Camera System

The cameras used on this system are mounted on the front grille, left and right mirrors, and uses the rear view camera.

BSI Radar

The BSI radar units are installed on the left and right sides of the rear body panel behind the rear bumper. The mounting position of the BSI radar units can vary, depending on the model.

Radar Aiming

Camera Aiming

Supplemental Tools and Materials

In addition to the above Acura special tools, the following tools and materials will be needed:

• Commercially available tape measure with a minimum length of 33 ft (10 m)
• Masking Tape - Acura recommends using the 3M Scotch Blue Painter's Tape
• Marker or Felt-Tip Pen

Alignment Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA210)

Stand Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA220)

Stand (T/N 07AAJ-TK8A100)

Reflector Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA200)

Rim Frame (T/N 07AAJ-TK8A150)

Target Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA160)

Angle Gauge (T/N 07AAJ-STKA170)

Attachment Bracket (T/N 07AAK-5K0A110)

Stand Pole (T/N 07AAK-5K0A120)

Target Holder Set (T/N 07AAB-TYPA020)

Target Set (T/N 070AK-TYPA030)

Gas Strut Holder, Short (T/N 07AAG-5R0A100)

8 Dot Target Sheet (T/N 070AK-SLEA110)

Mask Sheet (T/N 070AK-SLEA120)

Millimeter Wave Radar Aiming

To aim the millimeter wave radar, you will need a stationary metal triangle target placed in front of the vehicle and an i-HDS. To complete the aiming process, you must do a vertical and horizontal adjustment.

Vertical Adjustment

There are two ways to complete the vertical adjustment, depending on the model:

• Manual Adjustment without the i-HDS: Use the vertical adjustment bolt and a bubble level mounted on the radar unit to aim the radar. This is done before the target and i-HDS is set up.
• Manual Adjustment Using the i-HDS: Connect the i-HDS, then set up the target when instructed. Use the i-HDS values to aim the radar by turning the vertical adjustment bolt.

Horizontal Adjustment

There are two ways to complete the horizontal adjustment, depending on the model:

• Electronic Adjustment Using the i-HDS: Done after the vertical adjustment (without i-HDS method), the i-HDS electronically aims the horizontal plane. No physical adjustment is needed.
• Manual/Electronic Adjustment Using the i-HDS: Done at the same time as the vertical adjustment. Use the i-HDS values to aim the radar by turning the horizontal adjustment bolt.

FCW/LDW, Multipurpose Camera Aiming

The multipurpose camera requires both static and dynamic aiming using the i-HDS. Static aiming is done with the vehicle stationary and aimed at a stationary target. Vehicles will require either two or three targets depending on the model. Dynamic aiming is done with lane markers on the road while driving.

The FCW/LDW cameras are aimed two ways, depending on the model. Some require static and dynamic aiming. Others require strictly dynamic aiming.

Multi View Camera Aiming and Picture Inspection

The four cameras used on the multi view camera system are aimed using a stationary target laid on the floor in the front, rear, and sides of the parked vehicle. The aiming procedure requires the i-HDS and the audio or audio-navigation display.

The aiming procedure is split into four aiming areas: front, rear, left side and right side.

It is not necessary to do the aiming for all cameras at one time. Do the camera aiming that is applicable to the component that was removed, adjusted, or required re-aiming. Below is a general guideline on what camera to aim. Always refer to the applicable service information for conditions.

If you need to aim all four cameras, aim them in the following order:

1. Front camera
2. Rear camera
3. Side camera, left side
4. Side camera, right side

After any camera aiming, be sure to do the multi view camera picture inspection according to the service information.

BSI Radar Aim Inspection

You must inspect the BSI radar units to ensure they are aimed correctly. This is a static inspection using a laser with targets positioned to the left and right rear of the vehicle. You do not need the i-HDS. If the laser points within the boundaries of the target, the aim is good and the inspection is complete. However, if the lasers do not point within the target area, a secondary inspection is needed to check the radar unit mounting area for damage.

Vehicle Requirements

• The suspension has not been modified.
• The tire sizes and pressures are correct according to the driver's doorjamb label.
• The fuel tank is full.
• All excess cargo is removed, except for the tool kit and spare tire (if equipped).
• All doors are closed.
• The transmission is in Park (Neutral for M/T models) with the parking brake set.
• The wheels are pointed straight ahead.
• No objects are on the instrument panel, hood, or windshield.
• There is no dirt or debris around the radar unit or camera.
• If the vehicle you are aiming was involved in a collision or you suspect the alignment is out of specification, you must do a wheel alignment before aiming the millimeter wave radar or any camera system.

Aiming Area Requirements

• Do the aiming in a well-lit area such as inside the shop. Avoid doing it outside; certain weather conditions may affect aiming results.
• Make sure there is enough space (see below). Avoid areas with poles and large tool boxes nearby. Also, avoid aiming in front of any metal garage doors, shutters, or steel grates in the ground.
• Do not use the listed dimensions for target placement.

Radar, FCW/LDW Camera or Multipurpose Camera Aiming

BSI Radar Aiming

Multi View Camera Aiming

• There should be no bright objects (sunlight, windows, lights, or reflectors) behind or in front of the target or designs similar to the target pattern. Below is an example of an aiming set up that is likely to fail because the sun is behind the target.

Finding the Vehicle Center Line

• Except for BSI, you must first find the vehicle center line using the front and rear jacking points or the front Acura emblem.
• When placing a target at front, place the centering stand at the front of the vehicle and the gas strut behind the vehicle.
• When placing a target behind the vehicle, place the centering stand behind the vehicle and the gas strut at the front.

Front and Rear Jacking Points or Rear Tow Hook

Making the Reference Marks

To correctly aim the millimeter radar unit or camera, you need to establish accurate reference marks. Here are some tips to help you do that.

There are two ways to establish the reference mark to place the targets, depending on the model.

• A reference mark made at the specified distance from the front bumper (front bumper type).

• A reference mark made at the specified distance from the center of the front wheels (wheel centerline type).

Front Bumper Type

In this example, we are placing the target for the millimeter wave radar unit. You need to make a reference mark in front of the vehicle at the specified distance from the front bumper.

1. Determine the centerline at the rear of the vehicle, and position the gas shock with the cord or string attached. Refer to the procedure Before Aiming Setting in the service information.
2. Hang the plumb bob from the center of the front Acura emblem and make a mark on the floor where the plumb tip contacts it. We will call this mark Z.
   NOTE: if the vehicle has a front license plate, remove the plate and bracket before doing this step.

   On certain models, you may need to tape the plumb bob string to keep it centered; otherwise, the bumper's center character line may skew the string to the left or right.

3. Place the centerline of the centering stand from Alignment Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA210) on mark Z, then run the cord or string through it.
4. With the cord or string centered with the center line of the centering stand, make a new mark Z1 using the listed distance in the service information.
5. The target set up you just completed should match the one in the aiming procedure. You are now ready to set up either the radar or camera target stand.

Wheel Centerline Type

In this example, we are placing the target for the millimeter wave radar unit. You need to make two parallel lines from A1 to C1, then from A2 to C2. Follow this up with a line from C1 to C2.

1. Place the centering stand from Alignment Set (T/N 07AAJ-STKA210) at the center of the right-rear wheel. Extend the pointer as much as possible so it reaches the edge of the center cap.
2. Measure 3 inches (76.2 mm) out from the center of the centering stand, and mark it. We will call this mark A1.
3. Do steps  1 and  2 for the remaining wheels, and mark them as B1 for the right-front wheel, A2 for the left-rear wheel, and B2 for the left-front wheel.
4. Determine the centerline at the rear of the vehicle, and position the gas shock with the cord or string attached. Refer to the procedure Before Aiming Setting in the service information.
5. Determine the vehicle's centerline at the front and make a mark. Refer to the procedure Before Aiming Setting in the service information.
6. Place the center of the centering stand at the new mark you just made, and route the cord or string through it.
7. Place the tape measure from A1 (rear wheel) through B1 (front wheel), making sure the inner edge of the tape measure is aligned with the A1 and B1 marks.
8. Extend the tape measure out roughly 30 ft (9 m) while keeping it as straight as possible and aligned with the marks A1 and B1.
9. Make a new mark on the floor at 28 ft (8.5 m). We will call this mark C1.
10. Move the start of the tape measure to B1 while aligned with C1, and make a new mark according to the distance listed in the service information procedure.
11. Repeat steps  7 thru  10 for the other side.
12. At this point, you should have marks C1 and C2 on the floor. Using your roll of tape, connect them as shown while keeping the tape as straight as possible.
13. Make a new mark where the center line string intersects the tape edge. We will call this mark Z1. This mark should be bold and very visible as you will place the target stand on it later.
14. The target set up you just completed should match the one in the aiming procedure. You are now ready to set up either the radar or camera target stand.

This procedure can also be used when setting up the multi view camera aiming. Use the procedure to set up the reference marks for placing the target sheets on the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.

Side Camera Aiming

The service information shows four target sheets in the side camera aiming procedure diagram: one in the front, one in the back, and two on the side. The front and back targets are used only to help make the additional reference lines for the placement of the target sheets on the side of the vehicle.

Example:

1. Place one target in the front and the other in the back as shown.
2. Mark the floor with points V2 (front) and U2 (back) according to the listed specifications in the service information.
3. Stretch a cord or string along points V2 and U2.
4. Using the target at the front, mark the floor with points T and S according to the listed specifications in the service information.
5. Move the targets from the front and rear to the side as shown.

During Aiming

When checking the center display unit during aiming, it is important to understand what you are checking.

This image is what you would normally see on the center display unit for the front camera.

When you see the message Please confirm navigation monitor. Is marker in aiming area?  on the i-HDS, it is important to understand how to interpret the image. In the image below, it appears there are three boxes: one on the left, one on the right, and one in the center.

However, these are actually two boxes overlapping each other, and they must be treated as two separate boxes.

The same applies for the front camera.

The same applies for the side cameras.

Lastly, it is not necessary to do all of the multi view camera aiming procedures listed in the service information. Do only the one that is applicable to the component that was removed or adjusted.

Obstructed Radar View

Besides dirt and debris on the radar unit cover, front Acura emblem, or front grille, other factors can obstruct the radar unit view that will affect millimeter wave radar unit aiming.

• Always make sure the correct replacement parts are installed. Depending on the trim level, the grille or the front Acura emblem base is different and will obstruct the radar view if the wrong one is installed.
• Check for radar covers that are painted or have exterior wraps. These covers should never be painted or wrapped with exterior covering as it will obstruct the radar view. This also applies to the front grille.

Placing the Stand During Millimeter Wave Radar Aiming

When aiming the millimeter wave radar, keep the stand away from the aiming area and do not place it on the specified mark until you are instructed by the i-HDS. This is typically after the MID displays the message NO TARGET. The i-HDS and the millimeter wave radar unit checks the space in front of the vehicle to make sure tthere are no reflective objects. If the i-HDS detects any reflective objects or the stand, it will prompt a warning message and you must restart the procedure.

Distorted or Blocked Camera View

The multipurpose and FCW/LDW cameras must be aimed after the front windshield is removed or replaced. Always make sure the installed windshield is a correct factory replacement for the vehicle and not an aftermarket. The windshield for camera-equipped vehicles has view windows toward the top of the glass for the camera's view. Aftermarket windshields may have distortion within the glass that may cause interference of the camera.

Wrong Target Patterns

If you get the message Cannot Detect Right Target or Cannot Detect Left Target  on the i-HDS screen when using Target Set (T/N 07AAK-5K0A100), you may have the targets installed incorrectly. Make sure the target patterns match the illustration shown in the service information. If they are incorrect, correct the target orientation and make sure to check the target height and positions again.

Unable to Aim the Front Multi View Camera

If you are unable to aim the front multi view camera, there may be an unwanted light source creating a reflection on the target.

Do one or all of the following, and do the front camera aiming again:

• Check the placement of the front target again, and make sure it is in the correct position.
• If possible, turn off any shop lights temporality if conditions permit.
• Close any shop windows or roll doors.

If none of the above do not allow successful aiming, do the following:

1. Go to your parts department, and grab several large boxes.
2. Place the boxes around the perimeter of the front target as shown.
3. Do the front camera aiming again.

Collision Repairs

Any vehicle that was involved in a collision must have a wheel alignment completed before aiming.

If you have trouble aiming the millimeter wave radar unit on a vehicle that recently had collision repair, check the following:

• If the radar unit was replaced, you must check the distance from the radar unit to the bracket and adjust as needed using the adjusting bolts. See Millimeter Wave Radar Removal and Installation in the service information for details on how to do this.
• If the radar unit was not replaced, before you start radar unit aiming, you must still check the mounting position of the radar unit bracket to the vehicle frame. See Millimeter Wave Radar Mounting Position Inspection in the service information. In certain light collisions, the radar unit bracket can get slightly bent where it goes unnoticed in a visual inspection, but is enough to cause the radar unit aiming to fail.
• Make sure the wheel alignment is done before aiming the driving support system after a collision repair.

System Limitations

Always remember that certain environmental and roadway conditions can affect normal operation of radar and camera systems during use or when doing dynamic aiming. Conditions can include the following:

• Environmental Conditions 
  • Bad weather such as rain, fog, snow, etc.
  • Sudden changes between light and dark, such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.
  • Little contrast between objects and the background.
  • Driving into low sunlight (at dawn or dusk).
  • Strong light reflected onto the roadway.
  • Driving in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.
  • Roadway objects or structures misinterpreted as vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Reflections on the interior of the windshield.
  • Driving at night or in a dark condition such as a tunnel.
• Roadway Conditions 
  • Driving on a snowy or wet roadway (obscured lane marking, vehicle tracks, reflected lights, road spray, high contrast).
  • Driving on curvy, winding, or undulating roads.
  • Hilly road or approaching the crest of a hill.

  Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for additional conditions and limitations for each driving support feature.

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