What’s Included in a Full Diagnostic Scan at Abel Diagnostic Centers
Modern vehicles rely on dozens of electronic systems—from safety sensors to infotainment modules. After a collision or any repair, a full diagnostic scan is essential to ensure every system works as designed.
At Abel Diagnostic Centers, our full diagnostic scan is thorough and OEM-compliant. Below is what we include, why it matters, and how we document everything for your safety and protection.
1. Pre-Scan: Capturing the Vehicle’s Baseline
First, we perform a pre-repair scan to identify all current and pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
We check every module, including those that don’t trigger a dashboard warning.
This step helps detect hidden issues and establishes a documented baseline. It supports insurance claims and protects both you and the repair shop.
2. Module Interrogation Across the Vehicle
Next, we scan all modules—not just engine or powertrain. Our scan covers:
ADAS modules (cameras, radars, blind-spot sensors, etc.)
Safety components like airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESC
Comfort/body modules (lighting, HVAC, doors)
Infotainment/telematics
We use OEM or OEM-approved tools. These tools identify whether any system is damaged, disconnected, or compromised. According to I-CAR best practice, using the correct tool is essential to find all affected modules. Repairer Driven News
3. Live Data and Sensor Health
We don’t just pull codes. We monitor sensors in real time to check how they behave under actual conditions.
For example:
Steering angle, yaw rate, and wheel speed sensors must report correct values.
Cameras and radars must see what they are supposed to, without obstruction or misalignment.
This step helps find intermittent faults or calibration drift that may not yet trigger a DTC. OEM guidelines often require checking live data before and after repairs. tech-cor.com
4. Pre-Repair Requirements & Environment Verification
Before doing any calibration, we ensure the vehicle and workspace meet OEM specifications. For example:
Vehicle is level front-to-back and side-to-side. I-CAR Repairability
Tire pressure is correct; fuel, fluids at specified levels. I-CAR Repairability Portal
The workspace is free of obstructions, has proper lighting, and needed calibration targets are set precisely. caradas.com
These conditions matter because even small deviations can lead to errors in sensor alignment or calibration.
5. Calibration (Static and/or Dynamic) as Needed
If diagnostics or damage reveal misaligned or replaced ADAS components, we perform calibration:
Static calibration: Using targets, measured distances, alignment tools, OEM-specified lighting.
Dynamic calibration: Sometimes required; involves a test drive under specific conditions, speed, road markings, etc.
Both are done following OEM published procedures. tech-cor.com+1
6. Post-Repair Scan & Verification
After repairs and any calibrations, we run a post-scan. This verifies:
All previously flagged DTCs are cleared (if appropriately repaired).
The vehicle communication networks are restored.
ADAS features now operate correctly per OEM spec.
We also revisit live data to confirm sensors are now behaving as expected.
7. Documentation You Can Rely On
We provide full documentation so that the work is transparent and verifiable. This includes:
Pre- and post-scan reports listing DTCs and system status.
Calibration certificates or photographic proof showing how sensors were aligned and set up.
VIN-tied records for insurance or legal purposes.
Such documentation often forms part of OEM position statements and insurer requirements. Car Calibrators
Why Each Step Matters
Putting this all together:
Identifying hidden damage early prevents safety-feature failures down the road.
Meeting OEM specs keeps warranty, insurance, and legal protection intact.
Full documentation proves care and compliance if any issues arise later.