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Mercedes Sprinter 907 Rear Camera Calibration


Damien Coleman
Snap-on® Diagnostic Software Specialist 

Mercedes Sprinter 907

Rear Camera Calibration


Most modern vehicles will have a form of 'Advanced Driver Assistance System' (ADAS) fitted to them, this could be a forward facing camera, adaptive cruize control, or a rear view camera for example. If a sensing component is replaced or disturbed, a procedure must be carried out to ensure the component is correctly aligned for accurate operation.  

In this article, we will go into the steps to perform a static calibration of the rear camera on a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter. Although this process may appear daunting, it is rather straight-forward once the correct equipment is used. This procedure will take approximately 20 minutes and should be carried out in an area with adequate lighting and space around the vehicle. 

Step 1 - Find the center line of the front axle

The first step is the find the center point of the front axle in the vertical axis. This is made more simple by using a laser. Mark the floor at the center point of the wheel. 

Step 2 - Use a plumb-line to find end of vehicle, use either a step or tow-hitch depending on the fitment

Next, we must find the end point of the vehicle. This vehicle is fitted with a tow-hitch, so a plumb line was attached to the ball of the hitch and allowed hang. The point at which the plumb line touches the floor was marked.

Now the targets can be placed on the floor behind the vehicle. There are three targets that are numbered and have directional arrows to ensure the correct placement.

Step 3 - Place the targets on ground behind vehicle

The center line of the target must be located 40cm or 400mm from the end point of the vehicle. Again, a laser is used to ensure the target is in-line with the rear if the vehicle. The laser should intersect the center line of all three targets.

Step 4 - Measure a distance of 400mm/40cm from the end of the vehicle to the center of the middle target

Next, the laser must be used to find the center point of the vehicle. The beam must intersect the center point of the manufacturer badge and the rear camera lens.

Step 5 - Align targets with the center line of vehicle

This image shows the center of  the camera

Once again, ensure the center of each target is correctly aligned. This line will be used for the final measurement so the laser can be left in this position.

Step 6 - Centralize the targets

A measuring tape must now be used to measure the distance from the center point of the front axle (step 1) to the center point of the targets (step 6).

Step 7 - Measure the distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the targets

Record the measurement as this must be input into the diagnostic scantool during the alignment procedure.

  

View of the vehicle from the rear.

This is an overhead view of the target placement.

Now that we have the target correctly aligned and the measurement from the front axle to the target measured we can connect the scantool to the vehicle and carry out the diagnostic procedure.

 

Connect the scantool to the data link connector and select 'Backup Camera'.

Select calibration of reversing camera.

Enter the measure value (6580mm/658cm)

Following the calibration, check for DTC and check operation of the backup camera.