Bumper Repair Precautions For 77 GHZ Radar - Crib # 201 (T-CRIB-201)

BUMPER REPAIR PRECAUTIONS FOR 77 GHZ RADAR - CRIB # 201

COLLISION REPAIR INFORMATION

BACKGROUND

Special precautions need to be followed for bumper cover repairs on any vehicle equipped with blind spot monitor and/or front side radar technology. The sensors behind the bumper(s) work by radiating radar waves to detect vehicles behind as well as in adjacent lanes to determine approaching vehicle distance and velocity.

Starting with 2023 Model Year some vehicles are changing to components that operate at a 77 GHz frequency. When refinishing a bumper cover on a vehicle equipped with 77 Gigahertz  (GHz) system important steps may include, but are not limited to:

• Always remove previous paint films within the radiation range until the bumper substrate is exposed  when instructed by the collision repair manual.
• Do not deviate from the regular number of coats specified by the paint manufacturer (work with your paint manufacturer for plastic repair guidelines).
• Do not leave paint joints or gradation (blend) over the radiation range of electromagnetic waves.
• Aluminum pigment included in manufacturers paint formulas may impact the detecting performance of the blind spot monitor and front-side radar sensors. Always mix colors according to the paint manufacturer's blend data (paint formula) for paint catering to 77GHz radar.
• Technicians must also perform a self-diagnosis function following bumper repairs using the "check reflection power" procedure found in the repair manual for the vehicle. This will detect the signal difference between the rear bumper assembly when removed and installed (shown as hint in Repair Manual).
• Do not install anything other than a genuine bumper assembly.

Always follow the model specific Collision Repair Manual and Repair Manual.  The type of sensor, special service tools, and procedures will vary for each model and production date. Following each step listed in the applicable repair procedure is necessary to ensure these systems will work correctly postrepair.

For more information on this and other important collision repair topics visit the Toyota Technical Information System (TIS)