Awareness of Changing Refrigerant Types
- Posted on 20 April 2017
You may have noticed that A/C refrigerant on many new vehicles has started to change. For many years, OEMs used R134a. However, government mandates require OEMs to phase out R134a by the year 2021. This left OEMs scrambling to find a replacement. Many US OEMs chose to use R1234yf to replace R134a, but there are some OEMs that have chosen a different route. Let’s take look at these new refrigerants.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: Toyota/Lexus
- Posted on 20 April 2017
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus says about structural sectioning.
ASA Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
- Posted on 17 April 2017
On April 17, 2017, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) released a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning. This statement coincides with many of the recently released statements issued by OEMs. Let’s see what this position statement says.
Additional Calibration Requirements: Toyota/Lexus
- Posted on 14 April 2017
The addition of the OEM Calibration Requirements Search to the RTS portal was a big step for the collision industry. While this new feature has been well received, there has been some confusion about what is included in the search tool. OEM Calibration Requirements Search is designed to provide information on the calibration requirements that are needed for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision braking.
It does not include occupant classification systems (OCS), steering angle sensors, battery disconnects, or other calibrations/initializations required, when not related directly to ADAS. Let’s take a look at what additional items may require calibrations/initializations on Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: Subaru
- Posted on 10 April 2017
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Subaru says about structural sectioning.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: Honda/Acura
- Posted on 06 April 2017
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Honda/Acura says about structural sectioning.
Collision Hub - Repair University Live: OEM Repair Procedures Featuring General Motors and I-CAR
- Posted on 04 April 2017
Collision Hub is a well-known source for collision repair news and information. On the Collision Hub website, you can find a monthly news report (Collision Hub Network News - CHNN), a blog, Repair University, and a relatively new feature Repair University Live. To view Repair University Live, you will need to purchase a subscription. However, the next episode, coming up on April 12, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will be sponsored by BASF, so it will be free to the public. Let’s take a look at how to view this episode and what it will include.
Repairer Driven News: Post-Repair Calibration Essential for Safety
- Posted on 04 April 2017
While the debate around pre-repair scanning and post-repair scanning rages on, there is a step that often gets overlooked in the repair process. This step is just as, if not more, important as pre-repair scanning and post-repair scanning. Post-repair calibration, or aiming, is essential for many of today’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to function properly.
On March 29, 2017, Jason Bartanen, Industry Technical Relations Director was the guest columnist for Repairer Driven News (RDN) and he dove into the topic of post-repair calibration.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Mercedes-Benz
- Posted on 03 April 2017
Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Mercedes-Benz recommends and where this information can be found.
When to Apply Corrosion Protection During the Repair Process
- Posted on 31 March 2017
A key factor in collision repair, is making the repair last. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas get disturbed, which will then require corrosion protection to maintain a quality repair. However, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to safely and properly apply corrosion protection. Ask I-CAR received information on a vehicle that received corrosion protection before welding was completed. The fumes from the propellant ignited inside the rocker and exploded, causing major damage to the vehicle. Let’s look at how to prevent this from happening.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: FCA/Stellantis
- Posted on 30 March 2017
Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what FCA/Stellantis says about structural sectioning.
Ford On Target 2017: Volume 1 - Outer B-Pillar Removal
- Posted on 29 March 2017
Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2017. Features of this issue include how Ford has made the 2017 Super Duty an all-aluminum body over a steel frame, following suit of the F-150. The article describes many of the specs and features of the new model. Ford also has shared an outline for removing the B-Pillar Outer Panel. Let’s take a look at this procedure.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Audi
- Posted on 28 March 2017
Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Audi recommends and where this information can be found.
SkillsUSA Update: Collision Repair Technology Contest
- Posted on 27 March 2017
The 2017 SkillsUSA Championships will take place in Louisville, KY in June. Similar to last year’s competition, this year’s contest is introducing a new demonstration element to the competition. Plastic nitrogen welding will be demonstrated at the competition and contestants will be required to demonstrate proper safety, properly clean and prepare plastic parts, and making a nitrogen plastic weld repair. In June, 2018, plastic nitrogen welding will be a scored segment of the competition.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Nissan
- Posted on 23 March 2017
Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Nissan recommends and where this information can be found.
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Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
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Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements
Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published position statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the position statements on the...
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ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
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Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
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Restraints Wiring Repairs
Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
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Typical Calibration Requirements For Blind Spot Sensors
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...
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Typical Calibration Requirements For Forward Radar Sensors
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...
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General Motors Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Friday, 21 October 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
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FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 9 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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Quickly Identifying Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges
Monday, 5 March 2018
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
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OEM Emergency Response Guides: BMW/Mini
Thursday, 2 May 2024
Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to...
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I-CAR Ford Mach-E Collision Repair And Electromechanical Repair Courses
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
I-CAR has developed courses for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, a general collision repair overview and a course that covers electromechanical repair.
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I-CAR Repairers Realm: Controlling Static During Refinishing - Now Available
Tuesday, 30 April 2024
I-CAR had a discussion on controlling static during refinishing.
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Film Thickness Gauge For Plastic Parts - Is It Worth The Investment?
Friday, 26 April 2024
Film thickness gauges continue to be a valuable tool in the collision industry. Most shops have gauges that work with both ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. So, should shops invest in a film...
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Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.
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Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges
Monday, 22 April 2024
Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.
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I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips
Wednesday, 17 April 2024
Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...
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I-CAR RTS App
Monday, 15 April 2024
Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!
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Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources
Friday, 12 April 2024
Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...
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Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor
Thursday, 11 April 2024
Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...
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