In this series, we will be highlighting the four different BMW Repair Stages. Though not each of the stages may apply to a particular repair, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with each. The stages are located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals under 0 Contents of Body, General - Repair Method section (see Figure 1). Let’s take a closer look at the additional information available in Repair Stage 3.
What is a non-SRS wiring repair? It is the repairing of an electrical component that is not part of the supplemental restraints system circuit (usually identified by yellow wire looms). As technology increases on vehicles, so does the number of components that utilize electricity. Many of the sensors and modules are becoming smarter and more sensitive. If the wire is too long, the wrong gauge, or spliced in the wrong location it can cause malfunctions in the components that it’s powering. Many OEMs have different restrictions and guidelines for repairing wiring that does not control SRS components. On the other hand, there are OEMs that don’t allow wiring repairs at all, so full harness replacement is the only option.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to adhesives, it is important understand the product you are using, and how it is supposed to be used.
In this series, we will be highlighting the four different BMW Repair Stages. Though not each of the stages may apply to a particular repair, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with each. The stages are located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals under 0 Contents of Body, General - Repair Method section (see Figure 1). Let’s take a closer look at the additional information available in Repair Stage 2.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Subaru BRZ.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) published an article on why technicians at Porsche have told the repair industry that technicians are to never repair Porsche wheels. A collision repair technology instructor for Porsche named Mike Kukavica elaborated on why this rule was put in place.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar.
FCA/Stellantis has developed an addition to the Jeep family that will be available in 2019, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. This vehicle uses Jeep’s traditional body on frame design, with many other Jeep trademarks added into the overall look of the vehicle. Though the Gladiator may sport many of Jeep’s famous features, it brings some new materials and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for collision repair technicians to be aware of.
This highly visible malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), also known as a check engine light, can be set off for a variety of reasons related to electrical problems, mechanical issues, and even after a crash. Scan tools can usually pick up the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) to assist in figuring out where the issue lies so it can be fixed, but this is not always a guaranteed way to find the problem. Some issues, such as flaws in calibration, will not trigger the check engine light or report any diagnostic trouble codes.
Honda/Acura has released a service bulletin on December 7, updating their recommended list of seam sealers and adhesives for collision body repairs. The charts in the bulletin contain a variety of products from 3M, Fusor, SEM, and Kent.
All of the advancements in vehicle technology in recent years have led to Ford and Lincoln position statements on pre- and post-repair scanning. Let’s take a look at the guidelines laid out by Ford/Lincoln on this subject.
The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has put together a series of videos highlighting each area of the RTS portal. These videos are designed to help educate you on the types of information you will find in each area. Let’s take a look at the OEM Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Disable Search page.
In 2015, I-CAR RTS looked toward the future of vehicle technology by releasing the OEM Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Disable Search. This search made finding vehicle-specific hybrid and electric vehicle disable procedures, emergency response guides, refinishing and welding precautions, locations of the batteries, and location of the high-voltage disconnect quick and easy to find. Since the initial launch, many updates and new vehicles have been added to the vehicle search. Let’s see what enhancements were made.
It seems everyday concerns about fuel economy and the environment take a grasp on the collision industry. Differing construction materials, fastening methods, and vehicle technology will force many repairers to adapt to new repair methods. According to an article by Repairer Driven News (RDN), the strongest force in vehicles may be electric vehicles.
As the industry continues to ask about servicing the Nissan Rogue liftgate, we reached out to Nissan and they provided us with this letter as their answer.
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
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...
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
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...
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
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.
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Nissan/INFINITI updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning. The revised position statement touches on more subjects and gives additional information on the subject.
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.
In case you missed it, Senior Body Engineer, Jinhui Wang presented at Body Structure Efficiency On D-Segment Crossover Architecture at Great Designs in Steel 2025.
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s take a look at each vehicle maker and see what they say.
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s see what Ford/Lincoln says.
Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...
Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) 2025 covered multiple topics, many of which were presented by OEM engineers and tier 1 suppliers of body components.
In case you missed it, Rivian staff presented Rivian R1 Body Structure Evolution And Repairability at Great Designs In Steel (GDIS) 2025.
I-CAR is having a discussion on CCC Mobile Jumpstart app.
Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...
The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...
