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Your job requires that you keep on top of the latest in vehicle, tool, and equipment technology – I-CAR is committed to helping you do so in one convenient place. We regularly publish new articles highlighting the latest and greatest collision repair information.
So check back often and follow us on X @Ask_ICAR to ensure you’re equipped with the most up-to-date collision repair technical information available in the industry.
When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models. When searching for repair procedures, knowing what to look for can save valuable time. Recently, the Ask I-CAR team was asked, is there a procedure for the roof molding bolts on a Subaru?
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search that tells you if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Lincoln MKZ.
The disconnecting and reconnecting (D&R) a battery is not as simple as it once may have been. An article recently published by Repairer Driven News (RDN) touches on the subject of battery D&R, specifically from Toyota. So, what does a repair technician need to know for battery D&R on Toyota vehicles?
I-CAR launched its Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal in 2014 in response to the industry's need for a tool that could provide better, faster access to information for repairing today's vehicles. The RTS initiative includes the Ask I-CAR feature. This is where you are able to submit collision repair questions. But what happens when a procedure or answer to your question isn't readily available in the OEM information?
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 constructed with a quarter panel rolled hem flange. The RTS Team is working to help you quickly identify if the vehicle you are repairing is constructed with a rolled hem flange. Starting with 2015 model year, when you check out the OEM Partial Part Replacement Search to find if procedures exist, you can see if the vehicle has a rolled hem flange.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search that tells you if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Tesla covers flow form rivets in the vehicle-specific Tesla Collision Repair Procedures ➤ General Repair Guidelines ➤ Using Flow Form Rivets. The document covers when to use flow form rivets, how to choose which rivet to use (along with part numbers), and how to prepare the panels for installation.
The OEM Restraints System Part Replacement Search has now been updated to include all models through 2017 and some of the 2018 models.
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 Restraints System Part Replacement Search search page.
As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently we had a technical inquiry that asked, "Does the steering column require inspection after any type of collision, regardless if the airbag deployed?" We reached out to Subaru for clarification.
With all of the different drivetrain options available, it can get tricky to diagnose and identify damage from a collision. A recent article from Repairer Driven News (RDN) highlights an episode from Repair University. The episode covers how to identify damaged steering, suspension, and drivetrain components.
Need help finding out if a part is reusable or not? A recent article by Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) recently addresses this issue.
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search that tells you if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Buick Enclave.
I-CAR has been informed that there are emails circulating that appear to be from I-CAR referencing invoices. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do NOT download any of the attachments, do NOT click on any of the links, and do NOT reply to the email. Phishing emails are in no way affiliated with I-CAR. I-CAR has no way of controlling these emails as they are not coming from I-CAR, but from a different source disguised as I-CAR. A good way to know if the email is a scam is to watch out for:
Navigating OEM websites can be challenging when searching for collision repair procedures, especially as no two OEM websites are alike. What happens when you need to find other types of repair information, such as, "What needs to be inspected after a supplemental restraints system (SRS) deployment", or "Does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) require a scan tool or specialty tool?" Let's take a closer look at the Subaru website.
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...
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).
Honda/Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give additional clarification on what is expected for scanning.
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.
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...
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
One of the top technical inquires received at Ask I-CAR, "Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?" To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement...
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement...
I-CAR is having a discussion on FCA/Stellantis sectioning guidelines.
Sometimes, going back to basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to GMA welding with adhesive bonding.
What should you do when a damaged Lucid comes into your repair facility? Do you measure it? Can it be straightened? What needs to be replaced?
We are often asked, “What do I do if there isn’t a procedure to replace a service part?” Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus says.
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, Lucid provides their answer.
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) considerations.
Rivian R2 Material Matrix is now available on the RTS portal.
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...