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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.
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.
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.
Attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this year? Well, I-CAR will be providing many different opportunities to connect with you at this year’s show.
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.
What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair limitations? These are just some of the questions that the RTS team fields on a daily basis.
What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs. Let’s take a look at Tesla.
The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.
Ford has released the third installment of their On Target publication for 2022.
Some FCA/Stellantis vehicles use active air dams underneath the front bumper cover to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. With active air dams, comes some considerations when removing and installing a front bumper cover. Let’s take a look at what FCA/Stellantis has to say.
What happened to the I-CAR Advantage articles?
I-CAR had a discussion on the I-CAR Chicago Technical Center (CTC).
Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that is 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 Genesis recommends and where this information can be found.
Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the park assist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what Volvo has to say.
The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Maserati’s position on this subject.
A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots, that left untreated will lead to corrosion, and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what Hyundai says.
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 more 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.
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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...
Vehicle makers do not always have procedures for all available service parts, and they sometimes allow sectioning of a part without specifying the specific location. I-CAR’s Repairability Technical...
The spring edition of General Motors (GM) Repair Insights is now available.
Ford/Lincoln released position statements for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) repairs.
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 had a discussion on advancements in plastic repair.
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...
The Joy Of Repair newsletter by Honda is made with repairers in mind and can be easily found on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) website.
Honda has released the first volume of The Joy Of Repairs newsletter.
Honda has released the second volume of The Joy Of Repairs newsletter.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Squeeze-type resistance spot welder (STRSW) maintenance is essential to ensure it functions...