FCA 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 have 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 releasing position statements on pre- and post-repair scanning. Let’s take a look at the guidelines laid out by Ford/Lincoln on this subject.

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, the strongest force in vehicles may be electric vehicles.

As the industry continues to ask about servicing the Nissan Rogue liftgate, Nissan provides their answer.

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 Honda CR-V.

Sometimes going back to basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to welding, destructive testing of the welds ensures the technician is prepared for this crucial step in the repair process.

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 Acura ILX.

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 for clarification on a caution found in the Airbag System > General Description of the service manual:

"When painting or performing sheet metal work on the front part of the vehicle, including the front wheel apron, front fender and radiator panel side, remove the front sub sensors and wiring harness of airbag system.

When painting or performing sheet metal work on the side of the vehicle, including the side sill, center pillar and front and rear doors, remove the front door impact sensor, side airbag sensors, curtain airbag sensor, satellite safing sensor and wiring harness of the airbag system."

We reached out to Subaru to verify if all the mentioned parts would need to be removed.

The 2019 Mazda3 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year with the goal of increasing driver comfort. This includes a redesigned body and engine. In addition, more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be available.

With 2018 nearing the end, the Reparability Technical Support (RTS) team is finishing up adding 2018 models to the OEM Calibration Requirements Search. However, if you have used this search since it has been launched you may have noticed a few missing models.

The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360° video on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The video provides a 360° tour around the Atlas. Let’s take a look.

As a collision repair technician, it may seem like all the necessary information you would need would be located in the service manual, but this is not the case for modern vehicles. Sometimes the information for a complete repair can be housed in multiple manuals. Fortunately, The Repairability Technical Support Portal (RTS) has videos on how to navigate each OEM website.