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 about NVH pad replacement on aluminum Ford F-Series pickups.
Tightening regulations on fuel economy along with rising awareness about pollution have influenced vehicle design and function in recent years. However, most consumers are not willing to sacrifice comfort, vehicle size, or power, so auto makers needed to use different methods to boost fuel economy. For the most part, aerodynamics can be directly related to fuel efficiency. The smoother air flows over the vehicle, the less power is required to make the vehicle move, leading to higher fuel economy. Unfortunately, a vehicle that has excellent aerodynamics may not be a functional vehicle for everyday consumers. So, other measures needed to be taken. In this series we’ll break down some of the methods used to boost aerodynamics and fuel economy along with any special cautions on how to repair them. Let’s check out the vehicle start/stop function.
There is sometimes confusion on how many spot welds to use when replacing body components. Sometimes you replace what you removed, sometimes you use more or less than what was removed. It all depends on the particular vehicle you are repairing and what the manufacturer requires to be done. Luckily General Motors (GM) has a good way of identifying how many welds to use to install the new part.
An article in Nissan Tech News highlights different repair methods and procedures used in repairing Nissan vehicles. Nissan Sectioning Repair Tips article discusses reasons why a certain part may not be able to be sectioned, different welding methods, and ways to research and understand the body repair manual. Some reasons sectioning may be prohibited are due to material usage like ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), panel layering/construction, or if the damage is in a crumple zone.
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 2019 Audi A4 Allroad.
Did you know Nissan has a website that houses lots of useful information for collision repair technicians? Conveniently, this website is free to sign up for and once logged in, you have to access a wide variety of information on Nissan vehicles.
Toyota has launched their Spring 2019 edition of Collision Pros. Some highlights in this issue that you may want to check out are the important details regarding pre- and post-repair checklists, and Toyota Technical Information Systems (TIS).
Since the creation of the first modern automobile nearly a century and a half ago, there has been one dominant engine option on the market, the gasoline internal combustion engine. Now the gasoline internal combustion engine has some challengers trying to steal the crown. There have been many different types of engines in the past but many of them relied solely on fossil fuels to operate.
Backup batteries sometimes referred to as auxiliary or supplemental batteries, serve an important role in maintaining power for certain vehicle systems even while the 12-volt battery power is cut. The backup batteries can aid in emergency situations by maintaining power for features like GM OnStar, Toyota Safety Connect System, and FCA Assist to name a few.
A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Volkswagen say on the subject?
In case you missed it, RTS issued several different articles outlining some features and variables to consider when purchasing welding equipment. When it comes to selecting your next piece of welding equipment, there are many different choices.
Suspension systems are made to absorb most of the impact of a bump in the road. This ultimately increases the ride quality from inside the vehicle. Over time, suspension has greatly improved. There are several different types of suspension, including active suspension.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to a damaged door intrusion beam, here are some things to consider.
Weight-saving aluminum is being used more and more on vehicles to aid in fuel economy. There has been a learning curve for collision technicians to be able to adapt to repairing aluminum. Also, with aluminum comes a form of oxidation that typically appears near the panel flanges. FCA/Stellantis addresses this issue and how to fix it in a recently released Collision Bulletin.
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 2019 Ford F-150.
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.
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 Rivian's position on this subject.
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...
High-voltage (HV) vehicles have some special considerations for handling and storing HV batteries and other components. The dangers of HV batteries are potential even after removal which is why...
I-CAR had a discussion on KECO tools for lateral tension dent removal.
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...
Per your requests, here are the step-by-step instructions for submitting a library request in ALLDATA.
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When researching some OEM body repair manuals (BRMs), you may find callouts for the use of...
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...
I-CAR held a repairability summit on supplemental restraints systems (SRS) inspections. In attendance were representatives from OEMs, information providers, collision repair facilities, and insurers.
