The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix - What Is It, And How Does It Help The Collision Industry?

Do you know what vehicle makers have collision repair information available? Do you know where you can go to find that out?
To help the industry with this challenge, I-CAR, with the help of the collision industry, has developed an OEM Collision Repair Information Matrix. This matrix is a quick-reference guide that is used for identifying the specific type of collision repair information an OEM has available for damage analysis, or for reference during repair. It contains thirteen information headings, and thirty-five vehicle brands.
In case you're wondering where the categories in this document came from, here's some background on how this matrix was developed. In 2013, I-CAR held three Advanced Vehicle Repairability Summits at these locations; Hoffman Estates, IL, Southfield, MI, and Torrance, CA. to identify the most common problems the repair industry is encountering with repairing lightweight structures. These meetings involved people from several vehicle makers, along with collision industry stakeholders from several industry segments. One major factor that was discussed at length was the challenge of accessing current OEM collision repair information and repair procedures. In order to resolve this issue, we needed to determine whether the challenge was due to the information being difficult to obtain, or if the information just doesn't exist. To identify the state of OEM collision repair information, I-CAR began developing the OEM Collision Repair Information Matrix.
Because the amount of collision information and level of detail varies between OEMs, it was determined that the matrix should list the specific types of collision repair information needed for complete, safe, and quality repairs. The matrix categories were identified and refined at the summits, and are now contained in the matrix as it exists exclusively today on the rts.i-car.com website in PDF format. The first page is the matrix itself, while the second page of the PDF expands on the specific meaning of each of the matrix headings. Although some vehicle makers provided the input for their listings, many of the fields are being researched and populated by I-CAR staff. Because this process is ongoing, some of the fields are still being researched and will be populated in the near future.
Unfortunately, it is evident that there are some vehicle makers that are still in the process of making this critical information available to the industry. However, there are indications that some of these voids may be filled sometime soon. We will continue to work with these vehicle makers and to encourage them to make more collision repair information available.
Using the information in this matrix, I-CAR is developing vehicle maker specific web pages that will allow the information categories to be more searchable for specific brands and models. Watch for upgrades occurring there in the near future. Currently, the Honda and Acura pages on the rts.i-car.com website are examples of what you can expect to see for all OEMs, eventually. The matrix currently does not include categories for mechanical, passive restraints, or electronic systems. An additional matrix for those systems may be developed sometime in the future, based on demand. But in the meantime, be sure to make use of this easy-to-use tool whenever you have a question on the availability of OEM collision repair information for a specific vehicle brand.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
I-CAR Has Your Key To Success - The OEM Technical Information Matrix
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Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements
Wednesday, 09 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published position statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the position statements…
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Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
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ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Monday, 14 January 2019
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 these subjects. I-CAR’s…
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Restraints Wiring Repairs
Monday, 23 May 2016
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.
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Typical Calibration Requirements For Blind Spot Sensors
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
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…
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Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura have updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
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Typical Calibration Requirements For Forward Radar Sensors
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
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…
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MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
Monday, 02 June 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding. OEMs…
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FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Thursday, 09 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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Typical Calibration Requirements For Park Assist Sensors
Monday, 31 October 2016
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…
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Back-To-Basics: Door Handle Tools
Friday, 22 September 2023
Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Tools for the door handle might not sound exciting, but they can save you frustration,…
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OEM Emergency Response Guides: Rivian
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
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…
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I-CAR Repairers Realm: Lucid Motors Innovative Vehicles and Repair Network - Coming Soon
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
I-CAR is having a discussion on Lucid Motors innovative vehicles and repair network. Tune into Repairers Realm to listen and join in for questions and answers.
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Locating ADAS Information: GM - UPDATE
Friday, 15 September 2023
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern…
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Hyundai/Genesis Releases Additional Body Repair Manuals: UPDATE
Thursday, 14 September 2023
Hyundai Motor America updated their approved body repair manuals (BRMs) available to the United States market. This includes both Hyundai and Genesis branded BRMs.
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Structural Straightening On Tesla Vehicles: UPDATE
Wednesday, 13 September 2023
What should you do when a damaged Tesla comes into your repair facility? Can you measure it? Can it be straightened? What needs to be replaced?
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I-CAR Repairers Realm: Ford Structural Sectioning Guidelines - Now Available
Friday, 08 September 2023
I-CAR had a discussion on Ford structural sectioning guidelines.
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Calibration Research Tips: Honda/Acura Millimeter Wave Radar Mounting Position Inspection
Wednesday, 06 September 2023
While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by…
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Locating ADAS Information: Maserati - UPDATE
Friday, 01 September 2023
As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern…
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OEM-Approved Pigtail Connector Kit Resources: Nissan/INFINITI
Thursday, 31 August 2023
When confronted with a wiring harness repair, we often struggle finding the correct connector and pigtail repair kits. Often a specific connector may be used on multiple applications. If the…
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