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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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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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 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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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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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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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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Mazda I-ELOOP Overview
Monday, 27 January 2014
Beginning model year 2014, Mazda has introduced a regenerative engine braking system called i-ELOOP, short for "Intelligent Energy Loop." In this system, a capacitor is used to store electrical energy…
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OEM Emergency Response Guides: VinFast
Friday, 26 May 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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Calibration Research Tips: Hyundai/Genesis Driver Parking Assistance System
Thursday, 25 May 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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I-CAR Repairers Realm: High Voltage Battery Recovery - Coming Soon
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
I-CAR is having a discussion on high-voltage battery recovery. Tune into I-CAR Repairers Realm to watch.
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Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Mitsubishi
Friday, 19 May 2023
When researching procedures for disabling a high-voltage (HV) vehicle, you may notice that many of the procedures require the use of specific tools. Some of them are OEM-specific tools or…
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Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot
Thursday, 18 May 2023
Welding is a crucial skill in collision repair. The welding equipment and techniques are dynamic – keeping pace with vehicle technology advancement. I-CAR's Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team continues to…
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I-CAR Repairers Realm: Importance Of OEM Glass Replacement - Now Available
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
I-CAR had a discussion on the importance of OEM glass replacement.
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Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Thursday, 11 May 2023
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…
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Straightening And Heat: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Thursday, 11 May 2023
FCA/Stellantis has updated the position statement that provides the requirements for the use of heat when straightening.
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Energy Security Agency: High-Voltage Vehicle Risk Analysis Services
Wednesday, 10 May 2023
The Energy Security Agency (ESA) offers Risk Analysis services of hybrid and electric vehicles for first responders, towing and recovery professionals, and collision repair facilities. Let’s go into what is…
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Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: General Motors
Friday, 05 May 2023
Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs will be grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and…
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