Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / OEM Linking Pin: Keeping Up With Repair Procedures

OEM Linking Pin: Keeping Up With Repair Procedures

Posted on 27 January 2017 | Share: | Print Print

Accessing the body repair manual before performing a repair has become increasingly critical. Ask I-CAR has received an inquiry, “I can’t find the sectioning procedure for the front lower rail on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu? We’ve sectioned the front lower rail on Malibu’s in the past?” After researching the repair information, we found the answer. Let’s take a look at what was found.

This particular model-year Malibu was a full body-style change. However, after conducting research we found that the 2008-2012 model year Malibu allowed sectioning, whereas 2013-2015 and the 2016 model year sectioning procedure for the front lower rail was missing. As you may know, 2008-2015 was the same body style with what appeared to be minor cosmetic changes. So, we escalated the question up to our contacts at GM and they told us that changes to the rail construction made the sectioning procedure no longer possible.

Vehicle construction can change without warning, along with the procedures of how to repair that vehicle. This is an example of two vehicles that appear the same but depending on the build date will require completely different repair procedures. Which is why it’s so important to check the repair procedures on every vehicle and document those repair procedures in order to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
How Does the I-CAR OEM Linking Pin Process Work?

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    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 RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Nissan/INFINITI Outer Uniside Sectioning - Cut Line Clarification Wednesday, 3 April 2024

    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. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.
Nissan Is there a wiring repair procedure for the airbag connector?

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged crush boxes?