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.
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Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
July 28, 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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MIG Brazing What Is It, Why Should I Use It?
June 02, 2014
Why MIG Brazing? It is widely known that GMA (MIG) welded; fully galvanized steel will lose some of its properties, including corrosion protection, due to the heat created during welding.…
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Typical Calibration Requirements for Blind Spot Sensors
October 19, 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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Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Position Statements
January 09, 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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Restraints Wiring Repairs
May 23, 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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OEM Linking Pin: 2015 Ford F-150 Outer Box Side Replacement Options - UPDATE
August 07, 2015
The method for replacing the outer box side on the 2015 Ford F-150 has been a popular area of discussion, and many people are asking, "What are my options and…
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Typical Calibration Requirements for Forward Radar Sensors
October 12, 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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Typical Calibration Requirements for Park Assist Sensors
October 31, 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
January 27, 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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I-CAR Best Practice: Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges
July 21, 2017
Periodically, I-CAR Repairability Summits are held to bring together collision industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop collision repair processes and best practices for repair of late-model, collision damaged…
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Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: Mitsubishi
February 26, 2021
Did you know that many OEMs specify nugget size for spot and plug welds? This information is typically found within vehicle-specific repair procedures or can be found under general welding…
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Audi Emergency Response Guides Now Available On RTS Portal
February 25, 2021
Audi emergency response guides (ERGs) can now be accessed directly from the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal on the Audi OEM Information page. These guides provide information about the vehicle…
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OEM Emergency Response Guides
February 25, 2021
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 RTS Airbag And Restraints System Technology Webinar
February 24, 2021
I-CAR RTS has created a webinar on supplemental restraints systems (SRS). The webinar is a comprehensive look at vehicle SRS systems, how they work, and details and cautions that are…
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Repairer Driven News: BMW Incorrect Windshield Use
February 19, 2021
Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on BMW vehicles and a few things to consider when repairing them. The article covers two main areas of concern.
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Rolls-Royce: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
February 17, 2021
In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent.…
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BMW/Mini: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
February 17, 2021
In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent.…
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Ford/Lincoln Has Video Procedures: 2015-Present Ford F-150 Outer Box Side Replacement
February 16, 2021
Ford has released a video on updated procedures for 2015-present F-150 outer box side replacement. It is important to know that these updated procedures apply ONLY to the F-150 and…
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Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: GM
February 12, 2021
Did you know that many OEMs specify nugget size for spot and plug welds? This information is typically found within vehicle-specific repair procedures or can be found under general welding…
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OEM Pre-Repair Calibration Requirements
February 11, 2021
As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have become commonplace on vehicles, and as the number and complexity of ADAS systems on a vehicle increases, calibrations are here to stay.
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