Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what FCA/Stellantis recommends and where this information can be found.

FCA/Stellantis has recently updated their weld-through primer recommendations. Previously written manuals by Fiat recommended the use of weld-through primer, while Chrysler written manuals advised against the use of weld-through primer. The current editions of all FCA/Stellantis manuals state that:

"FCA US LLC does not recommend the use of any type of "weld-thru" primer during repairs. Weld-bonding with corrosion protecting adhesives or sealers, along with final application of inner panel corrosion protection is the proper method."

This can be found under: 31 Collision Information ➤ Standard Procedures ➤ Corrosion Protection.

Use the vehicle-specific body repair manuals to determine which type of welding is required for the repair you are performing. Failure to follow OEM procedures will sacrifice the safety and quality of the repair.

For additional FCA/Stellantis information, check out the following pages:
Alfa Romeo OEM Information
Chrysler OEM Information
Dodge OEM Information
Fiat OEM Information
Jeep OEM Information
RAM OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines
Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot


Related I-CAR Courses

  • 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...

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: All New RTS App From I-CAR - Now Available Friday, 29 March 2024

    I-CAR had a discussion on the new Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app from I-CAR.

  • OEM Linking Pin: Subaru Solterra Body Repair Manual Tuesday, 26 March 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...