One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Ford/Lincoln

What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"

As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs. Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln.

Ford/Lincoln provides a couple of different ways to identify if a fastener/part is intended to be used only once. It is not uncommon for there to be multiple indicators of a one-time-use part, so look for one or more of the following:

• A symbol
• Written instructions to discard the part or fastener
• A note specifying one-time-use

Ford/Lincoln provides symbol information in the Symbols Glossary. This document is typically found in the following area of vehicle-specific Workshop manuals: 1: General Information ➤ 00: Service Information ➤ 100-00 General Information ➤ Description and Operation ➤ Symbols Glossary.

When you see a symbol of a trash can with an arrow pointing to it, that means to throw away. When this symbol is used in a procedure, it will have a line that extends to the exact part or fastener that needs to be discarded to clearly identify it as one-time-use.

In addition, Ford/Lincoln will often state in the written instructions that the part or fastener is to be "removed and discarded". They may also highlight this with a specific note, such as on the 2019 F-150 Pickup Bed And Platform Body Removal And Installation procedure, which states: "Note: The pickup bed bolts are one-time-use only. Install new bolts whenever the bolts are removed." In this procedure they use all three ways of communicating that the bed bolts are one-time-use.

Following OEM procedures, including the identification and use of one-time-use fasteners/parts, is important in order to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
• One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners
• Step-By-Step: Accessing Ford/Lincoln Repair Information

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