Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE

A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Ford/Lincoln say on the subject?

Ford/Lincoln Workshop manuals state: "There should be no bumper stickers or body filler material used on the rear side bumper cover in the vicinity of the SODL or SODR."

Ford/Lincoln further details bumper cover repairability in the:

These documents state that refinishing is the only option for repair on bumper covers for ADAS equipped vehicles.

To be more specific, the following is NOT ALLOWED:

  • Use of any filler materials or reinforcement tapes to repair substrate damage
  • Use of hot staples or plastic welding to repair cracks or damage
  • Repair of any sonic-welded sensor retainer rings or tabs

Topcoat finish total thickness cannot exceed 12 mils, and the documents state that measurement of the topcoat requires an ultrasonic paint thickness gauge.

The documents also note that the use of wraps, bumper stickers, and aftermarket accessories in the areas of the fascia (bumper cover) can create "system operation concerns".

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

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