Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: General Motors

Details Posted on 05 May 2023 | Share:

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Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs are grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and others are arranged by a body code. Let’s take a look at General Motors (GM) to see how they group their BRMs.

GM does not typically group their BRMs by model year range. The title of the BRM gives a multiple number code to the right of the vehicle name, however this number can change from manual to manual even within the same model year range.

Often, GM groups many vehicles of similar platforms into one BRM. For example, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra share body repair manuals because they are built off of the same platform. The same applies to the Chevrolet Suburban and the Tahoe.

GM has some BRMs specifically for vehicles with a unique VIN digit (either letter or number) found in the model selection dropdown on the service website. For example:

• "2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 4WD New (RPO J22, VIN Digit 5 = D)"
• "2022 GMC Sierra 1500 - 2WD Limited (RPO J21, VIN Digit 5 = 8)"
• "2017 GMC Acadia (VIN N)"

Using the VIN is the most accurate way to find the correct BRM.

Body codes are important when it comes to ordering parts, looking up repair procedures, and measuring the vehicle. This is especially true when a vehicle maker continues to build a previous generation model when the new generation model is still being produced. With different body codes comes differing procedures and precautions. Always make sure the correct BRM is selected before beginning repairs.

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

• Collision Information Website Access: General Motors
• Step-By-Step: Accessing General Motors Repair Information

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Course General Motors (GM) Company Collision Repair Overview