Straightening And Heat: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE

FCA/Stellantis has updated the position statement that provides the requirements for the use of heat when straightening.

FCA/Stellantis has expanded heating recommendations with the updated Use Of Heat While Repairing Damaged Structural and Non-Structural Components position statement.

Per the position statement: "If heat is used to straighten structural high-strength steels, advanced high-strength steel, or ultra high-strength steel, the component must be replaced. If the damaged component requires heat for making a pull, the adjacent component, to which it is attached, must not be affected by heat transfer. Cold straightening may be used without replacement of the component..."

The position statement also goes on to state: "Heat produced from stud welding guns, cut-off wheels, oxy-fuel torches and MIG welding operations, when used properly, is acceptable for use on mild steel, non-structural components..."

FCA/Stellantis added important information at the end of the document which states:

"Note: Under no circumstance is a repair of any safety-related component acceptable. No cold straightening or heat-added repair/replacement procedure may be used in proximity of a safety-related component, including, but not limited to, restraint mounting areas, supplemental restraint mounting areas, occupant safety structure, impact safety, impact bars, intrusion beams and roll-over protection. Ignoring these requirements will seriously compromise occupant safety in a future collision event, reduce the engineered qualities, and decrease durability and reliability of the vehicle."

The document is found in vehicle-specific service manuals under: Service Library ➤ Collision Info ➤ 31 - Collision Information > Position Statements.

It may also be found for free at: moparrepairconnect.com ➤ Collision ➤ Resources ➤ Position Statements.

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:

• Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
• Collision Information Website Access: FCA/Stellantis
• Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
• Straightening And Heat

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