Sectioning And Partial Part Replacement: 2017-2019 Ford Explorer

Posted on 01 May 2026

One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search available. Here, you will find information on if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer.

The full OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page for the 2019 Ford Explorer can be viewed on the I-CAR website. This gives you a good understanding of general areas for sectioning or partial replacement at factory seams. I-CAR does not have permission to show exact locations for sectioning or the procedure itself. However, Ford has a service information website with collision repair information.

Previously, Ford did not allow sectioning of the rear rails, and you had to install them as a complete assembly. Now, Ford allows you to section the rear rails. The sectioning procedure is found at the bottom of the list of procedures under: 501-30 Rear End Sheet Metal Repairs ➤ Removal And Installation ➤ Rear Side Member Section.

For the most part, the outer uniside is sectioned according to damage as clarified in an OEM Linking PIN: Ford/Lincoln Outer Uniside Sectioning article.

The Body Panel Sectioning has a document, in conjunction with the Side Panel procedure, that covers outer uniside sectioning. Per the 2019 Ford Explorer Workshop manual: “NOTICE: Do not carry out body side sectioning repairs in areas of door hinge, safety belt or striker anchoring points. Welding within 50 mm (1.96 in) of door hinge or striker locations may compromise structural integrity during a collision.” The sectioning joint should utilize a backer when possible to strengthen the joint.

Check out www.motorcraftservice.com to view the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer Workshop manuals.

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

Related I-CAR Courses

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Statements Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
BMW Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Friday, 10 April 2020
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
Quickly Identifying Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges Monday, 5 March 2018
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
General Motors Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Friday, 21 October 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
Restraints Wiring Repairs Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 9 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Typical Calibration Requirements For Forward Radar Sensors Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...

Sectioning And Partial Part Replacement: 2017-2019 Ford Explorer - UPDATE Friday, 1 May 2026
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement...
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Plastic Repair Solutions - Now Available Wednesday, 29 April 2026
I-CAR had a discussion on advancements in plastic repair.
I-CAR Just In Time: Torque Wrench Use - UPDATE Tuesday, 28 April 2026
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...
New Enhancement On RTS: Honda The Joy Of Repair Newsletter Wednesday, 22 April 2026
The Joy Of Repair newsletter by Honda is made with repairers in mind and can be easily found on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) website.
Honda The Joy Of Repair 2025: Volume 1 Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Honda has released the first volume of The Joy Of Repairs newsletter.
Honda The Joy Of Repair 2026: Volume 2 Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Honda has released the second volume of The Joy Of Repairs newsletter.
Back-To-Basics: Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welder Maintenance Friday, 17 April 2026
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Squeeze-type resistance spot welder (STRSW) maintenance is essential to ensure it functions...
Ford On Target 2026: Volume 1 Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2026.
Volvo Collision Repair And Electromechanical Repair Overview Courses Friday, 10 April 2026
I-CAR has developed courses that provide an overview of collision repair and electromechanical repair for current Volvo vehicles.
Honda/Acura Oil Requirements For A/C Systems With R-1234yf: UPDATE Thursday, 9 April 2026
Did you notice the A/C refrigerant that is in the 2016 Honda Civic? It's R-1234yf and it’s no typo that Honda is requiring POE compressor oil for this system and not PAG (like other OEMs).

Sectioning And Partial Part Replacement: 2017-2019 Ford Explorer - UPDATE

Related I-CAR Courses

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions