While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a glossary or a chart that explains these symbols.
The RTS team is researching BRM symbols and compiling the information into a series of OEM-specific articles. This article series helps you identify and understand the symbols you see in BRMs and instructs you on how to locate symbol descriptions in the manual. Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln Workshop manual symbols.
Ford/Lincoln body repair procedures contain symbols and written instructions. Most Ford/Lincoln vehicle-specific Workshop manuals have a Symbols Glossary, which details what each symbol means. The About This Manual document provides information on how the symbols are used and the color-coding of illustrations within procedures.
Once logged into the service information site:
- Enter vehicle:
- option 1: Enter VIN
- Click BY VIN (left side of webpage)
- Enter VIN (middle of webpage)
- option 2: Manual selection
- Click By Year & Model (left side of webpage)
- Select Year from list (middle of webpage)
- Select Model from list
- Click Go (middle of webpage)
- Click Workshop (top of webpage)
- Click 00: Service Information
- Click 100-00 General Information
- Click Description And Operation
- Symbols Glossary
- About This Manual
Ford/Lincoln Symbols Glossary has charts for symbols seen in body repair procedures, such as drilling, welding, tool selection, and applying chemicals.
A few examples of symbols found in Ford/Lincoln Workshop manuals are:
- Filled circle = spot weld
- Rivet icon = rivet installation or removal
- Vertical line with crossed horizontal lines = continuous weld
- Soldering iron icon with three wavy lines and "MIG" = MIG brazing
Knowing where to locate symbol tables or charts in BRMs and properly deciphering them is essential 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:
- Body Repair Manual Symbols
- Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Ford/Lincoln Repair Information
- Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot
- Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Ford/Lincoln?

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