It's Not Just A Flashlight

Posted on 24 April 2014

How do you use a 3M™ Sun Gun™ to evaluate color? Do you just shine it straight at the panel like you would any old flashlight? Did you know that there is a procedure for getting the best results?

Here is a document from AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings (which is also approved by 3M) on Formula Selection that shows detailed instruction on proper position and angle of the 3M™ Sun Gun™, along with viewing angle and distance specifications. It's all in the angles.

Related I-CAR Courses

Article validated in 2025

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...

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.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Plastic Repair Solutions - Coming Soon Monday, 13 April 2026
I-CAR is having a discussion on advancements in plastic repair.
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).
Body Repair Manual Symbols: Mazda Wednesday, 8 April 2026
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...
Backup Battery And Low-Voltage Disconnect: General Motors Friday, 27 March 2026
When an accident happens, how will you call for help? Maybe the telematics system, equipped with a backup battery, could automatically do this, even if the main power is cut off. What are the repair...
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Tesla - UPDATE Thursday, 26 March 2026
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)...
Repairers Realm: FCA/Stellantis Corrosion Protection Updates - Now Available Wednesday, 25 March 2026
I-CAR discussed aluminum corrosion protection with FCA/Stellantis.
Genesis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Friday, 20 March 2026
Genesis has a position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

It's Not Just A Flashlight

Related I-CAR Courses

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions