Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Ford Explorer

Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Ford Explorer

Posted on 01 February 2018 | Share:
| Print Print

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 Ford Explorer.

The full OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page for the 2017 Ford Explorer can be viewed on the I-CAR website. This will give you a good understanding on general areas for sectioning or partial replacement. I-CAR does not have permission to show exact locations for sectioning or the procedure itself. However, Ford has a repair information website with collision repair information.

The front lower rails on the Explorer do not allow any sectioning. Ford actually warns against it in their body repair manual. Per the 2017 Ford Explorer body repair manual: “NOTICE: Frame members are a combination of High-Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) and Ultra High-Strength (UHSS) steels. Because of this design feature, sectioning is not recognized by Ford Motor Company. Frame Members must be replaced at the factory seams.” The same goes for the rear rails which are actually replaced as an assembly. The assembly includes both rear rails, that are connected with crossmembers, and is replaced under the second-row seat.

For the most part, the outer uniside is sectioned according to damage as clarified in a OEM Linking PIN: Ford/Lincoln Outer Uniside Sectioning article. Ford has a document that covers outer uniside sectioning. Per the 2017 Ford Explorer body repair 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 Ford Explorer body repair manual.

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

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Ford Collision Repair Overview

Course Panel Removal and Preparation for Installation

Course Part Replacement at Factory Seams

Course Sectioning Overview

Course Sectioning Scenarios

  • Your 2025 Favorites: Top Articles Friday, 16 January 2026

    As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    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...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    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...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
2014 Jeep CherokeeIs there a procedure available for resetting the active headrestt?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged SRS wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about disconnecting the battery prior to welding on the vehicle, specifically in regards to airbags?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?