Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan

Details Posted on 02 March 2018 | Share:

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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 Dodge Grand Caravan.

The full OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan 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, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has both a free and paid subscription website with collision repair information.

The Grand Caravan has sectioning for the front lower rails. For installation Dodge specifies a butt joint with backing. The rear rail has both a partial part for the inner and a sectioning procedure for the outer. In order to perform either rear rail procedure, the rear trunk floor will need to be sacrificed. Per the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan body repair manual: “NOTE: Repair must be performed with rear "Stow and Go" Tub removed. Remove the rear floor pan cover to fully expose the lower rail sectioning area. It will be necessary to replace the cover with a replacement part.”

The outer uniside has multiple sectioning locations, including sectioning locations to allow for replacing the outer quarter panel in the window area of the C-pillar and D-pillar. The body repair manual specifies a butt-joint with backing for all sectioning joints on the outer uniside. The B-pillar reinforcement has a DO NOT SECTION warning. Partial replacement is allowed for the lower portion of the B-pillar reinforcement. However, the body repair manual states that if the upper portion of the B-pillar reinforcement is damaged full part replacement is required. The inner uniside has multiple sectioning locations with restrictions as to where sectioning can be done. The body repair manual specifies a lap-joint for all sectioning joints on the inner uniside.

Check out stellantisiop.com to view the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan body repair manual.

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

• Collision Information Website Access: FCA/Stellantis
• Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
• What's A Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM Shotgun?

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Collision Repair Overview

Course Panel Removal and Preparation for Installation

Course Part Replacement at Factory Seams

Course Sectioning Overview

Course Sectioning Scenarios