I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix: What Is It, And How Does It Help? - UPDATE
Posted on 5 December 2024Do you know which vehicle makers have collision repair information available? Do you know where you can go to find that out?
Day Two: I-CAR Live From The 2024 SEMA Show
Posted on 7 November 2024Day two of the numerous I-CAR and SCRS interviews and presentations at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Repairer Driven News: OEM Specifications For Modern Batteries
Posted on 22 July 2024Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article highlighting 12-volt and 48-volt mild hybrid battery trends in current and upcoming vehicles.
High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference
Posted on 9 April 2024When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: ADAS Calibrations After Wheel Alignment - Now Available
Posted on 5 March 2024I-CAR had a discussion on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibrations after a wheel alignment.
High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Audi
Posted on 8 February 2024High-voltage (HV) vehicles have some special considerations for handling and storing HV batteries and other components. The dangers of HV batteries are potential even after removal which is why certain precautions are needed. Let’s see what Audi has to say.
48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: Audi
Posted on 11 January 2024Mild hybrid systems are not new. They were some of the first hybrid vehicles to be put into production. The 48-volt mild hybrid system is now becoming more common among some vehicle makers. What consideration are there for repairing a vehicle equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system? Let’s see what Audi has to say.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Audi EV Awareness - Now Available
Posted on 5 May 2022I-CAR had a discussion with industry experts on Audi electric vehicles (EV), safety protocols, special tools, and more.
Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Audi
Posted on 10 February 2022When researching procedures for disabling a high-voltage (HV) vehicle, you may notice that many of the procedures require the use of specific tools. Some of them are OEM-specific tools or scan tools. Often identifying and locating where to purchase these specific tools can be difficult.
The RTS team is researching how to find these tools to make it easier for technicians performing these tasks. As we research the location of these special tools, we are compiling the information in a series of OEM-specific articles.
One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Audi
Posted on 21 January 2022What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
Audi Has Video Procedures
Posted on 29 December 2021Looking for more information about a specific repair procedure? Some OEMs are now providing videos within the repair procedures on their service site. Vehicle makers may also have additional websites that contain repair videos. As we research OEM websites and find these helpful videos, we will write articles to let you know. Let’s take a closer look at Audi.
OEM Linking Pin: Wheel Alignment - Audi ADAS Clarification
Posted on 21 October 2021As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a technical inquiry on whether a wheel alignment is required before a system calibration can be performed. We reached out to Audi for clarification.
Body Repair Manual Symbols: Audi
Posted on 17 September 2021While 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.
Rivet Guns: Does My Shop Need Them?
Posted on 23 July 2021When performing collision repairs, there are more attachment methods available than ever before. OEMs specify which attachment methods are recommended or required. If a method is not listed as an option, it should not be used.
Audi High-Voltage Technician Levels
Posted on 29 April 2021As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles, also comes unique safety concerns. Regardless of vehicle maker, high-voltage (HV) systems pose a threat of injury or death if not handled properly. Only personnel with the proper training, PPE, tools, equipment, and service information should perform work on the HV systems.
Steel Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: Audi - UPDATE
Posted on 20 April 2021Did you know that many OEMs specify nugget size for spot and plug welds? This information is typically found within vehicle-specific repair procedures or can be found under general welding guidelines. Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Repairer Driven News: Audi e-tron 12-Volt Battery Cautions
Posted on 14 April 2021Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the Audi e-tron and the importance of the 12-volt battery and the roles it plays.
Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: Audi
Posted on 24 March 2021What is a non-SRS wiring repair? It is the repairing of an electrical component that is not part of the supplemental restraints system circuit (usually identified by yellow wire looms). As technology increases on vehicles, so does the number of components that utilize electricity. Many of the sensors and modules are becoming smarter and more sensitive. If the wire is too long, the wrong gauge, or spliced in the wrong location it can cause malfunctions in the components that it’s powering. Many OEMs have different restrictions and guidelines for repairing wiring that does not control SRS components. On the other hand, there are OEMs that don’t allow wiring repairs at all, so full harness replacement is the only option.
Audi: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
Posted on 17 March 2021In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent. As the RTS team is researching MIG brazing information, we are putting together a series of articles that identify OEM-specific MIG brazing recommendations and requirements for vehicles in the U.S. Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Audi Vehicle PR Numbers
Posted on 9 March 2021When looking up a vehicle on an OEM service information website, it is important to know as much about the vehicle as possible. Knowing what features or systems come equipped on a particular vehicle will help with the blueprinting and repair process.
OEM Emergency Response Guides
Posted on 25 February 2021Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to webpages that house them, or provides articles with instructions on how to locate them.
OEM Emergency Response Guides: Audi
Posted on 25 February 2021Are you looking for OEM emergency response guides (ERGs)? The Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team has located these guides and either houses them on the RTS website, provides links to webpages that house them, or provides articles with instructions on how to locate them.
Audi Self-Study Guides
Posted on 2 February 2021When looking for information on an OEM service site, one often looks at the service manual or body repair manual. In many cases this is sufficient when performing repairs. However, with vehicles becoming more complex and packed with technology, this may no longer be enough.
Audi Collision Repair And Material Guides
Posted on 4 December 2020Audi has available to the public, three documents to aid in the repair of their vehicles. These documents are not a replacement for OEM vehicle-specific repair manuals. They are a general informational resource that can be utilized to gain general knowledge of Audi vehicles and insights into the proper repair of them.
Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing? UPDATE
Posted on 25 November 2020In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent. As the RTS team is researching MIG brazing information, we are putting together a series of articles that identify OEM-specific MIG brazing recommendations and requirements for vehicles in the U.S.
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Audi
Posted on 15 July 2020A 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) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Audi say on the subject?
Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Audi
Posted on 25 June 2020Park assist sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require painting to match the vehicle. Vehicle makers often provide information on the painting of new sensors. Some vehicle makers do not recommend refinishing sensors with minor finish damage because excessive paint thickness may adversely affect the operation of the park assist system. However, other vehicle makers allow refinishing and provide guidelines. Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Audi Repair Manual: Driver Assistance Systems
Posted on 28 February 2020Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have become a prominent part of the collision repair process. With this comes the need to efficiently locate what systems may be on a vehicle, and what calibration requirements to be aware of. To this end, Audi has made some changes to their service information.
Sectioning And Partial Part Replacement: 2019 Audi A7
Posted on 24 October 2019One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “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 2019 Audi A7.
Audi: U.S.A. Procedures In Body Repair Manual
Posted on 23 October 2019You may be looking through an Audi body repair manual and realize that some procedures are specified for a specific region or market. The procedures may be different between markets because different materials are used, reinforcements are added or removed, or for a number of other reasons. A procedure that is designated for the North American market may have reinforcements or other components that are only on North American vehicles. For example, per the 2019 Audi Q8 body repair manual: “Upper Inner A-pillar, Replacing, Only for North American Vehicles, Partial Replacement.”
Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Audi
Posted on 22 August 2019A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that left untreated will lead to corrosion and potentially a repair failure. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to safely and properly restore the corrosion protection throughout the repair process. OEMs often give specifications on restoring corrosion protection. These specifications generally include seam sealer, adhesives, foam fillers, and cavity waxes. Let’s take a look at what Audi says.
Audi Build Guide And Model Years
Posted on 25 July 2019Did you know that Audi provides a build guide for their vehicles, 1999-present? This guide is an invaluable resource in aiding you make sure you find the correct body repair manual.
Audi Shares Repair Considerations For e-tron
Posted on 23 April 2019Critical information for the 2019 Audi e-tron is now available through the RTS website. This information includes important guidelines for repairing the high-voltage vehicle. Here is what you can find within these documents from Audi:
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2019 Audi A4 Allroad
Posted on 12 April 2019One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “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 2019 Audi A4 Allroad.
Audi Position: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Posted on 27 March 2019We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Audi have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2018 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet
Posted on 21 February 2019One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “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 2018 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet.
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
Posted on 14 January 2019Since 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 these subjects. I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team continues to be on the leading edge of research and education. Our goal is to help communicate information to the industry, and a great way to do this is through Collision Repair News articles.
Locating ADAS Information: Audi
Posted on 5 September 2018As a collision repair technician, there is one part of a service manual that houses all of the information you would ever need…right? This is not the case with modern vehicles. You may be required to look in numerous manuals to find the information required to safely repair the vehicle.
OEM Linking Pin: Determining Rivet Quantities - Audi
Posted on 2 July 2018As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM Linking Pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently we had a technical inquiry that asked, "The body repair manual does not specify the number of rivets needed in the replacement procedure. How many rivets are needed?" We reached out to Audi for clarification.
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Audi?
Posted on 24 April 2018Navigating OEM websites can be challenging when searching for collision repair procedures, especially as no two OEM websites are alike. What happens when you need to find other types of repair information, such as, "What needs to be inspected after a supplemental restraints system (SRS) deployment?", or "Does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) require a scan tool or specialty tool?" Let's take a closer look at the Audi website.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Audi Q5
Posted on 19 April 2018One 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 Audi Q3.
Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Audi
Posted on 10 October 2017What is the MPa of the front lower rail? What is the outer uniside made of: steel, aluminum, or composite? Can heat be used to straighten or is it cold straightening only? What are the repair limitations? These are just some of the questions that the RTS team fields on a daily basis.
Additional Calibration Requirements: Audi
Posted on 22 June 2017The addition of the OEM Calibration Requirements Search to the RTS portal was a big step for the collision industry. While this new feature has been well received, there has been some confusion about what is included in the search tool. The OEM Calibration Requirements Search is designed to provide information on the calibration requirements that are needed for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision braking.
Audi Position Statement: Unibody Alignment and Repair
Posted on 19 June 2017When it comes to mounting a vehicle on a frame rack it is often asked, which one do I need and where can I attach the clamps? Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Audi Position Statement: Wheel Repair and Reconditioning
Posted on 12 June 2017The wheels on the vehicle are damaged, what type of repairs can be done, if any? And, is it okay to use a reconditioned wheel? Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Audi Position Statement: Fasteners
Posted on 2 June 2017To replace or not to replace a fastener is often a question asked during the collision repair process. Let’s see what Audi has to say.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: Audi
Posted on 26 May 2017Ask 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 sectioning procedure? Most OEMs allow sectioning to outer body panels and the front and rear rails. Sectioning reinforcements is not as common, as most reinforcements are replaced at factory seams.
Audi Collision Position Statements Available
Posted on 25 May 2017There's a new addition to the OEM Information page for Audi. An icon has been added that will link you to a page containing Audi Position Statements.
Awareness of Changing Refrigerant Types
Posted on 20 April 2017You may have noticed that A/C refrigerant on many new vehicles has started to change. For many years, OEMs used R134a. However, government mandates require OEMs to phase out R134a by the year 2021. This left OEMs scrambling to find a replacement. Many US OEMs chose to use R1234yf to replace R134a, but there are some OEMs that have chosen a different route. Let’s take look at these new refrigerants.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Audi
Posted on 28 March 2017Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Audi recommends and where this information can be found.
Battery Disconnect Considerations
Posted on 21 February 2017When a damaged vehicle enters a collision repair facility, many times the repairs require the battery to be disconnected. Operations such as welding, SRS repairs, engine work, and body panels being open for extended periods of time, can all require that the battery be disconnected. At one time the radio presets would be written down before the battery was disconnected and programmed after the battery was reconnected. However, today many OEMs have special precautions or steps that need to be taken when disconnecting the battery. Let’s take a look at what some OEMs require when disconnecting the battery.
Audi Glass Replacement Requirements
Posted on 4 October 2016The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.
Collision Information Website Access: Audi
Posted on 26 September 2016Why do I need a subscription to an OEM website if I have full subscription access to the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal? This is a question received on a regular basis through Ask I-CAR. Let’s take a look at why and how to purchase an OEM subscription.
Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures
Posted on 7 July 2016We often receive Ask I-CAR inquiries asking: “what does I-CAR recommend?” Many times these questions are in regards to sectioning, straightening, or part replacement/attachment methods. Our first response is always:
Restraints Wiring Repairs
Posted on 23 May 2016Over 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.
Audi Restraints Wiring
Posted on 10 February 2016The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Audi's position on this subject.
Common Refrain At SCRS SEMA Event: You Must Follow OEM Guidelines
Posted on 9 November 2015Article originally appeared in Repairer Driven News on November 5, 2015 By John Huetter
The days of fixing a car based on your own skill and experience alone are over. You’ve got to reference and follow the OEM procedures every time.
This was stressed over and over by experts in such diverse fields as scanning, joining, steel and aluminum Thursday at the Society of Collision Repair Specialists OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at SEMA.
Making Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) A Standard Feature
Posted on 24 September 2015A group of vehicle makers got together recently and discussed the future of automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology in their vehicles. This feature is designed to reduce the severity and frequency of collisions; but no matter how good it is, it will never prevent all accidents from happening. So what do you need to know in order to repair vehicles with AEB, and how do you know the system is functioning properly?
Step-By-Step: Accessing Audi Repair Information
Posted on 21 May 2015Per your requests, we are adding step-by-step instructions on how to access the vehicle maker repair information to complement our how-to-videos on the OEM Information pages. Easily reference this article by clicking the link under the video on the Audi OEM Information page.
Inside the Aluminum Revolution: Factors to Consider When Upgrading - SCRS Press Release
Posted on 4 March 2015Originally appeared as a SCRS Press Release
Prosser, Washington, March 4, 2015 - Not since the introduction of the unibody vehicle has there been as revolutionary a topic to hit the collision repair industry as aluminum repair. With more and more cars and trucks equipped with this innovative material - as well as tools, products and equipment specifically designed for them - entering the market every day, the debate on how and with what to best perform proper aluminum repairs rages on. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) recently sat down with representatives from the equipment and tooling sides of the industry, as well as several collision repair facilities who have taken the plunge of upgrading, to get their perspectives on repair safety, the importance of accurate information and their personal experiences on the front lines of the aluminum revolution.
Today’s Advanced Vehicles Require Changes in Collision Repair Attachment Methods – Part 1
Posted on 20 December 2014This article originally appeared in the November/December edition of Fixed Ops Magazine.
Collision repair professionals are no different than any other professional – we are resistant to change. It took many years for repairers to make the switch to “MIG welding” for welding early unibody vehicles. (For this article we’ll use the term gas metal arc welding (GMAW) metal inert gas (MIG), or GMA (MIG)). (More on the reason, later.) It was a technology that was unfamiliar to many and there wasn’t a perceived need for change. History would prove otherwise, as there may not be a collision repair business in the country that doesn’t have a GMA (MIG) welder.
Audi Releases Repair Tip Videos For The A6 And A7
Posted on 19 December 2014When you visit the Audi OEM Information page on the RTS website, you will see a new icon for videos.
Repair or Replace? – Material Tensile Strength Key to Repairability
Posted on 23 September 2014Repair or Replace? – Material Tensile Strength Key to Repairability
Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Director, Industry Technical Relations
The world of steels continues to evolve at a rapid pace and repair professionals need to keep up. In order to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs, it’s imperative to identify the type of material we’re working with, to know what is repairable, and know which options we have for part replacement when straightening is not an option.
Weld-Through Primer Requirements On The OEM Technical Information Matrix
Posted on 28 August 2014Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The eighth column calls out if the vehicle maker requires the use of weld-through primer on flanges in preparation for welding.
Collision Repair Attachment Methods, Description, And Equipment Requirements Information On The OEM Technical Information Matrix
Posted on 13 August 2014Let's continue our breakdown of the columns in the OEM Technical Information Matrix. The seventh column calls out if the vehicle maker has information in regard to the recommended attachment method and the equipment required for complete, quality, and safe repairs.
What's An Audi Front Longitudinal Member?
Posted on 6 August 2014When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts. All of the different names can be confusing, especially when repairing a variety of vehicle makes and models.
It's Not Just About Aluminum
Posted on 30 July 2014Today's Vehicles Require Updated Collision Repair Tools And Training
by Jason Bartanen
Ever since the unveiling of the 2015 Ford F-150 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the U.S. automotive industry has been buzzing about this game changing, aluminum intensive vehicle.
Is There a Procedure for Disassembling a Service Assembly?
Posted on 19 June 2014The fourth column in the OEM Technical Information Matrix: Partial Service Part/Assembly Replacement Procedures at Factory Seams, can get a little tricky without further clarification. For the most part, this is a column that I-CAR is still researching published OEM information to get the answers to. The question is: Does the vehicle maker have procedures for replacing a partial service part or assembly at factory seams?
The Aluminum Difference
Posted on 9 December 2013What's Iowa Got To Do With It?
by Jason Bartanen
We've seen a lot of changes in vehicle technology over the years. With each of these changes come new challenges and new opportunities. When the unibody vehicle was introduced, repair professionals were required to change their approach to collision repair, from damage analysis through the repair process. With the introduction of GMA (MIG) welding, additional requirements for repairs included new training and equipment. And passive restraints systems presented a completely different type of challenge, involving electronics and diagnostics.
