Day One: I-CAR Live From The 2024 SEMA Show
Posted on 6 November 2024Day one of the numerous I-CAR and SCRS interviews and presentations at the 2024 SEMA Show.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Variations In OEM Service Parts - Now Available
Posted on 6 August 2024I-CAR had a discussion on variations in OEM service parts.
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: RAM ProMaster Hinge Pillar Repair - Now Available
Posted on 1 February 2024I-CAR had a discussion on RAM ProMaster hinge pillar repair.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: SEMA: Vehicle-Maker Required Tools and Equipment - Now Available
Posted on 6 December 2023I-CAR had a discussion on vehicle-maker required tools and equipment.
OEM-Approved Connector and Pigtail Repair Resources: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 23 June 2023When confronted with a wiring harness repair, we often struggle finding the correct connector and pigtail repair kits. Often a specific connector may be used on multiple applications. If the connector is allowed to be replaced, what resources are available to locate approved wiring connector and pigtail repair kits? Let’s see what is available from FCA/Stellantis.
FCA/Stellantis Restraints Wiring: UPDATE
Posted on 8 June 2023The 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 the FCA/Stellantis position on this subject.
Straightening And Heat: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Posted on 11 May 2023FCA/Stellantis has updated the position statement that provides the requirements for the use of heat when straightening.
Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Posted on 11 May 2023What 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.
OEM Emergency Response Guides: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 23 February 2023Are 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.
These guides provide information about the vehicle that is useful to emergency response personnel. You may find ERGs available for many types of vehicles, but most OEMs focus on how to handle a high-voltage (HV) vehicle that has been involved in a collision.
FCA/Stellantis: Bumper Cover Removal With Active Air Dams
Posted on 7 October 2022Some FCA/Stellantis vehicles use active air dams underneath the front bumper cover to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. With active air dams, comes some considerations when removing and installing a front bumper cover. Let’s take a look at what FCA/Stellantis has to say.
FCA/Stellantis High-Voltage Technician Levels
Posted on 19 August 2022As 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.
One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 29 April 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?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs. Let’s take a look at FCA/Stellantis.
Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 19 April 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 procedures. As we research the location of these special tools, we are compiling the information in a series of OEM-specific articles.
Locating OEM-Approved ADAS Tools: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 2 December 2021When researching calibration procedures for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), you may notice that many of the procedures require the use of specific tools. Some tools may be everyday items like string, tape, levels, paper, etc. However, many of them are OEM-specific tools or scan tools. Often identifying and locating where to purchase these specific tools can be difficult.
FCA/Stellantis Non-Structural Guide
Posted on 29 October 2021The FCA/Stellantis Non-Structural Sheet Metal Repair guide is a document that provides additional information for when a non-structural repair is needed but not specified in the main body repair manual (BRM). Let’s take a look at what this document can help you with.
FCA/Stellantis Free Body Repair Manuals No Longer Available
Posted on 27 October 2021As you may know, FCA/Stellantis has removed the body repair manuals and Reference Guides from their free website www.moparrepairconnect.com.
FCA/Stellantis Website Navigation Video: UPDATE
Posted on 23 August 2021FCA/Stellantis has updated their stellantisiop.com service and repair information pay site.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Becomes Stellantis
Posted on 10 August 2021Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group has merged to become the vehicle maker Stellantis.
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Steering System
Posted on 1 April 2021FCA/Stellantis released a position statement related to steering system inspection and part replacement after a collision.
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.
FCA/Stellantis: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?
Posted on 3 February 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 FCA/Stellantis has to say.
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.
FCA/Stellantis ADAS Repair Planning: Do You Have All The Information?
Posted on 22 September 2020While researching body repair manuals (BRM) and service manuals, we're creating OEM-specific articles for additional information needed when repair planning. The goal of these articles is to help repairers create a more complete and accurate repair plan. One key aspect of repair planning is being aware of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) equipped on the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at FCA/Stellantis.
Repairer Driven News: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid
Posted on 4 September 2020Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid which features up to 25 miles of pure electric driving and all power modes available when shifted into 4 low.
Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 8 June 2020What 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. Let’s take a closer look at FCA/Stellantis.
FCA/Stellantis Has Video Procedures
Posted on 14 May 2020Looking 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 FCA/Stellantis.
Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 14 January 2020Vehicle makers may group their body repair manuals (BRM) in several different ways. Sometimes the BRMs are grouped by a year range, some are listed as VIN specific, and others are arranged by a body code. Let’s take a look at FCA/Stellantis to see how they group their BRMs.
Identifying FCA/Stellantis Programming Differences
Posted on 18 December 2019While doing research on FCA/Stellantis for the RTS OEM Calibration Requirements Search, the RTS team noticed on some of the ADAS, there is a procedure called a “PROXI alignment”. We have researched what this means in order to give you clarity, in the event you see this procedure mentioned in the service manual.
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Glass Position Statement
Posted on 10 December 2019FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement on the use of non-OEM glass. The Authentic Mopar Glass Replacement position statement can be found on both the free and the paid websites.
Repairer Driven News: 2020 Chrysler Voyager
Posted on 19 November 2019Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article highlighting the return of the Voyager. It will be Chryslers entry level minivan, replacing the Chrysler Pacifica L and LX trims.
Steel Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Posted on 6 November 2019Did you know that some 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 FCA/Stellantis has to say.
OEM Linking Pin: Refinishing Park Assist Sensors - FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 25 September 2019As 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 if FCA/Stellantis allows park assist sensors to be refinished.
FCA/Stellantis Color Codes To Identify Adhesives, Foams, And Seam Sealers
Posted on 28 June 2019Usage of adhesives, foams, and seam sealers has skyrocketed in recent years. Consumers demand their vehicles to be quieter, stronger, and last longer than ever before. With so much use of these materials, it can get confusing to figure out what material goes where, especially when looking at a diagram or a list of the required steps.
FCA/Stellantis Guidelines For Composite Reinforcements
Posted on 24 June 2019Stringent crash test ratings and fuel economy standards are making OEMs get creative with strengthening vehicles while maintaining or even lessening overall weight. Different materials are being used along with adding additional reinforcements. If you have repaired recent model year FCA/Stellantis vehicles, you may have noticed the usage of composite reinforcements.
OEM Linking Pin: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica - Front Lower Rail Sectioning
Posted on 17 June 2019As 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 for clarification on the front lower rail sectioning procedure on a 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica.
Common Mistakes: Adhesives In Places Other Than Flanges
Posted on 14 June 2019When it comes to bonding replacement panels, sometimes common mistakes can be made that will affect the quality and durability of the repair. One common mistake is not replacing adhesive or other repair material, like foam, that may be on the backside of the panel.
FCA/Stellantis: Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair
Posted on 1 April 2019Weight-saving aluminum is being used more and more on vehicles to aid in fuel economy. There has been a learning curve for collision technicians to be able to adapt to repairing aluminum. Also, with aluminum comes a form of oxidation that typically appears near the panel flanges. FCA/Stellantis addresses this issue and how to fix it in a recently released Collision Bulletin.
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.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Posted on 12 October 2018One 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 Chrysler Pacifica.
I-CAR 360: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Video Now Available
Posted on 27 August 2018The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360 video on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The video provides a 360° tour around the Wrangler. Let’s take a look.
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In FCA/Stellantis?
Posted on 20 June 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 FCA/Stellantis website.
Locating ADAS Information: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 24 May 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.
Repairer Driven News: 2019 RAM 1500 New Features
Posted on 22 January 2018An article by Repairer Driven News (RDN) talks about a the all new RAM 1500.
Repairer Driven News: 2019 RAM 1500 Materials
Posted on 22 January 2018An article by Repairer Driven News (RDN) talks about the materials used on the 2019 RAM 1500.
Help With Flammable Foam
Posted on 9 January 2018Customer satisfaction is a major contributing factor to what goes into a new vehicle. One of the biggest demands from customers is a quiet passenger compartment. There are different ways of achieving a quiet cabin, like sound deadener pads, acoustic windshields, and specifically placed speakers that cancel noise. One method that is seen on every modern vehicle is noise vibration and harshness (NVH) foam.
FCA/Stellantis: Welded Sheet Metal Repairs and Replacements
Posted on 9 November 2017The RTS team frequently receives inquiries on the sectioning and/or replacement of welded-on panels on FCA/Stellantis vehicles. The questions boil down to, what do you do when there isn’t a procedure available? Let’s revisit the FCA/Stellantis Collision Bulletin that addresses this.
Corrosion Protection Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 15 June 2017A 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 FCA/Stellantis says.
Additional Calibration Requirements: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 11 May 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. 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.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 30 March 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.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
Posted on 19 January 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 FCA/Stellantis recommends and where this information can be found.
Collision Information Website Access: FCA/Stellantis
Posted on 10 October 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.
FCA/Stellantis Glass Replacement Requirements
Posted on 23 August 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.
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:
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Posted on 9 June 2016FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
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.
2015-16 RAM 1500 Modifications
Posted on 12 May 2016They may look the same on the outside, but they’re not on the inside. Did you know that in 2015, RAM updated the 1500 (DS) with modifications, reinforcement additions, and structural adhesive to improve collision impact performance?
FCA/Stellantis Has New Website Address For Repair Information
Posted on 12 August 2015FCA/Stellantis has updated the web address of the repair information website to stellantisiop.com. This new website changes how to find the collision repair information you need.
Step-By-Step: Accessing FCA/Stellantis Repair Information
Posted on 27 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 videos on the following OEM pages:
FCA/Stellantis Collision Bulletin: UPDATE
Posted on 31 December 2014We've added the Safety Certification and Tire Pressure Label Replacement Guidelines Collision Bulletin from FCA/Stellantis that addresses safety certification and tire pressure label replacement guidelines.
What's A Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM Shotgun?
Posted on 29 December 2014When it comes to repair information, vehicle makers use a wide variety of terminology for replacement parts, but Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM keep it pretty basic.
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.
Minimum Driveaway Time For Urethane Adhesive
Posted on 3 October 2014I-CAR recognizes minimum driveaway time for urethane adhesive. This is a time specification that the glass industry has agreed on when a vehicle that has had a stationary glass replacement can be released to the customer. It is when the adhesive has achieved enough strength to pass Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 212, windshield retention, and 208, occupant protection.
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.
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?
Weld Bonding Required on FCA/Stellantis Vehicles
Posted on 20 May 2014So you've got a Chrysler sitting in your repair facility and a service part, but no installation procedure. What do you do? On any other steel vehicle, you would duplicate the original attachment method and plug welds are ok, but not a Chrysler. A while ago (August 14, 2013 to be exact) FCA/Stellantis released the collision bulletin, Welded Sheet Metal Repairs and Replacements, that changed the way that their vehicles should be repaired. In this bulletin it states that: "weld bonding of replacement panels is the recommended installation method to utilize when repairing Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, or Ram vehicles."
The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix - What Is It, And How Does It Help The Collision Industry?
Posted on 6 May 2014Do you know what vehicle makers have collision repair information available? Do you know where you can go to find that out?
Can You Section An FCA/Stellantis Vehicle Without A Procedure?
Posted on 2 April 2014Did you know that in 2011, the Chrysler Group (FCA/Stellantis) published a position statement that identifies that parts should be installed in their entirety unless there is a procedure? This is applicable to all lines including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, and SRT.
Working With Boron-Alloyed Steel - What's In A Name? (UHSS)
Posted on 26 March 2014Vehicle makers each have their own way of organizing their repair information. The names of the materials and even the names of different parts of vehicles may vary.
Revised I-CAR Training and Certification: Steel GMA Welding Course
Posted on 22 August 2012The challenges for vehicle makers to make vehicles safe and strong as well as lightweight have resulted in material variations. Many of today's steel-structured vehicles use steel in the range of 0.70 mm thickness for the outer panels, and a thicker, and in many cases higher strength, steel for the structure. This has resulted in I-CAR revising its Training and Certification: Steel GMA Welding to more accurately reflect the thicknesses of steels being used.
Three-Dimensional Measuring Equipment - Is It Really Necessary?
Posted on 8 September 2011I-CAR has been emphasizing the importance of three-dimensional measuring since its founding in 1979, but is it really required to repair a vehicle? After all, three-dimensional measuring systems are considerably more expensive compared to the much more affordable tape measure or tram gauge (see Figure 1).
Corrosion Protection To Structural Part Interiors
Posted on 4 August 2011There has been a longstanding recommendation to apply epoxy primer, as well as anti-corrosion compound, on the inside of rails and pillars and rocker panels as a last step for structural repairs. Going back as far as the July/August 1988 I-CAR Advantage, in the article "Restoring Corrosion Protection," is the following step for providing corrosion protection to enclosed interior surfaces: "Apply primer. Two-part epoxy recommended. Then apply anti-corrosion compound." The reason given, is that on areas where the coatings have been entirely removed, this is a two-step process that is replacing the two original coatings, zinc and E-coat.
