I-CAR News – Lexus

Your job requires that you keep on top of the latest in vehicle, tool, and equipment technology – I-CAR is committed to helping you do so in one convenient place. We regularly publish OEM-specific articles. We’ve gathered these articles, based on make, to assist you with complete, safe, and quality repairs.

OEM Emergency Response Guides: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

Posted on 30 August 2023

Are 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.

Continue Reading...


Locating ADAS Information: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

Posted on 25 August 2023

As 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.

Continue Reading...


Great Designs in Steel 2023 Presentations: A Closer Look - Toyota TNGA-F Full- Frame Platform

Posted on 23 August 2023

Eric Geng and Graeme Ackersviller from Toyota Manufacturing North America presented at Great Designs In Steel 2023. They highlighted the new generation TNGA-F full-frame platform in their Non-Linear Tailor Welded Blanks Application In Chassis Frame presentation.

Continue Reading...


Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

Posted on 1 June 2023

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) 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 Toyota/Lexus say on the subject?

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus: What’s That Wavy Silver Tape?

Posted on 20 April 2023

When repairing or replacing some Toyota or Lexus bumpers you may notice tape stripes with wavy silver lines. Do you need to replace this strip and what is its purpose?

Continue Reading...


Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 11 May 2022

Vehicle 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 Toyota/Lexus to see how they group their BRMs.

Continue Reading...


Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 1 February 2022

What 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 doesn’t 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 Toyota/Lexus.

Continue Reading...


Calibration Research Tips: Toyota/Lexus One-Time-Use Park Assist Sensor Retainers

Posted on 7 January 2022

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at Toyota/Lexus park assist sensor retainers.

Continue Reading...


Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 23 December 2021

When 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.

Continue Reading...


Locating OEM-Approved ADAS Tools: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 23 November 2021

When 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.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2021 Issue 2

Posted on 8 July 2021

Toyota has released the 2021 Issue 2 of their Collision Pros on their Collision Repair Training website.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus Introduces Autonomous Level 2 Driving System

Posted on 15 June 2021

Toyota/Lexus released information on the www.pressroom.toyota.com website about the Teammate® advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology that debuts on select 2022 Lexus LS 500H models which should be in U.S. dealerships in the fall.

Continue Reading...


I-CAR Toyota Collision Repair Overview Course

Posted on 6 April 2021

I-CAR has developed a course around the collision repair of Toyota vehicles.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2021 Issue 1

Posted on 4 March 2021

Toyota has released the 2021 Issue 1 edition of their Collision Pros magazine. This issue highlights the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna and focuses on the technology aspects of the vehicle.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?

Posted on 2 March 2021

In 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 Toyota/Lexus has to say.

Continue Reading...


OEM Emergency Response Guides

Posted on 25 February 2021

Are 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.

Continue Reading...


Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing? UPDATE

Posted on 25 November 2020

In 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.

Continue Reading...


Calibration Research Tips: Toyota/Lexus Intelligent Clearance Sonar System

Posted on 17 November 2020

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at Toyota/Lexus intelligent clearance sonar (ICS) system, and parking support brake system (PKSB).

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2020 Issue 2

Posted on 16 October 2020

Toyota has released the 2020 Issue 2 edition of their Collision Pros magazine. This edition highlights the 2021 Toyota Venza.

Continue Reading...


Reading Toyota/Lexus Repair Procedures: It May Take More Than One Procedure

Posted on 10 September 2020

One of the many functions of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is to assist the collision repair industry with understanding repair procedures. The team often receives questions such as, "Does this part need to be removed?" or "What is the preferred attachment method?" Let’s take a closer look at reading Toyota/Lexus repair procedures.

Continue Reading...


Calibration Research Tips: Toyota Safety Sense 

Posted on 21 May 2020

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at Toyota Safety Sense.

Continue Reading...


Steel Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE

Posted on 22 April 2020

Did 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 Toyota/Lexus has to say.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus: CRIB# 196 - GMAW/MIG Welding Specifications

Posted on 7 April 2020

Toyota/Lexus provides their welding requirements in one central location in each vehicle-specific collision repair manual. This includes information on the type of welding wire and shielding gas to be used. These requirements should always be followed. However, in addition, Toyota/Lexus has released collision Repair Information Bulletin (CRIB) #196 that updates the types of welding wire that can be used.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2020 Issue 1

Posted on 23 March 2020

Toyota has released the 2020 Issue 1 edition of their Collision Pros magazine.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2019 Issue 3

Posted on 18 December 2019

Toyota has released the 2019 Issue 3 edition of their Collision Pros magazine. This edition covers a variety of collision repair topics, such as:

Continue Reading...


Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: 2019 Lexus RX

Posted on 21 November 2019

While many have noticed that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are showing up on vehicles, there still is confusion on what is required of these systems after a collision occurs. The Ask I-CAR team frequently gets questions in regard to calibration of ADAS. Many of these questions can be answered simply by using the OEM Calibration Requirements Search. However, there are some questions that may need more details than the calibration search provides. Let’s take a look at the 2019 Lexus RX.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: 2019 Issue 2

Posted on 12 September 2019

Toyota has released the 2019 Issue 2 of their Collision Pros. This edition touches on a variety of collision repair topics, such as the Toyota Supra, training, affixing emblems, calibration, and more.

Continue Reading...


Repairing Blind Spot Sensor Mounting Locations: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 10 September 2019

As part of the research conducted by the I-CAR RTS team for the OEM Calibration Requirements Search, we have found that some OEMs provide measurements for blind spot sensor mounting locations. When this mounting location information is found, we will publish articles highlighting the information and where to locate it for that specific OEM.

When performing repairs, having measurements is a way to ensure the vehicle is repaired correctly. However, measurements are not always given for body panels. This typically isn’t a problem, until there are advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) involved, such as blind spot sensors. When mounting blind spot sensors on body panels, it can be crucial to have the mounting location straightened to the correct measurement. Some OEMs not only give measurements but may also provide alternative measuring methods to identify that the sensor is looking in the right direction. Let's see what Toyota/Lexus has to say.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2019 Lexus UX 200

Posted on 19 July 2019

One 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 Lexus UX 200.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: Spring 2019

Posted on 10 April 2019

Toyota has launched their Spring 2019 edition of Collision Pros. Some highlights in this issue that you may want to check out are the important details regarding pre- and post-repair checklists, and Toyota Technical Information Systems (TIS).

Continue Reading...


How to Find Toyota/Lexus CRIBs

Posted on 22 January 2019

Toyota/Lexus/Scion has Collision Repair Information Bulletins (CRIBs) that contain a lot of information the collision repair industry needs to know.

Continue Reading...


ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot

Posted on 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 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.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2018 Lexus LC 500h

Posted on 3 January 2019

One 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 Lexus LC 500h.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: Summer 2018

Posted on 13 September 2018

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is now common on many vehicles. Toyota/Lexus are making certain ADAS standard on their entire lineup. So, what does that mean for collision repairers? An article in the Summer 2018 issue of Toyota Collision Pros magazine covers some of this information.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Lexus CT200h

Posted on 10 August 2018

One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or Partial Part 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 Lexus CT200h.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Lexus RX 450h

Posted on 25 May 2018

One 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 2017 Lexus RX 450h.

Continue Reading...


Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Toyota/Lexus?

Posted on 2 May 2018

Navigating 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 Toyota/Lexus website.

Continue Reading...


Toyota Collision Pros: Winter 2018

Posted on 23 March 2018

The Winter 2018 edition of Toyota Collision Pros Publication holds information on blending during refinishing, bird’s eye view (360°) camera system, and more. Let’s check out some highlights in this issue.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Lexus RX 350

Posted on 16 March 2018

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 Lexus RX 350.

Continue Reading...


Toyota's Collision Damage Repair Precautions

Posted on 15 March 2018

When repairing a vehicle, there are several questions that always need to be answered before and during the repair process. Things like what parts can be straightened, can heat be used to straighten, what type of sectioning joint should be used, and precautions for welding are a few of the important questions. To aid in answering these questions Toyota/Lexus has a document that provides answers.

Continue Reading...


Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Toyota Corolla

Posted on 9 February 2018

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 Toyota Corolla.

Continue Reading...


When ADAS Can't See: Front/Rear Cross Traffic Systems

Posted on 8 January 2018

Collision repairs on vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can have more restrictions than vehicles without ADAS. Items that historically would be a simple repair, may now need to be replaced. The ADAS needs to be able to see/sense in some way, whether it be by radar, camera-view, ultrasonic, etc. Repairers need to keep sensor/camera field of vision clear to avoid system malfunctions. For example, repair material that would normally be used to repair a gouge in a bumper cover is now a problem because it can block the sensor’s field of vision and may not allow the sensor to function properly.

Some OEMs have warnings against making repairs in front of sensors/cameras or a certain distance from the sensors/cameras. However, many times there is also a list of other items that can block the sensor/camera view. Let’s take a look at some common things or materials that can interfere with the front/rear cross traffic system.

Continue Reading...


When ADAS Can't See: Blind Spot Monitoring System

Posted on 22 December 2017

Collision repairs on vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can have more restrictions than vehicles without ADAS. Items that historically would be a simple repair may now need to be replaced. The ADAS needs to be able to see/sense in some way, whether it be by radar, camera-view, ultrasonic, etc. Repairers need to keep sensor/camera field of vision clear to avoid system malfunctions. For example, repair material that would normally be used to repair a gouge in a bumper cover is now a problem because it can block the sensor’s field of vision and may not allow the sensor to function properly.

Some OEMs have warnings against making repairs in front of sensors/cameras or a certain distance from the sensors/cameras. However, many times there is also a list of other items that can block the sensor/camera view. Let’s take a look at some common things or materials that can interfere with the blind spot detection system (BSD).

Continue Reading...


One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 18 October 2017

What 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?"

Continue Reading...


Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 17 August 2017

What 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.

As we know, today’s vehicles can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Knowing if the OEM provides information on body construction materials and repair guidelines is a crucial step in providing a complete, safe, and quality repair. Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus has to say.

Continue Reading...


Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 7 July 2017

A 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 Toyota/Lexus says.

Continue Reading...


Repairer Driven News: Toyota's Millimeter-Wave Radar

Posted on 16 June 2017

Repairer Driven News (RDN) published an article talking about Toyota’s millimeter-wave radar. The article covers special precautions related to the millimeter-wave radar. Let’s take a look at this article.

Continue Reading...


I-CAR 360: Lexus RC300 Video Now Available

Posted on 8 June 2017

The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360 video on the 2017 Lexus RC300. The video provides a 360 tour around the new RC300. Let’s take a look.

Continue Reading...


Structural Sectioning Procedures: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 20 April 2017

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 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.

Parts are made from various materials including HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and carbon fiber. These parts also have complex designs to collapse or transfer collision forces in a specific manner. Introducing a sectioning joint to many of these parts will alter how the part reacts to those collision forces. For this reason, sectioning a part is only allowed if supported by vehicle maker repair information. Let’s see what Toyota/Lexus says about structural sectioning.

Continue Reading...


Additional Calibration Requirements: Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 14 April 2017

The 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.

It does not include occupant classification systems (OCS), steering angle sensors, battery disconnects, or other calibrations/initializations required, when not related directly to ADAS. Let’s take a look at what additional items may require calibrations/initializations on Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus/Scion Glass Replacement Requirements: UPDATE

Posted on 15 March 2017

The 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.

It is commonly asked, "What is required when replacing a windshield?" With this question in mind, we will be presenting a series of articles that highlight some of the requirements from the various OEMs. As always, it is important to read through each vehicle-specific procedure to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Continue Reading...


Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Toyota/Lexus/Scion

Posted on 17 February 2017

Weld-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 Toyota/Lexus/Scion recommends and where this information can be found.

Continue Reading...


Collision Information Website Access: Toyota/Lexus/Scion

Posted on 15 December 2016

Why 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.

Continue Reading...


New Welding Methods for Toyota/Lexus

Posted on 14 September 2016

If you have been working on any Toyota/Lexus vehicles recently, you may have noticed a new type of attachment method. This new attachment method is known as laser screw welds. How is a Toyota/Lexus vehicle laser screw welds repaired? Let’s take a look.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning

Posted on 28 July 2016

As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.

Continue Reading...


Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures

Posted on 7 July 2016

We 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:

Continue Reading...


Restraints Wiring Repairs

Posted on 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.

Continue Reading...


Toyota/Lexus/Scion Restraints Wiring

Posted on 2 March 2016

The 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 Toyota's position on this subject.

Continue Reading...


Straightening And Heat: Toyota, Lexus, Scion

Posted on 23 October 2015

A question often asked of the Repairability Techincal Supports (RTS) team is, does Toyota allow the use heat to straighten? There are several Collision Repair Information Bulletins (CRIBs) from Toyota, Lexus, and Scion that states their position on the use of heat when straightening.

Continue Reading...


Making Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) A Standard Feature

Posted on 24 September 2015

A 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?

Continue Reading...


Did You Know Toyota Offers Collision Repair Training?

Posted on 4 September 2015

There's a new addition to the OEM Information pages for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. An icon has been added linking you to a page on Toyota's website that allows technicians to take Toyota collision repair training.

Continue Reading...


Step-By-Step: Accessing Toyota, Lexus, And Scion Repair Information

Posted on 6 April 2015

Per 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 Toyota OEM Information, Lexus OEM Information, and/or Scion OEM Information page.

Continue Reading...


Bumper Energy Absorbers, Crush Boxes, and Bumper Reinforcements

Posted on 28 February 2015

Let's go back to basics with the ever-popular what to do with bumper energy absorbers, crush boxes, and bumper reinforcements.

Continue Reading...


Today’s Advanced Vehicles Require Changes in Collision Repair Attachment Methods – Part 1

Posted on 20 December 2014

This 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.

Continue Reading...


What's A Lexus Rear Floor Side Member?

Posted on 24 November 2014

When 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.

Continue Reading...


Repair or Replace? – Material Tensile Strength Key to Repairability

Posted on 23 September 2014

Repair 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.

Continue Reading...


Weld-Through Primer Requirements On The OEM Technical Information Matrix

Posted on 28 August 2014

Let'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.

Continue Reading...


Collision Repair Attachment Methods, Description, And Equipment Requirements Information On The OEM Technical Information Matrix

Posted on 13 August 2014

Let'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.

Continue Reading...


It's Not Just About Aluminum

Posted on 30 July 2014

Today'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.

Continue Reading...


Is There a Procedure for Disassembling a Service Assembly?

Posted on 19 June 2014

The 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?

Continue Reading...


The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix - What Is It, And How Does It Help The Collision Industry?

Posted on 6 May 2014

Do you know what vehicle makers have collision repair information available? Do you know where you can go to find that out?

Continue Reading...


What's A Toyota Rear Floor Side Member?

Posted on 1 May 2014

When 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.

Continue Reading...