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?
Straightening And Heat: Volkswagen
Posted on 17 July 2024A question often asked of the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team is, "Can heat be used to straighten?" Several OEMs provide steel repairability matrices that provide heating times and temperature limits based on the type of metal being repaired, while other OEMs have restrictions on using heat at all. Let's see what Volkswagen has to say.
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.
Volkswagen Repair Manual: Driver Assistance System
Posted on 12 January 2024Advanced 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, Volkswagen has made some changes to their service information.
High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Volkswagen
Posted on 9 November 2023High-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 Volkswagen has to say.
Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Volkswagen
Posted on 16 December 2022Park 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 Volkswagen has to say.
Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Volkswagen
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: Volkswagen
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?"
Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen.
Body Repair Manual Symbols: Volkswagen
Posted on 24 December 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.
Volkswagen 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: Volkswagen - UPDATE
Posted on 20 April 2021Did 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 Volkswagen has to say.
Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: Volkswagen
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.
Volkswagen: 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 Volkswagen has to say.
Volkswagen 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 in 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.
Volkswagen 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.
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.
Volkswagen: Repair Procedure Designations
Posted on 11 August 2020While looking through a Volkswagen body repair manual (BRM), you may notice that there are multiple instances of the same procedure, but with different titles. These titles, or designations, are to ensure the correct procedure is used when repairing the vehicle. This is because one vehicle can be manufactured in multiple ways, and may even use different materials, depending on what country the vehicle is made for. There can even be models for the same region that are built differently.
Repairer Driven News: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Posted on 1 July 2020Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The article focuses on new or updated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that change the way the vehicle may be driven.
Volkswagen Build Guide And Model Years
Posted on 25 July 2019Did you know that Volkswagen 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.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Posted on 9 July 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 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Volkswagen
Posted on 5 April 2019A 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 Volkswagen say on the subject?
Volkswagen Position: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning
Posted on 27 March 2019We often receive the Ask I-CAR inquiry: "Does Volkswagen have a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning? Do they plan on coming out with one?"
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.
Repairer Driven News: Are More Electric Vehicles On The Horizon?
Posted on 7 December 2018It seems everyday concerns about fuel economy and the environment take a grasp on the collision industry. Differing construction materials, fastening methods, and vehicle technology will force many repairers to adapt to new repair methods. According to an article by Repairer Driven News (RDN), the strongest force in vehicles may be electric vehicles.
I-CAR 360: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Video Now Available
Posted on 26 November 2018The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team recently developed a new I-CAR 360 video on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The video provides a 360° tour around the Atlas. Let’s take a look.
I-CAR Collision Reporter - The Recalibrate Issue
Posted on 19 November 2018In case you missed it, the sixth installment of the I-CAR Collision Reporter - The Recalibrate Issue has been released. What does the recalibrate issue have to offer?
Locating ADAS Information: Volkswagen
Posted on 14 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: Volkswagen Tiguan Outer Quarter Panel
Posted on 20 August 2018On occasion OEMs will make two completely different vehicles with the same nameplate during the same model year. Many times, the outgoing model will have “classic” or “limited” added to the nameplate. The incoming model will hold the original nameplate. If the wrong body repair manual is unknowingly selected, the vehicle may be improperly repaired. As a recent example shows this is the case with the new incoming Volkswagen Tiguan.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Posted on 3 August 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 Volkswagen Atlas.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Posted on 9 July 2018One of the top technical inquires 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 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Volkswagen?
Posted on 18 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 Volkswagen website.
Sectioning and Partial Part Replacement: 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
Posted on 10 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 Volkswagen Jetta.
Appearance Isn't Everything
Posted on 2 April 2018Normally the quality of a collision repair technician can be measured by whether or not you can tell they were ever there. Meaning that the damaged vehicle was returned to pre-collision condition. You shouldn’t be able to see welds, mismatched paint, or parts that don’t fit. We want to hide the fact that someone was there. However, sometimes the OEM does not make that possible.
Repairer Driven News: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Adopts Stronger Steels
Posted on 13 February 2018The recent debut of Volkswagen’s redesigned 2019 Jetta brings with it a long list of materials, technology, and safety. Repairer Driven News (RDN) posted an article that dives into the new Jetta.
Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: Volkswagen
Posted on 6 September 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.
Understanding The Collision Warning And Braking System
Posted on 31 August 2017A key part of being able to diagnose a problem with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is understanding how the system works. Knowing what is happening inside the system will help you properly diagnose why the system may be failing. This will prevent replacing parts that are not causing the system issue. Let’s take a look at the inner workings of a collision warning and collision braking system.
Understanding The Adaptive Cruise Control System
Posted on 25 August 2017A key part of being able to diagnose a problem with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is understanding how the system works. Knowing what is happening inside the system will help you properly diagnose why the system may be failing. This will prevent replacing parts that are not causing the system issue. Let’s take a look at the inner workings of an adaptive cruise control system (ACC).
Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Volkswagen
Posted on 20 July 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 Volkswagen says.
Structural Sectioning Procedures: Volkswagen
Posted on 22 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.
Additional Calibration Requirements: Volkswagen
Posted on 16 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.
Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Volkswagen
Posted on 7 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 Volkswagen 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.
Collision Information Website Access: Volkswagen
Posted on 9 January 2017Why 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.
Volkswagen Glass Replacement Requirements
Posted on 16 September 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:
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.
Volkswagen Restraints Wiring
Posted on 29 October 2015The 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 Volkswagen's position on this subject.
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?
Volkswagen Collision Repair Position Statements Available
Posted on 21 July 2015There's a new addition to the Volkswagen OEM Information page. An icon has been added that will link you to a page containing Volkswagen Position Statements.
Step-By-Step: Accessing Volkswagen Repair Information
Posted on 15 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 Volkswagen OEM Information page.
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.
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?
What's A Volkswagen Front Longitudinal Member?
Posted on 17 April 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.
