Collision repair knowledge base
Plain-English summaries of OEM position statements, I-CAR procedures and the rulings behind them — each one linked back to the document it came from.
497 documents
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: Mitsubishi
I-CAR · September 18, 2026
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to access free Mitsubishi Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) via the Mitsubishi technical information website or the NHTSA. It emphasizes that while ERGs are useful for high-voltage vehicle handling, they do not replace official OEM repair…
- I-CAR Just In Time: Oxygen Sensor Failure Causes A/C Machine To Not Work
I-CAR · September 16, 2026
This I-CAR Just In Time video explains the critical role of the oxygen sensor within the R-1234yf refrigerant identifier of A/C service machines. It highlights how a failed oxygen sensor will prevent the A/C machine from operating and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and timely…
- General Motors Position Statement: Trailer Hitch Repair And Replacement
I-CAR · September 10, 2026
This General Motors position statement strictly prohibits the repair of trailer hitches as a collision repair procedure. It also outlines GM's recommendations for adding a trailer hitch to a vehicle that was not originally equipped with one from the factory.
- I-CAR Just In Time: HV Safety Glove Care
I-CAR · September 9, 2026
This I-CAR Just In Time article and video resource outlines the critical safety protocols for high-voltage (HV) safety glove care, storage, and inspection. It emphasizes the necessity of daily and weekly inspections of electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure technician safety…
- OEM Linking Pin: Ford/Lincoln Service Part - Door Modifications
I-CAR · September 4, 2026
This article clarifies that replacement front and rear doors on 2018-2024 Lincoln Navigator and 2018-2027 Ford Expedition models may require physical modifications, such as drilling holes or slots, to accommodate outer trim and airbag impact sensors. It notes that instructions and drilling…
- Mazda Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE
I-CAR · September 3, 2026
Mazda North American Operations requires both a pre-repair and a post-repair diagnostic scan on any vehicle involved in a collision. These scans must be performed using a genuine Mazda scan tool to ensure the vehicle is safely and accurately restored to proper working condition.
- When There Are No Specific Sectioning Procedures
I-CAR · September 2, 2026
This article clarifies that when no specific sectioning procedures exist for a part, it cannot automatically be assumed that sectioning is prohibited. While some OEMs require complete component replacement if damage exceeds specified locations, others (like Ford, Honda, and Toyota) provide…
- Honda Released The 2026 Prelude Model Series Body Repair News Bulletin
I-CAR · August 28, 2026
Honda has released a Body Repair News bulletin for the 2026 Prelude, detailing body construction, high-voltage vehicle considerations, and a template for non-repairable zones on the rear bumper. The document serves as a summary and directs technicians to the official Body Repair Manual (BRM) for…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Counterfeit OEM Parts - Repair And Service Parts - Now Available
I-CAR · August 26, 2026
This article highlights an I-CAR Repairers Realm discussion with brand protection experts from Stellantis and General Motors regarding the rising issue of counterfeit OEM service and mechanical parts. It addresses how to identify counterfeit parts, how they differ from legitimate aftermarket…
- Repairer Driven News: GM BEV Front Frame Rail Restrictions
I-CAR · August 25, 2026
General Motors has issued a parts restriction on front frame rails for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). These restricted parts will only be available to dealerships and Collision Repair Network (CRN) facilities that are certified as GM CRN BEV compliant.
- Nissan/INFINITI Part Replacement Without A Procedure
I-CAR · August 21, 2026
This document clarifies Nissan/INFINITI guidelines for replacing welded-on service parts when a specific vehicle procedure is not published. It establishes that technicians can replace the service part at factory seams or perform a partial replacement on localized damage using the general…
- Body Repair Manual Symbols: Nissan/INFINITI
I-CAR · August 20, 2026
This article explains how to locate and interpret the body repair manual (BRM) symbols used by Nissan and INFINITI to indicate specific welding, cutting, and joining operations. It outlines the step-by-step navigation path within the OEM service information portals to find the 'Description' or…
- GM Repairer Insights: Summer 2026
I-CAR · August 17, 2026
The Summer 2026 edition of GM Repair Insights highlights repair considerations for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V EV and addresses a critical concern regarding the improper installation of rear radar modules. It warns that incorrect installation can disable or impair key ADAS features like Side Blind…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Counterfeit OEM Parts - Repair And Service Parts - Coming Soon
I-CAR · August 14, 2026
This article announces an upcoming I-CAR Repairers Realm episode focusing on the growing industry issue of counterfeit OEM repair and service parts. The discussion covers how counterfeit parts differ from aftermarket parts, the safety risks they pose, how to identify warning signs, and how…
- I-CAR Just In Time: Wheel And Suspension Alignment
I-CAR · August 12, 2026
This I-CAR Just In Time video series explains the critical wheel and suspension alignment angles—camber, steering axis inclination (SAI), caster, and toe. It highlights how suspension damage alters these angles and emphasizes their importance for proper ADAS operation, braking, and tire wear.
- I-CAR Just In Time: 2026 Audi Q7 Air Suspension Service Mode
I-CAR · August 12, 2026
This I-CAR Just In Time document outlines the requirement to enable the 'Air Suspension: Wheel Change' service mode on the 2026 Audi Q7 to disable the auto-leveling function before performing repairs. It also notes that repairs to the self-leveling suspension system may require performing the…
- OEM Linking Pin: Subaru Body Repair Manuals Found Under Service Diagnostics - UPDATE
I-CAR · August 7, 2026
This article clarifies that Body Repair Manuals (BRMs) for the 2023-present Subaru Solterra, 2026-present Trailseeker, and 2026-present Uncharted cannot be found in the standard Subaru BRM search. Instead, users must navigate to the 'Service Diagnostics' section on the Subaru technical…
- PPE In The I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair Facility And Equipment Best Practice
I-CAR · August 6, 2026
The article clarifies that the I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair Facility And Equipment Best Practice focuses on major facility and equipment requirements rather than serving as an exhaustive PPE guide. It emphasizes that standard PPE remains essential and that facilities must continue to comply…
- Ford On Target 2026: Volume 2
I-CAR · August 5, 2026
This article highlights the release of Ford's On Target 2026: Volume 2, which covers Explorer rear rail sectioning, Escape body construction details, and seat belt system inspections. It also notes an update to the Lincoln Nautilus Workshop Manual featuring an A-pillar trim installation video.
- GM Glass Replacement Requirements: UPDATE
I-CAR · July 31, 2026
This article outlines GM's strict requirements for stationary glass replacement, including the mandatory use of GM OE glass on vehicles with ADAS and the requirement to calibrate the frontview camera after windshield replacement or R&I. It also details specific adhesive application procedures,…
- General Motors Updates Position Statements: UPDATE
I-CAR · July 30, 2026
General Motors has updated its position statement to strictly prohibit the use of salvage, recycled, used, or non-genuine aftermarket parts on Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. The revised document, titled 'Use Of Genuine GM Original Equipment Parts,' emphasizes that GM cannot…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Counterfeit Parts - Collision Repair Parts - Now Available
I-CAR · July 29, 2026
This I-CAR Repairers Realm article highlights a discussion with the Automotive Anti-Counterfeit Council (A2C2) regarding the safety, quality, and liability risks associated with counterfeit collision repair parts. It addresses how counterfeit parts differ from legitimate aftermarket parts and…
- High-Voltage Vehicle Research Tips: FCA/Stellantis Low-Voltage Battery Disconnection
I-CAR · July 24, 2026
This article highlights the critical safety requirements for disconnecting the low-voltage (12V) battery on FCA/Stellantis high-voltage vehicles, where the Integrated Dual Charging Module (IDCM) can periodically wake the HV system. It emphasizes that procedures are model-specific, requiring…
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: Subaru
I-CAR · July 23, 2026
This article outlines the steps to locate and download Subaru Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) via the Subaru technical information website. It highlights that while ERGs provide critical safety information for high-voltage vehicles, they do not replace official OEM repair procedures and…
- Corvette C8 Rear Impact Bar Replacement: Use Exact Adhesive Specified For A Safe And Proper Repair
I-CAR · July 22, 2026
This article highlights the critical requirement to use three distinct, non-substitutable adhesives when replacing the Corvette C8 rear impact bar without replacing the tub. Technicians must follow GM procedure DOC ID: 5541003, which specifies unique adhesives for aluminum bonding, SMC bonding,…
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