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
- 48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: Mercedes-Benz
I-CAR · January 31, 2024
This document outlines the function and safety requirements for Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid systems. It highlights that the 48V system supports high-draw accessories and specifies that the system must be de-energized by disconnecting the 12V battery before unplugging…
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: Jaguar Land Rover - UPDATE
I-CAR · January 26, 2024
This article provides step-by-step instructions for locating Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) on the TOPIx service site. These guides offer critical safety information for handling high-voltage vehicles involved in collisions, though they must be used in conjunction with…
- Repairer Driven News: Radar Compliant Refinish Materials
I-CAR · January 25, 2024
This article summarizes a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) panel discussion on the critical technical requirements for radar-compliant refinish materials. It highlights how specific paint toners, undercoats, and film thicknesses can interfere with radar transmission, emphasizing the need to…
- Straightening And Heat: BMW/Mini
I-CAR · January 24, 2024
This article outlines BMW/Mini's strict guidelines regarding straightening and the use of heat on structural components. It specifies that heating load-bearing components for reshaping is prohibited, and high-strength or super-high-strength steel plates generally cannot be reshaped except as a…
- Your 2023 Favorites: Top 20 Sectioning and Partial Part Vehicles
I-CAR · January 19, 2024
This article highlights the top 20 most searched vehicles in I-CAR's OEM Partial Part Replacement Search database during 2023. It serves as a reference list of popular vehicles that technicians frequently research for sectioning and partial part replacement procedures.
- Volkswagen Repair Manual: Driver Assistance System
I-CAR · January 12, 2024
Volkswagen has streamlined its service information by introducing a dedicated 'Driver Assistance Systems' repair manual for many models starting with the 2019 model year. This manual centralizes component locations, system descriptions, removal/installation procedures, calibration requirements,…
- 48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: Audi
I-CAR · January 11, 2024
This article outlines the requirements for identifying and de-energizing Audi's 48-volt mild hybrid systems, which support advanced start/stop modes and roll stabilization. It establishes that the 12V system cannot be fully de-energized without first de-energizing the 48V system, which requires…
- Your 2023 Favorites: Top Articles
I-CAR · January 5, 2024
This article highlights the top 20 most popular I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) articles of 2023, focusing heavily on OEM position statements for pre- and post-repair scanning, ADAS calibrations, and structural repair guidelines.
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: 2023 I-CAR At SEMA Highlights - Now Available
I-CAR · January 2, 2024
This article highlights the December episode of I-CAR Repairers Realm, which showcases live interviews and panel discussions from the 2023 SEMA show. Industry experts discussed advancements in welding, tools, refinishing, corrosion protection, and ADAS calibration, alongside new technologies…
- Ford On Target 2023: Volume 4
I-CAR · December 21, 2023
This Ford On Target publication highlights the 2023 F-150's new adaptive energy absorption steering column, which requires complete replacement after deployment. It also introduces additional sectioning repair options and details the vehicle-specific body construction of the Ford Maverick.
- High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Genesis
I-CAR · December 20, 2023
This document outlines Genesis's specific safety guidelines, precautions, and storage requirements for handling high-voltage (HV) batteries and components during collision repairs. It highlights the necessity of consulting the shop manual and body repair manual for proper procedures, including…
- OEM-Approved Connector and Pigtail Repair Resources: Honda/Acura
I-CAR · December 14, 2023
This article outlines how to locate OEM-approved wiring connector and pigtail repair kits for Honda and Acura vehicles using the Dreamshop parts catalog. It provides a step-by-step navigation path to access front and rear electrical connector diagrams, part numbers, and component locations.
- I-CAR Just In Time: 12 V Battery Support
I-CAR · December 12, 2023
This I-CAR Just In Time article and video highlight the critical importance of providing proper 12 V battery support during vehicle diagnostic scanning and programming. It emphasizes that battery support is distinct from battery charging and must always begin with researching vehicle-specific…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: SEMA: Vehicle-Maker Required Tools and Equipment - Now Available
I-CAR · December 6, 2023
This article highlights an I-CAR Repairers Realm episode from the 2023 SEMA Show featuring representatives from Ford, Nissan, BMW, and Stellantis. The discussion focuses on the critical importance of utilizing vehicle-maker required tools and equipment, such as synergic and pulse welders, to…
- Kia High-Voltage Technician Levels: UPDATE
I-CAR · December 5, 2023
This article outlines Kia's safety requirements for high-voltage (HV) systems on electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. It highlights that while Kia does not specify distinct technician levels in its service manuals, it strictly mandates that any HV repairs, maintenance, or diagnosis be…
- General Motors High-Voltage Technician Levels: UPDATE
I-CAR · December 5, 2023
This article highlights the critical safety risks associated with high-voltage (HV) systems in electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, emphasizing that only qualified personnel with proper training, PPE, and tools should handle them. It notes that while GM's vehicle-specific service…
- Back-To-Basics: Hole Duplicator Tool
I-CAR · December 1, 2023
This article highlights the use of a hole duplicator tool, a common aircraft repair tool, to accurately locate, mark, and drill holes for rivets when installing replacement panels. It references a practical demonstration of the tool during a Ford F-150 aluminum panel replacement on I-CAR's…
- High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Kia
I-CAR · November 29, 2023
This article outlines Kia's specific guidelines for handling, storing, and disposing of high-voltage (HV) batteries and components during collision repairs. It highlights where to locate safety protocols, battery condition diagnostic charts, and storage requirements within the Kia shop manual.
- Locating OEM-Approved ADAS Tools: Honda/Acura - UPDATE
I-CAR · November 28, 2023
This article provides guidance on how to locate and purchase OEM-approved ADAS calibration tools, targets, and diagnostic software for Honda and Acura vehicles. It directs technicians to specific links on the Honda techinfo website, including the Tool & Equipment Programs online catalogs and…
- 48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: BMW
I-CAR · November 16, 2023
This article outlines the key features and safety protocols for BMW's 48-volt mild hybrid system, which is standard on all vehicles with the B58 engine. It highlights that the system uses purple warning labels and cables for identification, automatically enters a maintenance power-down mode when…
- 48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems
I-CAR · November 16, 2023
This article introduces the growing prevalence of 48-volt mild hybrid systems across various vehicle manufacturers and highlights the resources available for safely disabling them. It directs technicians to the OEM Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Disable Search tool and specific OEM repair manuals…
- Repairer Driven News: OEM Procedures And Scan Tool Types For ADAS Calibrations
I-CAR · November 13, 2023
This article highlights an I-CAR Repairer Driven Education session focusing on OEM procedures, ADAS calibrations, and scan tool selection. It references research from asTech's Rules Engine designed to help collision repair facilities choose the correct scan tool based on vehicle make, model, and…
- I-CAR Full-Frame And Unibody Measuring, Anchoring, And Pulling Courses
I-CAR · November 10, 2023
I-CAR has introduced two video-based courses focusing on unibody and full-frame measuring, anchoring, and pulling. These courses guide technicians through real-world structural repair scenarios, highlighting safety, damage identification, supplemental anchoring, and pulling strategies.
- High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations: Volkswagen
I-CAR · November 9, 2023
This article outlines Volkswagen's specific guidelines for handling, storing, and packaging high-voltage (HV) batteries and components during collision repairs. It highlights key sections of the Volkswagen High-Voltage System - General Information Repair Manual, including clean working…
- High-Voltage Handling And Storage Considerations
I-CAR · November 9, 2023
This article highlights the critical safety considerations and OEM-specific guidelines required for handling and storing high-voltage (HV) batteries and components during collision repairs. It emphasizes that HV battery hazards persist even after removal, requiring specialized facility space,…
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