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
- Ford/Lincoln Charge Port Light Ring Precautions
I-CAR · June 21, 2023
Ford and Lincoln workshop manuals require the removal of the charge port light ring (Charge Status Indicator) on plug-in high-voltage vehicles if refinishing cure temperatures in the paint booth will exceed 140°F (60°C). Failure to remove the light ring can cause heat damage, preventing it from…
- Locating Genesis Position Statements
I-CAR · June 16, 2023
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to locate official Genesis position statements on the Genesis technical information website. It emphasizes that technicians must always refer to the vehicle-specific body repair manual for the most up-to-date repair information.
- Steel Spot And Plug Weld Nugget Size: Nissan/INFINITI
I-CAR · June 13, 2023
This article outlines Nissan and INFINITI requirements for spot and plug welding, including the need to increase spot weld counts by 20% to 30% compared to factory welds (which is already reflected in their service manuals). It also details limitations on welding ultra-high-strength steel…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: High Voltage Battery Recovery - Now Available
I-CAR · June 9, 2023
This article highlights an I-CAR Repairers Realm episode featuring Midtronics that addresses the risks of storing hybrid and electric vehicles for long periods. It focuses on the effects of prolonged storage on high-voltage batteries and provides guidance on how to rescue and recover a…
- FCA/Stellantis Restraints Wiring: UPDATE
I-CAR · June 8, 2023
FCA/Stellantis permits supplemental restraint system (SRS) wiring repairs only on the harness side and only when using an approved Mopar wiring repair kit. Repairs must follow a specific procedure involving crimping with a splice band, soldering, and sealing with sealant-lined shrink tubing.
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: Genesis
I-CAR · June 7, 2023
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to access free Genesis Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) via the Genesis technical information website. It emphasizes that while ERGs contain vital high-voltage vehicle information, they do not replace official OEM repair procedures and…
- Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE
I-CAR · June 1, 2023
This article outlines Toyota and Lexus bumper cover repair restrictions when advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitoring are present. It highlights prohibited repair methods within the radar sensor's radiation range and introduces new precautions for 77 GHz radar sensors…
- Non-SRS Wiring Repairs: Volvo
I-CAR · May 31, 2023
This document outlines Volvo's specific guidelines and restrictions for non-SRS wiring repairs, including procedures for joining cables, handling fiber optic cables, and managing surface treatments on cable terminals. It highlights that fiber optic cables cannot be spliced and that matching…
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: VinFast
I-CAR · May 26, 2023
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to access VinFast's free Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) via their public website. These guides offer critical high-voltage vehicle information for first responders and collision repair professionals handling damaged electric vehicles.
- Calibration Research Tips: Hyundai/Genesis Driver Parking Assistance System
I-CAR · May 25, 2023
This article clarifies that the Hyundai/Genesis Driver Parking Assistance system is not a standalone feature, but rather an integrated ADAS suite combining ultrasonic park assist sensors and the rear-view camera. Because these components share inputs, damage or improper calibration of a single…
- Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Mitsubishi
I-CAR · May 19, 2023
This article provides instructions on how to locate and purchase OEM-approved high-voltage (HV) tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) for Mitsubishi hybrid and electric vehicles. Technicians can access these specialized tools, such as HV digital volt-ohm meters (DVOM) and battery lift…
- Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot
I-CAR · May 18, 2023
This I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) document compiles a comprehensive directory of technical articles, guidelines, and training courses focused on welding and MIG brazing. It serves as a centralized hub covering equipment selection, OEM procedures, joining methods, shielding gases,…
- I-CAR Repairers Realm: Importance Of OEM Glass Replacement - Now Available
I-CAR · May 17, 2023
This article highlights an I-CAR Repairers Realm episode featuring glass experts from several vehicle manufacturers discussing the critical importance of OEM glass replacement. It addresses how OEM glass affects the performance of advanced vehicle systems, common field issues, and…
- Straightening And Heat: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
I-CAR · May 11, 2023
FCA/Stellantis has updated its position statement regarding the use of heat during structural repairs. The document prohibits the use of heat to straighten structural high-strength, advanced high-strength, or ultra-high-strength steels, requiring component replacement if heat is applied, and…
- Body Construction And Material Repair Guidelines: FCA/Stellantis - UPDATE
I-CAR · May 11, 2023
This article outlines FCA/Stellantis guidelines for identifying vehicle construction materials and details strict limitations on structural repairs. It highlights that material specifications (including MPa) are located under 'Standardized Steel Identification' in the body repair manual, and…
- Energy Security Agency: High-Voltage Vehicle Risk Analysis Services
I-CAR · May 10, 2023
The Energy Security Agency (ESA) provides free, 24/7 Risk Analysis services for hybrid and electric vehicles involved in collisions, fires, mechanical failures, or water incidents. Using uploaded photos, ESA agents provide real-time guidance on high-voltage shutdown, transport, storage, and…
- Identifying The Correct Body Repair Manual: General Motors
I-CAR · May 5, 2023
This document explains how General Motors (GM) organizes its Body Repair Manuals (BRMs), which are often grouped by shared vehicle platforms rather than model year ranges. It highlights that some GM BRMs are highly specific to certain VIN digits or Regular Production Option (RPO) codes,…
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: 2021 Ford F-150
I-CAR · May 4, 2023
This article outlines the specific ADAS components and calibration requirements for the 2021 Ford F-150, detailing which sensors and cameras require calibration or programming after a collision. It highlights the locations of these inputs, including the front bumper, windshield, side mirrors,…
- Repairer Driven News: Weather Emergency Preparedness
I-CAR · May 3, 2023
This article highlights a collision repair facility's experience managing an unexpected surge in vehicle intake following a devastating hailstorm. It emphasizes the importance of having a coordinated, actionable emergency preparedness plan to effectively utilize all staff members during sudden…
- One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Mercedes-Benz
I-CAR · April 28, 2023
This article outlines the Mercedes-Benz requirements for identifying and replacing one-time-use fasteners. It specifies that bolts and nuts with locking splines, self-locking nuts, and microencapsulated bolts and nuts must always be replaced after a single use.
- Tesla Restraints Wiring: UPDATE
I-CAR · April 27, 2023
Tesla's official guidelines state that supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits, airbag sensors, and seat sensors are not repairable by standard collision repair technicians. Any necessary repairs to these components must be referred to a Tesla Service Center, Regional Technical Specialist…
- I-CAR RAM ProMaster VF Course
I-CAR · April 26, 2023
This article highlights the I-CAR RAM ProMaster VF course, which covers vehicle configurations, construction materials, joining techniques, and sectioning procedures for the 2022 RAM ProMaster. It also details electromechanical repairs, including ADAS calibrations, steering, suspension, and…
- Locating OEM-Approved HV Tools: Porsche
I-CAR · April 21, 2023
This article provides a step-by-step guide for locating and purchasing OEM-approved high-voltage (HV) tools and personal protective equipment for Porsche vehicles. It directs technicians to the official Porsche Snap-on tool catalog and emphasizes the necessity of using specified tools, such as…
- Toyota/Lexus: What’s That Wavy Silver Tape?
I-CAR · April 20, 2023
This article explains that the wavy silver tape found on the backside of some Toyota and Lexus bumper covers is specialized aluminum tape (moulding tape No. 1) used to discharge static electricity and improve aerodynamics. It must be replaced if removed during repairs, but must never be applied…
- OEM Emergency Response Guides: Volvo
I-CAR · April 14, 2023
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to access Volvo's free Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) via their technical information website. These guides offer critical high-voltage vehicle handling information, though they must be used in conjunction with official OEM repair…
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