OEM Collision Repair Standards

Tech Tips: What’s New in the Collision Industry?

Whether you’re faced with a minor question or a major problem, manufacturers’ information leads to faster resolutions. Here are a few examples of OEM repair information that could save you time and money.

BodyShop BusinessWhat’s new in the collision industry? How about the growing number of shops leaning toward OEM certification? Also, there are the rapidly evolving vehicle technologies, improved shop systems and a significant increase in the need for manufacturers’ repair procedures.

The trend to become OEM certified is being driven mostly by the increased use of aluminum and other newer construction materials. The whole point, of course, is to make vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient. But not everyone is ready for the first all-aluminum F-150 to roll into their shop. Aluminum and other new materials require up-to-date equipment and advanced techniques, which puts more emphasis on having more training and accurate information.

In today’s complex environment, estimators, production managers, technicians and parts managers require solid, reliable, factual OEM information. The good ol’ days are now the “anything-but-simple” days. Beyond what materials a vehicle is made of, you need vehicle-specific electronic reset information, OEM structural repair procedures, SRS information, DTC data, safety precautions and more.

It’s good business to repair vehicles to factory standards. It alleviates risk, both for the shop and for the families who rely on you to make their cars “like new.”

Whether you’re faced with a minor question or a major problem, manufacturers’ information leads to faster resolutions. Here are a few examples of OEM repair information that could save you time and money. These are just brief excerpts from the complete articles to illustrate the diversity of information available.

2012-2013 Mazda3

Some Mazda vehicles (VINs lower than JM1BL******733728) may experience the MIL on with DTC P0780 (gear shifting malfunction) and/or P1738 (automatic transaxle internal malfunction) with/without U0401, or other DTCs stored in memory. Numerous other DTCs (with the above DTCs) may also be set.

Repair Procedure

  1. Verify customer concern
  2. Replace the valve body assembly with a new one.
    NOTE: Replace the transmission oil pan bolts and hose clamp at the connector boot with new ones.
  3. Perform the Initial Learning Procedure, per OEM instructions.
  4. Verify repair.

2015 Chrysler Sedan

NOTE: Removal process is the same for both sides of the vehicle.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
  3. Remove the stabilizer link to spring link nut and separate the stabilizer link from the spring link.
  4. Support the outer end of the spring link with a jack stand or equivalent.
    NOTE: Discard the spring link to knuckle bolt and nut after it’s removed. It is not reusable.
  5. Remove the spring link to knuckle bolt and nut.
  6. Slowly lower the jack stand or equivalent and remove the spring from the vehicle while separating the spring link from the knuckle.
    NOTE: Mark the location of the inboard cam bolt with a paint marker or equivalent to assist in retaining proper wheel alignment specification.
    NOTE: On all-wheel drive models, the spring link to cradle bolt will contact the rear differential unit when attempting to remove it. To remove it, partially remove the bolt, cut it in half, then remove the remaining portion of the bolt. Install the new bolt and cam nut in the opposite direction from which it was removed.
    NOTE: On front-wheel drive models, the spring link to cradle bolt will contact the rear suspension crossmember shield when attempting to remove it. To remove it,
    remove the rear suspension crossmember shield first.
  7. Remove the spring link to cradle bolt and nut and remove the spring link from the vehicle.

Toyota Body Sectioning

Body sectioning with the use of any weld-on salvage components is not an approved repair procedure for Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles.

Body sectioning is not approved for the following reasons:

  • Quality of salvage components cannot be certified or verified.
  • Installation welding can reduce strength and safety from the original design.
  • Body and drivetrain components can exhibit poor fit and alignment.
  • Squeaks, rattles, wind noise and water leaks can occur.
  • Extensive corrosion potential can occur.

2013-2014 Ford Escape

Some 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L or 2.0L gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engines and built on or before Sept. 15, 2013 may exhibit a rattle/buzz noise or vibration from the right rear floorboard on acceleration between 1,500-2,500 RPM. This may be due to a high frequency oscillation from the fuel pump being induced through the fuel/vapor line bundle routed on the right underside of the vehicle. A new fuel/vapor line isolator clip is now available.

© 2014 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved. All technical information, images and specifications are from ALLDATA Collision S3500. ALLDATA and ALLDATA Collision are registered trademarks of ALLDATA LLC.

Mazda and Mazda3 are registered trademarks of Mazda Motor of America, Inc. Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. Toyota, Lexus and Scion are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and/or Toyota Motor Corporation. Ford and Escape are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. All other marks are the property of their respective holders. All trademarks are being used solely for reference and application purposes.

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