TECH TIPS: 2006 Ford F-150, Lincoln Mark LT Cab Side Sectioning
To section or not to section, and where to section – these are the questions we all deal with each day when developing a repair plan for today’s Vehicles. Manufacturers will often publish or update procedures that involve sectioning, welding locations, corrosion protection or recommended equipment for properly repairing and evaluating these vehicles. Throughout our
SUPER TECHNOLOGY ISSUE: Airbag Basics
Airbags, along with other components of safety restraint systems, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and misinformation is spreading like wildfire. Here’s the real deal on what you need to know to restore them to OEM standards.
TECH TIPS: A/C Service Guidelines for GM Hybrids
As more hybrid vehicles start filtering into collision repair facilities, you and your staff will need to focus on the many procedures manufacturers provide to properly handle and repair them. Aside from the complex electrical systems on these vehicles, each one may have a unique mechanical system. For instance, what we may have thought was
SCRS Launches Educational Seminar Series
On Aug. 18, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) hosted close to 30 individuals at the first of three eight-hour, intensive training seminars targeted at different markets across the United States. The event was held in Atlanta, Ga., and co-hosted by the Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA). Steven J. Feltovich of Sherwin-Williams Automotive
TECH TIPS: Engine Undercover Removal Caution for Mazda3, Mazda5
With all the refinements and advanced technology built into today’s vehicles, it’s amazing how technicians, estimators, production managers and parts managers can keep up with the changes and correctly restore vehicles to a safe and accurate condition. If one continues to repair vehicles with outdated practices, parts and procedures, the completed outcome may ultimately affect
TECH TIPS: Fixing a Rattle in the Honda Element Tailgate
It’s the little things that can alter a customer’s perception of a collision repair facility. After you repair a vehicle, the customer may come back with something he or she hadn’t noticed before. It must be your fault, right? Not necessarily! Sometimes a problem already exists with a vehicle, and the only way you could
TECH TIPS: Repairing the ’06-’09 Buick Lucerne Front Door Lock
Too many times during a busy day, we often overlook what may be an important update or new procedure for repairing a vehicle. Manufacturers’ updates, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls can offer critical information for the estimator or technician. TSBs help shop personnel keep abreast of common problems or solutions that have been discovered
TECH TIPS: Replacing the Hyundai Power Sliding Door Control Module
Collision shops commonly encounter a “perfect storm” of problems, including confusing new vehicle features that can potentially blow away a lot of time and money. Case in point: a 2007 Hyundai Entourage that exhibits a post-repair condition such as a power sliding door that doesn’t fully close or that reopens itself after closing. Although the
TECH TIPS: Front Passenger Seat Accessory Precautions
Post-collision repair requirements differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Thus, you must be prepared to evaluate, research and document each and every crash-damaged vehicle that’s brought into your repair facility. Seat belts, steering systems, occupant sensors, on-board diagnostics and air bag components and systems, as well as proper alignment of structurally related components, are only a
