Members of the Ford Certified Collision Network (FCCN) can now access a new tool designed to provide shops with “fast and easy access” to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures, including those for auto glass. As the industry continues to see the incorporation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Ford says it’s increasingly important for shops to adhere to proper procedures throughout the auto glass repair process.
RepairLogic, developed by Advanced Repair Technologies, works to ensure shops have everything they need to perform repairs properly as the industry continues to see the incorporation of new technologies.
According to Ford’s latest “On Target” newsletter, RepairLogic combines OEM content with modern technology to enable “comprehensive” repair planning. The tool offers access to repair information, increasing utilization of OEM procedures, repair team collaboration and accountability.
“RepairLogic offers some good benefits, such as calling out calibration instructions for advanced driver-assist systems, identifying single-use parts and keeping track of OEM procedure updates,” says Dean Bruce, Ford collision marketing manager. “While the official Ford Workshop Manual remains the one-stop location for all Ford OEM repair procedures and should always be utilized, RepairLogic enhances the information found within it, helping to reduce time spent researching the repair, while helping to ensure critical operations are not overlooked.”
As those systems become more prevalent, Ford says it becomes even more important to make sure proper procedures are followed to ensure safe and quality repairs. That includes the proper preparation of the substrate or pinch weld, which the newsletter outlines using the 2022 Ford Bronco.
Notes of import include a two-hour time limit for installation of new or re-used fixed glass following the cutting of the urethane adhesive. That cutting can be accomplished using the cold-knife method, the power tool method or the piano wire method. There is then a ten-minute window for installing the fixed glass following the application of the urethane adhesive.
Door windows must also be left open while the adhesive cures, preventing the bond from being compromised by pressure. If a damaged windshield comes equipped with a camera bracket or adhesive mouldings, then it must be discarded with a new windshield required.
“The Workshop Manual provides a lot of important details with regard to windshield repairs and replacement,” says Gerry Bonanni, senior damageability engineer for Ford Motor Company. “Like other repair procedures, we provide options for technicians and glass installers to choose the one that best fits the current job in front of them. In some instances, it should be noted that repair methods may be combined to achieve the best results.”
Click the link for more information on RepairLogic.
