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Volvo adds position statements on windshield adhesives, bumper repair, pre/post scanning

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Announcements | Collision Repair | Repair Operations
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Volvo has issued new and amended position statements on windshield replacement, bumper cover repair, and requirements for pre- and post-repair scans.

Updated guidance on the replacement of windshields reiterates Volvo’s position that only Volvo Genuine parts will guarantee the proper function of a vehicle’s safety systems, and directs that only Volvo PUR adhesive kits should be used.

“These [kits] are selected and tested by VOLVO and are the only ones for which VOLVO Car Company will take responsibility for the result,” the statement reads. “Utilizing only genuine Volvo Car parts will ensure vehicle safety, performance and residual value.”

A Volvo windshield brochure notes that the company tested other aftermarket adhesives that claimed to provide an appropriate bond, but found that none could withstand the power of a deploying passenger airbag. “They failed, blowing the windshield out of the frame,” the brochure notes.

The position statement warns technicians to be careful using the polyurethane adhesive, which can cause allergies in the respiratory tract. The material can also form isocyanates when heated, as in grinding or welding; technicians are cautioned to wear a fresh air or carbon filter mask and gloves.

Calibration of the camera and radar unit (ASDM) is required after windshield replacement, Volvo notes. “Volvo systems are required to ensure correct functionality. Aftermarket services may find it quite difficult to properly re-calibrate stated systems,” the statement reads.

The OEM continues to recommend that windshield replacements be carried out by Volvo certified shops.

Bumper cover repair

Another position statement, on ADAS, cautions repairers that more than one layer of metallic paint on a bumper cover can interfere with a vehicle’s blind spot information system (BLIS) operation.

“Since metallic particles in car paint can deflect and/or distort radar beam energy transmitted through painted bumpers, it is important to minimize the total thickness of metallic paint by removing the old damaged coating before applying any new layers,” the statement warns.

Only one layer of metallic paint can be applied to the area around the radar sensor, which is marked in an illustration, Volvo said.

Paint products used must be approved within the Paint Information for Aftersales (PIA) portal. “For the same quality reasons it is recommended, of course, that the approved products are used for all paint repairs,” the statement reads.

To make certain that bumpers comply with regulatory requirements, and that the electronic systems mounted behind them work correctly, Volvo directs repairers not to repair holes or cracks within certain marked areas of the rear cover, or the entire front cover.

“Internal studies show that a bumper repair can affect properties associated with regulatory requirements for pedestrian protection, and electronic systems connected to the bumper,” the statement reads.

“Make sure to follow local law when assessing whether the component is to be repaired or replaced with new.”

New language on scanning

Volvo has also revised its prior statement on pre/post scanning. The new statement reads, in part:

Pre-repair scanning is required prior to performing ANY and ALL work on the vehicle to reveal any malfunctions or failures of components that must be addressed during the repairs.

Post-repair scanning and diagnosis of the vehicle is required for ANY and ALL work performed on the vehicle to ensure the vehicle’s safety and autonomous systems are functioning correctly. Any safety or autonomous systems that may have activated during a collision may require initialization, calibration or replacement. (Emphasis Volvo’s.)

The words “and ALL” and “ANY and ALL” have been added in the revision, removing any possible doubt about the OEM’s intention.

The full statements can be found at OEM1Stop.

Always refer to Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (VIDA) for the latest technical guidelines.

More information

Volvo position statement on windshield replacement

Volvo position statement on ADAS

Volvo position statement on pre/post scans

Images

Featured image: A Volvo XC90 Inscription T8 Twin Engine in Birch Light Metallic. (Provided by Volvo)

The windshield of the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8. (Provided by Volvo)

Illustrations that accompany a position statement on bumper repair. (Provided by Volvo)

 

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