Honda releases position statement on bumper cover repairs for AcuraWatch 360
By onAnnouncements | Collision Repair | Technology
Honda has released a position statement for bumper cover repairs on models equipped with the AcuraWatch 360 system, which will feature technology advancements.
At this time, the position statement specifically applies to the Acura 2025 MDX Type S with the advanced package, according to John Peixoto, with American Honda Motor Co. Inc.
“Being that this is new technology to Honda, we want to do everything we can to get the information out to the necessary parties,” Peixoto said.
Technology advancements on the vehicle include updated front long-range millimeter wave radar behind the Acura emblem, updated front camera at the top of the windshield, new steering wheel touch sensors, and new millimeter wave radars at all four corners.
The hardware will enable features such as Active Lane Change Assist, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Front Cross Traffic Warning.
“A study was done with the paint manufacturers, as well as body shops, to understand maximum thickness for base coat application for these bumper covers,” Peixoto said.
Peixoto said the analysis showed 40 um (microns) as the maximum base coat thickness for refinishing application to the font and rear bumper. This is a result of Honda adding the corner radars.
“This is specific to just the base coat prior to sealing the bumper cover to finish up the refinishing process,” Peixoto said.
Honda’s position statement says the base coat must not exceed 40 um in order to prevent performance issues of the radar.
“In the interest of safety, it is critical nothing disrupts proper performance of any radar mounted behind the bumper covers,” the statement says.
The statement also gives examples of when the bumper will need to be replaced. When there is a crack, dent, or gouge within the radar wave emission range (RWER), the bumper must be fully replaced. Sanding the RWER can be done for paint scratches.
Outside of the RWER, cracks, dents, gouges, and scratches can be repaired, the statement says. However, if the refinishing material crosses into RWER, the entire RWER should be refinished. The statement says not to blend in the RWER.
Repairers are also given diagrams showing the general location of RWERs on the vehicle in the statement.
Peixoto said the diagrams can be used by shops to make early estimates. He said they can also be used to educate customers about radar locations and the likelihood that a bumper will need to be replaced.
The statement refers to the use of a printable templates for non-repairable zones on the bumper covers which are available in the Service Manual.
Another diagram gives a more detailed look at where the radar sits on the vehicle. It also provides pictures of the radars in each location.
Peixoto said the statement is available industry-wide.
“We want to make sure that the shops have an understanding of how to properly assess bumper covers when they have a vehicle come in,” Peixoto said.
A procedure that explains how to perform the necessary steps to not exceed 40 um base coat thickness will also be published in the future, Peixoto said.
It is likely that this level of technology will be found in future models, Peixoto said.
“To the industry, this is only the beginning,” Peixoto said.
The Collision Industry Conference Parts and Materials Committee talked about the importance of following OEM procedures and repair planning when refinishing bumpers that have sensors or radars during a meeting in January.
Benito Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA collision programs manager, said during the meeting that OEM procedures keep products from interrupting the line of sight of radars and sensors.
He said the procedure can vary from OEM to OEM. It can also vary per model and paint color.
Andrew Batenhorst, Pacific BMW collision center manager, elaborated on how his shop has developed a repair planning process to account for color identification and information gathering to help avoid timely or costly missteps.
The refinishing standards from BMW are a part of the comprehensive repair plans made at the beginning of any project, he said. Repair planners also take time to go through specific color verification tasks.
Without a plan, errors can happen that force a job to be redone or force the purchase of an unnecessary part. Ultimately, a mistake can delay a job, he said.
“We are not perfect by any means,” Batenhorst said. “We’ve made mistakes like this in the past that have been very painful. We’ve learned quickly.”
Planning also helps identify each task repairers must do in the process. This makes the job goals more clear for employees, he said.
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Feature photo courtesy of Honda. Inside photo is of diagram inside Honda Position Statement.