The latest edition of Ford On Target magazine reiterates the importance of consulting OEM repair procedures on every repair and reminds technicians of the sectioning options they have on the Ford Ranger.

On Target calls the Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) an “invaluable resource for repairers” that can be updated without notice.

“Researching the repair ahead of time [and] utilizing the WSM will make for a much more efficient repair,” said Gerry Bonanni, Ford senior damageability engineer, in On Target. “The WSM will also provide any updates/changes to the repair as it is continuously updated. Aftermarket or off-brand manuals may not take this additional step.”

When sectioning, it’s important to stay away from hinge, striker, and safety restraints, according to Bonanni.

“We allow the technician to decide the best place to cut on exterior components, based on their respective skill level and the specific type of damage on the vehicle,” said Bonanni. “As long as you stay 50 millimeters away from striker or hinge points—which is an industry-standard— you can choose where to section, with the cutlines provided in the WSM acting as helpful suggestions.”

He also noted that flexibility is allowed while sectioning.

Ford On Target states repairers would also:

• • De-trim the vehicle as necessary from the area that will be repaired after dimensionally restoring the vehicle to pre-accident condition;
  • Section cut points to create the smallest repair area possible;
  • Create a lap-joint backer plate where possible from either an undamaged portion of the old panel or an unused portion of the replacement panel;
  • Rough-finish all sectioning joints with a fiber-based body filler and a conventional body filler to final-finish the sectioning joints and plug welds;
  • Properly seal all joints to prevent moisture intrusion using an applicable sealer; and
  • Refinish the vehicle using a Ford-approved paint system, restore corrosion protection, and reinstall trim.

Supplement Restraint System (SRS) depowering procedure

The newest edition of On Target also provides some details on the 2024 Bronco SRS.

On Target notes that it’s meant to only serve as a guideline rather than all-inclusive so repairers should always read the Ford WSM.

It also states an important reminder: “Incorrect repair techniques or actions can cause an accidental SRS deployment. Never compromise or depart from these instructions. Failure to precisely follow all instructions could result in serious personal injury from an accidental deployment.”

To depower:

1. 1. Review health and safety warnings.
   2. Determine if an SRS fault is present: Turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, and then turn the ignition on. Monitor the air bag warning indicator. The indicator illuminates continuously for six seconds and then turns off. Continue to monitor the indicator for 30 seconds to give the restraints control module (RCM) time to complete SRS testing.
   3. If the indicator fails to light, remains lit continuously, or flashes an SRS fault is present. The flashing may not occur until 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned back on.
   4. If this occurs, diagnose and repair any SRS faults before proceeding with other repairs.
   5. If the indicator is inoperative and an SRS fault exists, a chime sounds in a pattern of five sets of five beeps or a message will display in the message center.
   6. If this occurs, diagnose and repair the indicator and any SRS faults before proceeding with other repairs.
   7. If the ignition has been turned on longer than 30 seconds and the indicator remains unlit with no chime or SRS message displayed in the message center, no SRS fault is present.
   8. Turn the ignition off and wait one minute to deplete the backup power supply. Ignition must remain off until repair is complete. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.

To view the rest of this year’s Volume 2 of On Target and other volumes, visit fordcrashparts.com/on-target.

Images

Featured image: 2024 Ford Ranger (Provided by Ford)

2024 Ford Bronco Raptor Code Orange also pictured. (Provided by Ford)