Recent Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Estimate Tips explore updates, inquiries, and questions that resulted in clarification of multiple procedures including the refinishing of brackets, calibration recommendations, the use of tape when seam sealing, the masking of gaps when refinishing panels, and not-included items in operations.

Earlier this month an inquiry was submitted in the DEG regarding missing information on bracket refinish procedures for a 2018 Honda Pilot SUV fender. 

Additional labor time may need to be manually added in Mitchell to apply corrosion protection or refinish to brackets and braces to replicate the original appearance, according to a DEG Estimate Tip. 

Mitchell responded that after a review of available information, it was unable to verify the component is consistently refinished. 

“Should refinish be required, MCE provides functionality to manually add refinish operations,” the response says.

The response refers repairers to the section titled “Comprehensive Labor Time” under the labor general information section of the procedure pages. 

“While completeness is strived for in each guide, there will be instances, however, in which a labor time has not been established for an operation at the time of publication,” the section says. “If an item requires replacement and can be replaced as an individual item but shows no time, a time should be agreed upon among all parties and recorded on the damage report.” 

A recent DEG Estimate Tip says repairers who use Mitchell can activate recommendations for suggested calibrations in their Estimate Profile under calculations by clicking into “Diagnostics and Calibration.” 

“This is not a substitute for researching OEM procedures to confirm if diagnostic scanning and or calibrations are necessary,” the tip says. 

The tip also notes that Mitchell does not publish labor or labor procedures for scanning and calibrations in CEG. 

An inquiry made through DEG in October asked if tape was included by MOTOR when applying a seam sealer. The repairer was completing the replacement of a welded-on body panel on the back of a 2024 Lexus NX 350 Crossover. 

MOTOR responded that tape is included in the operation when the OEM service information specifically states to use tape when seam sealing. If the OEM service information does not specifically state to use tape then it is not considered included 

MOTOR also recently updated its Guide to Estimating (GTE) “Estimated Work Time Does Not Include” list, according to a recent DEG Estimate Tip. 

Items not included in labor procedures are capping, covering, electrical connectors, and fluid lines at all times to prevent contamination. It also lists materials/consumable product costs as not included. 

The CCC One software states if an estimated work time is not available for the items, an on-the-spot evaluation is recommended to determine an appropriate estimated time. 

A recent Audatex DEG Estimate Tip notes that the time needed to mask the gap opening between adjacent panels is included in Audatex’s refinishing time when refinishing an exterior sheet metal panel. This could include, for example, back taping or the use of foam tape, the tip says. 

The tip also says that the time to mask the interior surface and/or jambs is not included. The tip directs readers to “Sections 4-5, Refinish Operations” for included and not included operation lists for protecting interior surfaces and jambs.

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Feature and embedded photos courtesy of DEG.