What Are Position Statements?

Position statements are official documents published by automotive manufacturers (OEMs) that outline specific repair procedures, requirements, and restrictions for their vehicles. These statements are crucial for:

• Ensuring proper repair methods
• Maintaining vehicle safety and integrity
• Meeting warranty requirements
• Following manufacturer-specific guidelines

Position statements also advocate for thorough inspections and diagnostic scans of vehicles, which can serve as evidence that a certain ADAS calibration was required. For example, the Honda position statement explicitly calls out that presence or absence of dashboard indicators/warning lights is not an acceptable method to determine if post-collision diagnostic scans are necessary. Vehicles these days are composed of complex networks - there are so many electronic systems that it's impossible to create a dashboard indicator for every DTC.

Primary Sources for Position Statements

1. Direct OEM Technical Websites

Major manufacturers maintain their own technical information websites. Most require paid subscriptions. Some offer short-term access options as well:

• GM: GM Service Information (GMSi)
• Ford: Professional Technician Society (PTS)
• Toyota: Technical Information System (TIS)
• Honda: Service Information System (SIS)
• FCA/Stellantis: Tech Authority
• Subaru: Subaru Technical Information System (STIS)

2. Industry Information Aggregators

I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal is a searchable database that offers a regularly updated collection of repair information. It includes direct links to manufacturer websites and is organized by both manufacturer and topic, making it easy for users to find the relevant ADAS procedures.

OEM1Stop.com serves as a central hub for multiple manufacturers, providing direct links to OEM repair information. It is free to access and is regularly updated to ensure users have the most current repair procedures and resources.

3. Third-Party Repair Information Systems

ALLDATA provides repair information, diagnostics, and OEM procedures for automotive technicians. ALLDATA includes specific repair and calibration procedures for ADAS components, such as sensors, cameras, and radar systems.

Similarly, Mitchell ProDemand provides repair information, diagnostics, and OEM procedures for automotive technicians. Given the increasing presence of ADAS, ProDemand includes detailed information on how to repair and recalibrate ADAS components.

CCC VIN Connect - ADAS provides a vehicle-level view of ADAS, providing underwriters with an easy way to understand available safety features to assess risk more accurately

Search Strategies

Basic Search Method

1. Identify the specific vehicle:
   • Make
   • Model
   • Year
   • Trim level (when applicable)
2. Determine the repair area:
   • Body repairs
   • Mechanical systems
   • Electronics/ADAS
   • Paint/refinishing
   • Structural components
3. Use specific search terms:
   • "Position statement"
   • "Repair procedure"
   • "Technical bulletin"
   • "Repair requirements"

Example:

1. Search for "Honda Accord 2020 front bumper repair procedure" to find detailed steps for replacing or repairing the bumper.
2. Search for "Honda Accord 2020 ADAS recalibration requirements" to determine whether the ADAS components need recalibration after the repair.
3. If needed, you can also search for "Honda position statement on ADAS recalibration" or "Technical bulletin on bumper repair and sensor alignment" for OEM guidelines or instructions.

In this case, the search term in step 3 reveals this set of results:

If you're still having trouble, try to be as specific as possible. Include procedure names, part names, or part numbers.

Here are some keywords to look out for in your search results:

• Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
• Repair procedure updates
• Safety notices
• Equipment requirements
• Material specifications

Best Practices for staying up to date with OEM position statements

Regular Checks

• Subscribe to manufacturer newsletters
• Join professional associations
• Follow OEM social media channels

Organize Your Documentation

• Download and save relevant statements
• Note the publication date
• Track revision numbers
• Document search queries that worked for you (e.g. Honda Accord 2020 ADAS recalibration requirements)

Conclusion

Being able to find OEM position statements is an important skill - having a repertoire of up-to-date position statements will allow you to remain compliant. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can save time and reduce liability for your shop.

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