Ford strongly recommends pre-scanning as well as post scanning to enable the most efficient repair, ideally conducted by a Ford expert who will minimize components required for the repair and the chance of mis-diagnosis, and eliminate any future warranty/safety concerns around components or calibrations not being correct.
Running a complete scan of the system early in the estimating stage will highlight any system that was activated during the collision or any codes that would need clearing before completing the estimate to ascertain if new control modules or sensors need replacing. Pre scans ensure efficiencies in repair by knowing which parts need to be ordered and repaired.
Not only will the pre-scan tell you what is wrong, it will also tell you what is not wrong, so you don’t use valuable time looking into things that are not necessary. You will order the right parts first time prior to beginning work. There’s nothing worse than completing the job, running a post scan, just to find that you then need to replace the seatbelt pretensioner.
Calibrations
Ford recommends you have a good relationship with your local Ford dealer for assistance with ADAS diagnostics, pre and post scanning and calibrations because damage analysis is vital. ADAS systems should be given the highest levels of attention to ensure they are repaired correctly and operate back to OEM specification.
The Ford Repair Methods cover most repairs that a Transit is likely to sustain and is simple to understand with its colour coding and symbols. However, because fitting methods, materials and equipment continue to change it’s important that the technician reads and understands the method before commencing any repair.
Although some of the Transit custom and cargo Repair Methods are very detailed when it comes to replacing advanced steel structural reinforcements such as the A, B and C Pillars, Ford has also developed some convenient partial replacement options.
Some of these partial options include the front and rear rails along with most other outer panels or support panels made from a steel grade that allows sectional welding. The example shown is for the wheel arch outer panel that is a common damage area, this simple method reduces the need for multiple panel removal and replacement.
Modifications or conversions
It is important to review the BEMM (Body Equipment Mounting Manual) if modifications or conversions are to be made such as motorhomes, ambulance bodies, tipper bodies, racking systems etc. The BEMM gives warnings and instructions of what needs to be considered for bodies to be attached to chassis frame, including load paths, critical attachment holes, access, corrosion prevention etc.
Finally, a note to all those spray painters out there – Transit vehicles have a massive choice of over 100 factory sprayed paint options to help customers stand out.
Repair Information
The Ford Repair Methods cover most repairs that a Transit is likely to sustain and is simple to understand with its colour coding and symbols. However, because fitting methods, materials and equipment continue to change it’s important that the technician reads and understands the method before commencing any repair. Basic free information is available on Ford.com.au website. Information available includes basic body repair overview and SRS systems. It covers warnings/requirements for conversions or modifications. Full formal procedures are available by subscription from www.motorcraftservice.com. Subscriptions are available for three days, one month, or one year. I-car training module available Q4 2020.