Following a collision, ensuring vehicle safety systems operate correctly is paramount. FCA/Stellantis has officially addressed this critical aspect by releasing a position statement emphasizing the necessity of pre- and post-repair system scanning. This statement underscores the crucial role of diagnostic scans in identifying and rectifying potential issues within safety and security-related systems, even after minor collisions or during repair procedures.
The core of the FCA/Stellantis Scan Tool Position Statement is clear: utilizing the Mopar wiTECH vehicle diagnostic tester (scan tool) is not just recommended, but required both before and after collision repairs. This mandate directly targets systems vital for vehicle and occupant safety. These systems include anti-lock brakes (ABS), supplemental restraint systems (SRS) encompassing airbags, occupant restraint controllers (ORC), seat belts, active head restraints, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-facing cameras, radar, and blind spot monitoring. The position statement stresses that these systems must be checked for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) – fault codes that can be active or stored following an impact.
Chrysler Position Statement on Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning for Vehicle Safety
FCA/Stellantis highlights that various scenarios, not just major accidents, can trigger DTCs. Even seemingly minor collisions, those without airbag deployment, can impact sensitive electronic systems. Furthermore, routine repair procedures such as vehicle disassembly, trim removal, or glass removal can inadvertently generate fault codes. Therefore, the pre-repair scan is essential to establish a baseline of the vehicle’s condition and identify any pre-existing issues or damage-related DTCs. The post-repair scan then verifies that all identified issues have been correctly addressed and that no new DTCs have arisen during the repair process.
Beyond basic scanning, the FCA/Stellantis Scan Tool Position Statement also offers crucial guidance regarding multi-stage airbag systems. Ensuring the proper deployment functionality of all inflators in these advanced airbag systems is a key focus, further emphasizing the depth and comprehensiveness of the required diagnostic procedures.
For complete details, the full FCA/Stellantis Scan Tool Position Statement is available for review. Additionally, further OEM information for specific FCA/Stellantis brands can be accessed through the following resources: FCA/Stellantis Position Statements, Alfa Romeo OEM Information, Chrysler OEM Information, Dodge OEM Information, Fiat OEM Information, Jeep OEM Information, RAM OEM Information.
To further enhance your knowledge, I-CAR offers relevant courses including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Collision Repair Overview and I-CAR ADAS Courses. These resources provide valuable insights into modern vehicle repair and the importance of adhering to OEM guidelines for safety and proper vehicle function.
