SECTIONING LOCATIONS AND PROCEDURES
WARNING: Sectioning of components may only be performed in the described areas if damage to
component does not extend past sectioning location. Should damage extend past sectioning
location entire component replacement is the only acceptable repair
WARNING: FCA US LLC engineering’s position on the use of heat during collision repair is as follows:
• Any body panel or frame component damaged which is to be repaired and reused, must be
repaired using the “cold straightening” method. No heat may be used during the straightening
process.
• During rough straightening prior to panel replacement, damaged panels or frame components may
be heated to assist in body/frame realignment. The application of heat must be constrained to the
parts which will be replaced and not allowed to affect any other components.
This “no heat” recommendation is due to the extensive use of advanced high strength steels in FCA US
LLC products. High-strength materials can be substantially and negatively affected from heat input which
will not be obviously known to the repairer or consumer.
Ignoring these recommendations may lead to serious compromises in the ability to protect occupants in a
future collision event, reduce the engineered qualities and attributes, or decrease the durability and
reliability of the vehicle.
This statement supersedes any previously released information by the FCA US LLC.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
CAUTION:
• All restraint systems should be disabled before beginning repairs.
• Electronic modules located within 305 mm (12 in.) of any welding should be isolated.
• Protect vehicle from weld spatter damage.
• Vehicle service manual should be referenced for guidelines and warnings.
Service assemblies for body components may be disassembled if utilization of the subcomponents is more
appropriate to the repair or to reduce vehicle disruption. The structural and non-structural metal on the
Chrysler Pacifica Minivan (RU) may be sectioned in several areas providing the prescribed methods below
are adhered to.
The joint should whenever possible be performed in as “flat” an area as possible to simplify the repair. While the
joint may include “holes” and formations, it is suggested they be avoided but where this is not possible, the
technician must ensure that the additional material thickness does not impede installation of fasteners, etc. that the
hole exists for.
All dimensions are to be restored to factory specifications prior to full or partial component replacement.
CAUTION: NVH foam should be removed from the weld area, as material may be flammable.
CAUTION: Do not apply any corrosion protection or NVH foam prior to completion of welding, as materials
are flammable.
The described sectioning locations only explain joint location and type. All other welds along the sectioned
portion of the component must be replaced. Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) is the
method to be used. If accessibility prevents application of spot welds, MIG plug welds are to be used.
Welding of structural panels through 3 or more tiers of panel stack ups will require 9.5 mm. plug welds.
Exterior panels should be installed using 8 mm. plug welds. For further information
(Refer to Collision Infor-
mation - Specifications)Weld Process.
When welding is completed apply inner panel rust proofing, such as Mopar Cavity Wax Kit (part #68042969AA),
Mopar Wax Refill (part #68042970AA), or equivalent. Apply to the inner cavity areas in two applications with a
30-minute flash period between the applications. Pay particular attention to areas which have been welded.
Corrosion protection should always be restored to manufacturer specifications. For further information on Corrosion
Protection, (Refer to Collision Information - Standard Procedure).
Finish, sealers, adhesives and silencers should be reapplied or replaced to OEM locations and specifications, (Refer
to Collision Information - Locations).
RU 31 - Collision Information 31 - 39
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