General Information
ASSEMBLY ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations are typical. All illustrations may show more or fewer parts than you actually receive when you order the used part or assembly. Check included items with your supplier.
Database Inquiries/Toll-Free Number
Your comments and suggestions are appreciated and invaluable to us. Call us toll-free at 800‑854‑7030 or 858‑368‑7000. You can also fax us toll-free at 888‑256‑7969 or 858‑549‑0629. Inquiries via email may also be sent to collisionproductsupport@mitchell.com. You will receive a prompt response to each inquiry.
Symbols
SYMBOLS: The following symbols are used throughout this Guide and are explained in detail in each section.
# – LABOR FOOTNOTE: Special labor situations or requirements are denoted with a footnote symbol. The explanation follows as closely as possible to the time referenced.
m – A designation that appears in a separate text column to the left of the labor time column to identify components for which R&I or R&R is commonly considered to be a mechanical operation when performed in a collision repair environment.
s – A designation that appears in a separate text column to the left of the labor time column to identify unibody structural components—those which support the weight of the vehicle and absorb the energy of the impact as well as road shock.
Definitions
DISCONNECT & CONNECT: Disconnect a part or assembly by unbolting and/or unplug, and set it aside without physically removing it from the vehicle to gain access or removal of an adjacent part. The disconnected part or assembly is then reconnected during the assembly process.
REMOVE AND INSTALL (R&I): Remove a part or assembly, set it aside and reinstall it later. The time shown includes the alignment that can be done by shifting the part or assembly.
REMOVE AND REPLACE (R&R): Remove a damaged part or assembly identified as included within the Procedure Explanation and replace it with an undamaged salvaged part or assembly. Replacement includes the alignment that can be done by shifting the part or assembly and sealing the welded or bolted-on seams where necessary.
Special Cautions
STRUCTURAL GLASS: Windshields, back windows, quarter and side glass that was originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer utilizing urethane, should be reinstalled with urethane. The urethane bonds the glass to the vehicle and makes the glass part of the vehicle structure. Ensure that the vehicle manufacturer and/or I-CAR recommended installation is followed, and that the urethane is properly cured before returning the vehicle to service.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS: Vehicle manufacturer's recommended service and repair procedures must be followed when servicing an Air Bag System. Certain safety precautions and disabling procedures must be observed when performing repairs.
See Mitchell's Air Bag Service & Repair Manual for system description and operation checks, precautions, disabling and activating procedures, component removal and installation procedures, and diagnosis and testing information.
Caution: Never install used/salvaged Air Bag system components from another vehicle or a new part different from that specified by the manufacturer. Refer to manufacturer’s recommended service procedures.
MAIN COMPUTER MODULE: When working with vehicles equipped with on-board computers, manufacturers recommend removal if the temperature is likely to exceed 80×C or 176×F. Do not apply heat from a torch or weld in the immediate vicinity of computers without protecting them. Remove if necessary.
Never connect or disconnect these units with the ignition switched on, or when charging the battery with negative battery cable connected. Before servicing, ground yourself and ground the work area to discharge stored static electricity.
SEAT BELTS: Many vehicle manufacturers advise replacement of seat belts when stressed by occupants in a collision. Refer to vehicle manufacturer or service manual for clarification.
SAFETY NOTE: Assemblies or parts should be thoroughly checked for safety, as well as for excessive wear before installation. Appearance of such items in this Guide does not imply any endorsement or recommendation for their use. Mitchell International assumes no responsibility for the condition of, or use of salvaged parts.
Procedure Explanations
LABOR TIMES: THE LABOR TIMES SHOWN IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE IN HOURS AND TENTHS OF AN HOUR (6 MINUTES) AND ARE FOR REPLACEMENT WITH UNDAMAGED USED PARTS.
Labor times listed in this Guide are to be used to estimate time needed to replace parts or assemblies with undamaged used parts or assemblies of like kind and quality. These suggested times may vary depending on vehicle condition, labor technician’s experience, shop equipment, etc.
LABOR CATEGORIES: The labor times shown in the Guide fall into various categories (for example: body, frame, mechanical) as determined by the repair facility's operating procedures. As a guide, components for which R&I or R&R is commonly considered to be a mechanical operation when performed in a collision repair environment are designated with the letter "m" in the text. These designations are only a guide. They are not necessarily all inclusive, nor do they suggest the application of a labor rate.
WELDED PANELS: Replacement labor times for panels that are joined by welding include the necessary use of inserts and accepted sectioning guidelines developed by OEMs, I-CAR, and TECH-COR. The labor times for welded panels include grinding, filling and final sanding with up to 150 grit sandpaper to match the original panel contour. Labor times do Not-Include the Feather, Prime and Block refinish operation. See Procedure Explanation page P37, for information on Feather, Prime and Block.
SHOP MATERIAL: The labor times shown in this publication do not take into account the cost of any materials or the cost of hazardous materials recycling or disposal.
DISABLE AND ENABLE AIR BAG SYSTEM: The labor times shown in the guide represent the procedures necessary to disable and enable the air bag system in order to replace air bag system components and/or to perform repairs not related to the air bag system; e.g., welding. This procedure includes visually monitoring the air bag warning light to verify proper system functionality. The allowance does not include troubleshooting of the system if proper system functionality is not present.
DIAGNOSE AIR BAG SYSTEM: The labor times shown in the guide to diagnose air bag systems include system disable and enable, removal and installation of air bag module(s) (where required), installation of appropriate simulators, and retrieving and clearing of trouble codes. Time for specific troubleshooting of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) is not included.
PROCEDURE REFERENCE: Throughout each vehicle "service'' there are Procedure Explanation reference notes located immediately following the main section headings. Example: FRONT INNER STRUCTURE is followed by, "Use Procedure Explanations 2 and 32 with the following text.'' This indicates that the text portion and the Procedure Explanations for FRONT INNER STRUCTURE and Refinish should be used in conjunction with one another when writing a damage report. LABOR RELATED NOTES IN THE TEXT PORTION OVERRIDE THE PROCEDURE EXPLANATION PAGES.
PROCEDURES: The Procedure Explanations on the following pages outline the operations which are or are not included in the labor time listed in each vehicle "service.'' You are encouraged to become familiar with these procedure pages to be sure you have a thorough understanding of the Mitchell approach to collision estimating.
The left Included Operations column means that the labor time shown in the Mitchell Replacement Assemblies Estimating Guide text includes that particular operation or operations.
The right Not Included Operations column means that the labor time in the text does not include that particular operation or operations. Performance of one or more of these operations may or may not be necessary as determined by the individual job requirements. If an add-on time has been established for any of these operations, it will be shown in the text. If a time has not been established or if the add-on time is dependent on conditions that vary due to collision damage (example: access time, free up parts), the additional time should be recorded on the damage report. Labor times relating to the repair of a damaged panel would come under this category.
Additions to Labor Times
Due to the wide range of collision damage and vehicle conditions, labor times for the following operations are not included in the Guide
Access Time
Remove extensively damaged parts by cutting, pushing, pulling, etc.
Anti-Corrosion Rust Resistant Material
Remove and/or apply weld-thru primers, wax, petroleum based coatings, undercoating or any type of added conditioning.
Broken Glass Clean Up
Clean vehicle of all broken glass.
Detail
Clean vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Drain & Refill
Fuel (see fuel tank)
Electronic Components
| • | Time to remove and install as necessary; includes wiring and/or wiring harness and computer module. |
| • | Time to reset memory code function (example: seat position, radio presets) when battery has been disconnected to perform repairs. |
| • | Time to complete computer relearn procedures for proper operation of vehicle systems (example: power sunroof, power window) when battery has been disconnected to perform repairs. |
| • | Time to aim/calibrate/diagnose/re-set/scan or test. |
Fabrication
Fabrication of reinforcements or inserts (new component not cut or manufactured from existing or new part, but from raw stock).
Free Up Parts
Time necessary to free up parts frozen by rust or corrosion.
Measure and Identify
Structural damage by comparing vehicle under-body, under-hood, and upper-body reference points to accepted, OEM-based dimension specification to identify damage to unibody vehicles.
Plug and Finish Holes
Time to plug and finish unneeded holes on parts being installed.
Pre/Post Repair Scans
OEM recommendations may include pre/post-repair scan(s) on vehicles involved in a collision to assist in discovery of any specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s). Refer to OEM specific position statement(s) and/or repair procedures for additional information.
Additions to Labor Times (Continued)
STRIPES, DECALS, LABELS, WARNINGS, OR OVERLAYS: Time to remove or install these items.
TAR AND GREASE: Removal of these or any other materials that would interfere with operation.
TRANSFER TIME: To remove a damaged part from salvage assembly, remove undamaged part from damaged assembly and reinstall that part on the salvage assembly (R&R&R). Example: lights, trim, mirror.
WIRING AND WIRING HARNESS: Time to remove and install or replace, unless otherwise noted.