Body Repair News
Applies To: 2016 HR-V Model Series – ALL
April 2015
2016 HR-V: New Model Body Repair Information
DISCLAIMER: This publication contains a summary of new body and vehicle technology that may affect
collision and other body repairs. Always refer to the appropriate electronic service manual and body repair
manual for complete repair information. A subscription may be purchased at: techinfo.honda.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
New Model Body Technology
Page 2
Body Repair Information
Page 4
Welding Precautions and Information
Page 5
Airbag System Components and Repairs
Page 7
Electrical Repair Information
Page 9
OVERVIEW OF BODY FEATURES
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1. Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
2. Extensive use of high and ultra-high-strength steel, including 27% in grades 780, 980, and 1,500 MPa
3. 4-plate spot welding (13 per side) in roof panel attachment area
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
ABN 01641 (1504)
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New Model Body Technology
BODY CONSTRUCTION AND HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL CONTENT
• Steel parts are color-coded based on their tensile strength in megapascals (MPa).
• High-strength steel (HSS) is defined as any steel with a tensile strength of 340 MPa or higher.
• Ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) is defined as any steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher.
• Steel repair and welding procedures vary depending on the tensile strength of the parts involved.
Upper View
270 MPa
440 MPa
590 MPa
NOTE: 1,500 MPa Steel
Reinforcement Inside
Center Pillar
780 Mpa
980 MPa
1,500 MPa
Lower View
Steel Tensile
Strength Legend
Important Information
These illustrations are for general reference only.
Some body parts are constructed from multiple
layers of different tensile strength steels. Always
refer to the body repair manual’s body construction
section for specific steel tensile strength information.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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1,500 MPa (HOT STAMP) STEEL LOCATIONS
1,500 MPa steel is stronger than ordinary steel, so it can help protect vehicle occupants while reducing overall
vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency.
The numbered parts in the diagram below are constructed of 1,500 MPa steel:
2
1
3
All HR-V Models
1
Front Pillar Upper Stiffener
2
Center Pillar Stiffener
Reinforcement (Inside center pillar)
3
Side Sill Stiffener
TOWING AND LIFTING PRECAUTIONS
• AWD models must be towed using flat bed towing
equipment, to prevent AWD system damage.
• 2WD models may be towed using front wheel lift or
flat bed towing equipment.
• AWD models do not have a manual switch to disable
the system. Whenever service work requires spinning
the front or rear wheels with the engine, always lift and
support the vehicle so all four wheels are off the ground.
For more information, refer to “Emergency Towing” in the
owner’s guide.
• Lift or jack only at the specified points to avoid damaging the vehicle.
• Do not lift or tow this vehicle by its bumpers, or serious damage will result.
For more information, refer to “Lift and Support Points” in the electronic
service manual or body repair manual.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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Body Repair Information
NOTE: The following content is intended only to highlight new/special concerns. No body repairs should be
attempted without first referencing the appropriate body repair manual for complete information.
USE OF HEAT DURING BODY STRAIGHTENING AND REPAIR
When you are doing body straightening and repair procedures,
follow these guidelines:
• Do not apply heat to any body part during straightening.
This may compromise the internal structure and strength
of high-strength steel parts.
• Any part that has heat applied to it during straightening
must be replaced with new parts.
• Ignoring these instructions may significantly reduce
occupant protection in any subsequent collision.
Do not heat during straightening
SECTIONING (CUT AND JOINT) GUIDELINES
Various high-strength steel materials with different sheet
thicknesses and strengths are applied in many places that
vary by body design in order to increase collision safety
performance, body stiffness, and weight reduction.
Stiffening members inside each part (patch, stiffener, etc.)
are also specified in detail.
Follow these guidelines to avoid an unsafe repair:
• Sectioning (cut and joint) should usually be avoided
except for mild steel outer panels and floor panels unless
a specific procedure is provided in the body repair manual.
• However, depending on the type of vehicle damage,
steel parts with a tensile strength ≤ 780 MPa may be
sectioned provided all of the following conditions are met:
– Sectioning must be done in a single-layer area of the part.
– Multi-layer internal steel reinforcements and stiffeners
must not be cut.
– The repair is not in a load-bearing area such as engine,
transmission, or suspension mounting points.
• Replace body structural components such as
stiffeners, reinforcements, and other multi-layered
steel parts as assemblies that match the replacement
parts configuration.
• Approved welding methods are listed in the table.
• Refer to the body repair manual section “Parts
Sectioning (Cut and Joint) Guidelines,” for complete
information.
Sectioning Area Examples
Welding Method
Steel Part
Tensile Strength
(MPa)
Spot
Weld
Plug
Butt
<590
590
780
980
X
1500
X
X
MAG Welding
Welding Methods for Steel Parts
( = Approved X = Not Approved)
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Welding Precautions and Information
REPAIRING 1,500 MPa STEEL PARTS
Observe these precautions when repairing 1,500 MPa steel parts:
• Never attempt to straighten damaged 1,500 MPa
steel parts because they may crack.
• 1,500 MPa steel parts must be replaced at factory
seams using squeeze-type resistance spot welding
(STRSW). Do not section these parts!
• MIG brazed joints should be used only in locations
not accessible by a spot welder.
• To assure adequate weld tensile strength, always
set the spot welder to the specifications provided in
the body repair manual.
Important Information
Parts made of Ultra-High-Strength Steel
(UHSS/1,500MPa/USIBOR) must be installed as a
complete part. No sectioning allowed. Ultra HighStrength Steel requires special welding equipment,
procedures, and settings. See the welding section of
the appropriate body repair manual. Failure to use the
proper equipment or follow the proper procedures can
result in an unsafe repair.
• Never perform MAG welding on 1,500 MPa steel.
The heat generated during MAG welding will
590 MPa
1,500 MPa
significantly reduce the strength and structural
integrity of 1,500 MPa steel parts.
• This photo shows tensile strength test results of
MAG welded 1,500 MPa steel. The 1,500 MPa
steel fractured first, because the welding heat
reduced its strength to far below 590 MPa.
• For more information, refer to “Repair Guidelines for
High-Strength Steel Parts,” in the body repair manual. Tensile Test Results of MAG-Welded 1,500 MPa Steel
MIG BRAZING GUIDELINES FOR 1,500 MPa STEEL PARTS
Refer to the body repair manual for complete information:
• MIG-brazed joint locations are specified in the
body repair manual.
• A single- or double-hole MIG braze may be
specified in the body repair manual depending on
the tensile strength of the parts being joined.
• The size and number of holes are critical to
Pulsed MIG (OK)
achieving adequate joint strength.
• A pulsed MIG welder must be used. Refer to the
equipment manufacturer’s instructions for welder
voltage and current setup.
• The photos on the right show the difference in
results between pulsed and non-pulsed MIG brazing.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
w/o Pulsed MIG (NG)
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MAG WELDING SPECIFICATIONS FOR 590–980 MPa HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL PARTS
NOTE: In this publication and the body repair manuals,
gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is referred to by its
Important Information
subtypes depending on the welding/brazing
requirements as follows:
Parts made of High-Strength Steel (590-980 MPa)
• MIG welding/brazing = Metal inert gas welding or
must often be installed as a complete part. Section
brazing where 100% argon (Ar) shielding gas is
only according to published repair information and
used. Argon is inert and does not react with the
guidelines. This high-strength steel requires special
molten weld pool or brazing operation.
welding equipment, procedures, and settings. See the
• MAG welding = Metal active gas welding where
welding section of the appropriate body repair
the shielding gas being used contains a mixture of
manual. Failure to use the proper equipment or follow
80% argon (Ar) and 20% carbon dioxide (CO2).
the proper procedures can result in an unsafe repair.
It is considered active because the CO2 undergoes
a limited reaction with the molten weld pool.
The body repair manual specifies the weld types and
locations for each body pane as follows:
• The welding wire used must have a tensile strength equal
to or greater than the lowest tensile strength of the parts
being welded. This conversion chart on the right shows the
relationship of steel tensile strength (MPa) to the minimum
welding wire tensile strength (ksi).
• Typical ER70S-6 MIG wire has a minimum tensile strength
of 70 ksi (483 MPa). It can be used when welding up to
440 MPa steel parts. Refer to the diagrams shown below:
Steel Tensile (MPa)
Wire Tensile (ksi)
590
≥86
780
≥113
980
≥142
(1,000 psi = 1 ksi)
MAG Butt Welds
MAG Plug Welds
980 Mpa Steel
590 Mpa Steel
590 Mpa Steel
590 Mpa Steel
Wire tensile strength must be:≥590 Mpa (≥86 ksi)
Wire tensile strength must be:≥590 Mpa (≥86 ksi)
MAG PLUG WELDING GUIDELINES
• MAG plug welding may be done when joining body
components to 590–980 MPa steel parts.
• Follow the recommendations described in the body
repair manual sections “Repair Guidelines for
High-Strength Steel Parts”, and “MAG Welding
Conditions for High-Strength Steel (Except
1,500 MPa) Parts.”
MAG BUTT WELDING GUIDELINES
• MAG butt welding may be done only on steel parts
with a tensile strength of 780 MPa and lower.
• Welding speed is critical to achieve the correct weld
strength and minimize the heat affected zone (HAZ).
• Follow the recommendations described in the body
repair manual sections “Repair Guidelines for
High-Strength Steel Parts,” and “MAG Welding
Conditions for High-Strength Steel (Except 1,500 MPa) Parts.”
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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Airbag System Components and Repairs
AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The airbag system in this vehicle includes
the following components that may deploy in a
collision:
1. Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt tensioners
(may deploy independently from any airbags).
2. Driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags.
3. Side airbags mounted in the outer driver and
front passenger seat-backs.
4. Side curtain airbags mounted above the left
and right side windows under the headliner.
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SMARTVENT™ SIDE AIRBAGS
This vehicle is equipped with SmartVent side airbag construction:
• This airbag design helps mitigate the risk of excessive airbag
deployment force and risk of injury to smaller seat occupants.
• Eliminates the need for the occupant position detection
system (OPDS) sensor located in the front passenger’s
seat-back.
As with all side airbags, the following service precautions apply:
• Special seat covers and/or breakaway thread are used.
to ensure proper deployment path.
• Damaged front seat covers should be replaced, not repaired.
• Do not install non-factory seat covers, because they
may alter the airbag's intended deployment path.
SmartVent Side Airbag
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AIRBAG SYSTEM INDICATORS
There are two indicators used for the airbag system.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator
When you turn the ignition to ON, this indicator should come on and then turn off
after about 6 seconds.
• If the SRS indicator does not go off or does not come on at all,
there is a problem with the system.
• DTCs must be read and cleared using the HDS (or equivalent)
scan tool. Contact a Honda dealer for assistance if necessary.
• If a vehicle is sent to the dealer for airbag system repair or
troubleshooting, include a copy of the repair estimate with part
numbers and the source for any replaced airbag system parts.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF Indicator
The indicator comes on to alert you that the passenger’s front airbag has been turned off.
• This occurs when the front passenger’s weight sensors detect
about 65 lb. (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant or small child
on the seat.
• If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and no objects
on the seat, or with an adult occupying the seat, something may
be interfering with the seat weight sensors, or there may be a
problem with the system. Contact a Honda dealer for assistance
if necessary.
AIRBAG SYSTEM REPAIRS REQUIRED AFTER DEPLOYMENT
To restore proper function and allow DTCs to be cleared, the airbag system must be repaired as specified in
the electronic service manual. Refer to “Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment,” for complete
information.
• Do not install used, refurbished, or modified airbag system parts!
• When making airbag system repairs, only use new genuine replacement parts, which are manufactured to
the same standards and quality as the original parts.
• To ensure the correct replacement airbag system parts are installed, provide the vehicle’s VIN when
ordering parts. Compare the part numbers on the new and removed parts to make sure they match.
AIRBAG SYSTEM ELECTRICAL REPAIRS
Except when doing electrical inspections that require battery power, always turn the ignition to OFF,
disconnect the negative battery cable, then wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
• For easier identification, electrical connectors that contain only
airbag system wiring are yellow in color.
• Many harnesses that contain primarily airbag wiring are also
wrapped in yellow tape.
• Airbag system wiring that runs in a common harness, such as a
floor harness, is generally not marked.
• Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair airbag system wiring.
If any part of the airbag system wiring is damaged, replace the
affected wiring harness(es).
NOTE: Refer to the electronic service manual for complete restraint
systems operation, diagnostic, and repair information.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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Electrical Repair Information
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with an indirect TPMS. It uses the VSA wheel speed sensors to monitor and compare
tire characteristics while driving to determine if one or more tires are significantly underinflated.
The Low Tire Pressure/TPMS indicator blinks and/or comes on under these conditions:
• The air pressure is too low in one or more tires.
• The system requires calibration or is calibrating.
• The compact spare is mounted.
• There is a TPMS problem.
TPMS calibration must be started every time you do the following:
• Adjust the pressure in one or more tires
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
• Rotate the tires
• Replace one or more tires
• Replace or update the VSA-modulator control unit
Refer to “TPMS Calibration ” in the electronic service manual or owner’s guide for complete information.
Contact a Honda dealer for assistance if necessary.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
All models are equipped with an electric parking brake.
• Electric actuators on each rear brake caliper apply and release
the brake pads.
• A manual procedure is provided if a malfunction prevents
parking brake release.
• Refer to “Electric Parking Brake Forced Cancellation,” in the
electronic service manual.
Electric Parking Brake Caliper
SYSTEMS THAT MAY REQUIRE DEALER ASSISTANCE WITH AIMING
Some models may be equipped with one or more of the following systems that require aiming after collision
repairs. Special tools are required to complete the aiming procedures. Contact a Honda dealer for assistance.
LaneWatch™:
LaneWatch uses a camera and the center display to help drivers recognize objects in the blind spot of the
passenger side door mirror.
The LaneWatch camera must be aimed after one or more of the following procedures are done:
• LaneWatch camera removal or replacement
• Door mirror removal or replacement
• Door panel removal or replacement
• Door panel body repair
LaneWatch does not set DTCs. Troubleshooting and camera aiming
are done using the navigation system or center display self-diagnostics.
LaneWatch does not use an indicator to inform the driver of a malfunction.
LaneWatch Camera Location
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ELECTRICAL PIGTAIL AND CONNECTOR REPAIR
• Disconnect the vehicle’s battery before doing any
welding or electrical repairs. Refer to “12 Volt Battery
Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection,” in the
electronic service manual or body repair manual for
more information.
• Certain front and rear electrical connectors subject to
collision damage may be repaired using pigtails and
connectors listed in the ELECTRICIAL CONNECTORS
illustrations in the parts catalog (example shown here).
• Pigtails attach to the vehicle wiring using special
crimp-and-seal terminal joints. After crimping, the joints
are heated using a heat gun to seal out the environment.
• Repair pigtails come in a limited range of colors that
usually do not match the vehicle’s wiring. Pay close
attention during repairs to ensure correct locations.
• Vehicle wiring schematics service information can
be found in the electrical wiring diagrams (EWDs).
• If wiring is damaged and a repair pigtail or connector
is not available, replace the affected harness.
• Never attempt to modify, splice, or repair airbag system wiring.
ELECTRICAL GROUND WIRE PROTECTION
• Painting over electrical ground locations may cause
electrical systems, such as vehicle stability assist
(VSA), to malfunction and set DTCs that may be
difficult to diagnose.
• Protect the ground wire and the ground wire mounting
hole threads with a bolt or silicone plug when priming
or painting.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
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