---
title: "DEG inquiry leads to I-CAR RTS technical guidance"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/d6685167-fd17-4353-ac24-350b96de4914
source: "Repairer Driven News"
original_url: https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2026/09/15/deg-inquiry-leads-to-i-car-rts-technical-guidance/
author: "Teresa Moss"
category: "Automotive"
industry: "Automotive"
published: 2026-09-15T10:45:53.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T11:50:09.580Z
image: https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SKJL7B-7820124-AA.jpg
---

# DEG inquiry leads to I-CAR RTS technical guidance

**TL;DR:** A Data Enhancement Gateway (DEG) inquiry led to the development of technical guidance by the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team, addressing issues with replacing Ford and Lincoln door shells. The guidance includes updates to the MOTOR Information Systems collision database and a technical article published by I-CAR.

*By Teresa Moss, originally published in Repairer Driven News on 2026-09-15. [Read the original](https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2026/09/15/deg-inquiry-leads-to-i-car-rts-technical-guidance/).*

## Story

A recent Data Enhancement Gateway (DEG) inquiry set off a chain reaction, ultimately resulting in the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team’s development of comprehensive, industry-wide technical guidance.

An August DEG inquiry, 41799, flagged missing labor operations, critical non-reusable hardware, and template requirements when replacing Ford and Lincoln door shells. The inquiry sparked a review that ended with MOTOR Information Systems updating its collision database in CCC ONE to reflect necessary procedures, including adding a dedicated labor operation.

The operation “Add if Required, drill for impact sensor” was added under the “Front Door” group headnotes with an estimated work time of 0.5 hours. Required fasteners were also added in the “Restraint Systems” group for modules and sensors, introducing the side impact sensor screw (W718492S439) and nut (W715150S900) to the parts catalog.

Clear footnotes were also added stating, “PARTS: Part cannot be reused/reinstalled.” DEG noted that this ensures proper parts procurement and safety compliance during initial repair planning.

> “With the database corrected, the issue was then escalated to the I-CAR RTS team to address the underlying procedural and safety implications of modifying restraint sensor mounts,” DEG stated.

Via its OEM Linking Pin initiative, I-CAR engaged with Ford and Lincoln engineering to clarify factory requirements. I-CAR followed by publishing the technical article, “OEM Linking Pin: Ford/Lincoln Service Part – Door Modifications.”

> “Our contact at Ford/Lincoln confirmed that modifications may be required for the replacement of the front and rear doors on the 2018-2024 Lincoln Navigator and 2018-2027 Ford Expedition,” I-CAR’s article states.

Modifications require drilling holes or slots to install outer trim or other parts, such as the airbag impact sensor.

> “Instructions for the required modifications to the door shell and the drilling template should be included with the purchase of a new OEM door,” I-CAR wrote. “If instructions are not included, be sure to reach out to the dealer where it was purchased.”

Ford and Lincoln also identified specific consumables, including 3M Venture Tape 15181A, along with new OEM replacement fasteners as mandatory for proper restraint system operation.

The DEG added that repair planners and technicians should never assume a replacement door shell is pre-drilled, advising that the restraint sensor mounting area should be inspected immediately upon unboxing the part.

## Entities

- Automotive (sector)
- collision repair (topic)
- Ford (company)
- Repairer Driven News (publication)
- Teresa Moss (person)
- safety compliance (topic)
- Lincoln (company)
- Data Enhancement Gateway (company)
- I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (company)
- MOTOR Information Systems (company)
- CCC ONE (company)
- technical guidance (topic)

---
Originally reported by Teresa Moss, Repairer Driven News (https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2026/09/15/deg-inquiry-leads-to-i-car-rts-technical-guidance/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/d6685167-fd17-4353-ac24-350b96de4914).