Collision repair teams are often asked to justify why a repair file includes a pre-scan, a post-scan, ADAS calibration or verification, and module programming or configuration. The challenge is that a safe, complete answer is rarely a single sentence—and it’s never just “because we always do.”
This is where OEM position statements matter. They don’t replace OEM service information, and they don’t prove every step applies to every vehicle. But they can provide an OEM-authored explanation of why diagnostics, calibrations, and programming may be necessary after collision damage and repair—and what type of documentation supports a complete repair record.
Below is a practical, safety-first way for body shops and estimators to use position statements to support repair planning, insurer conversations, and clean deliverables—plus what you should expect from a diagnostic partner supporting your workflow.
What an OEM position statement is (and what it is not)
OEM position statements are manufacturer-authored documents intended to communicate the OEM’s expectations for collision repair practices—often including scanning, calibrations, and documentation. They commonly address risk, system complexity, and the need to follow OEM repair procedures.
What they are not:
- Not a substitute for OEM service information, repair manuals, or model-specific procedures.
- Not proof that a specific operation is required on every vehicle or repair.
- Not an authorization to perform steps outside OEM procedures or outside your equipment/software access.
Used correctly, a position statement is best treated as an OEM-backed rationale for why the shop must verify system status and restore the vehicle to OEM-defined functionality—then document how that verification was performed.
Why position statements matter in collision diagnostics
Modern vehicles can store crash-related data, DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes), freeze-frame snapshots, calibration values, and network communication issues—sometimes with no obvious drivability symptoms. In collision repair, you’re not only restoring appearance; you’re restoring system function that can affect safety features, driver assistance, and even basic module communication.
OEM position statements often highlight the same reality collision teams see daily: vehicle electronics are interconnected. A repair that seems “cosmetic” can still change the conditions under which sensors, modules, and networks operate. That’s why an OEM may call for scanning, calibrations, or programming based on the vehicle and the operations performed.
How to use position statements without overclaiming
The safest way to use a position statement in estimating and documentation is to treat it as part of a three-layer justification:
Layer 1: The OEM’s general expectation (position statement)
This supports the principle that diagnostics and verification are part of a complete repair approach.
Layer 2: The repair-specific trigger (what changed)
Document the operations performed and the components/areas affected (e.g., structural pulls, bumper removal, windshield replacement, suspension work, steering components, camera/radar brackets, module replacement). Avoid generic language; write what actually happened on this repair.
Layer 3: The vehicle-specific requirement (OEM procedure / scan evidence)
This is where model-specific service information and scan/calibration results belong. If an OEM procedure requires a calibration after a given operation, or if scan evidence shows DTCs that require repair steps, that’s your most defensible link between the estimate line and the technical requirement.
Key practice: If you cite a position statement, pair it with repair-specific facts and the documentation output that shows what was checked and what was restored. That’s stronger—and more accurate—than a stand-alone citation.
What to document when position statements are used to support diagnostics
Position statements tend to be most effective in an insurer conversation when your documentation answers three questions: What did you check? What did you find? What did you do about it?
Depending on the vehicle and repair, documentation commonly includes:
- Pre-scan report (date/time, VIN, tool/report identifier, module list, DTC list where available)
- Post-scan report showing current status after repairs
- Calibration/verification records showing which system was calibrated/verified and whether the event completed successfully
- Programming/configuration logs showing module replacement, software updates, or configuration where applicable
- Notes on exceptions (e.g., secure gateway access limitations, missing prerequisites, environmental constraints) and the resolution plan
For a deeper workflow view of scan documentation expectations, see: Pre-Scan and Post-Scan Collision Repair: OEM-Aligned Documentation, DTC Handling, and What Shops Should Expect From a Diagnostic Partner.
How position statements connect to three common operations
Most insurer disputes around collision diagnostics fall into one of these buckets. The goal is not to argue that every vehicle needs every operation—it’s to show that verification is required, and that the repair created conditions where a specific operation may be required by OEM procedure or revealed by scan results.
1) Pre-scan and post-scan
A position statement may support the idea that scanning is used to identify faults that could affect repair planning and to verify system status after repairs. Your strongest support is the actual scan outputs, along with notes about what was addressed, what was cleared, and what required escalation.
What a diagnostic partner provides: scan execution, report capture, DTC triage support, and documentation formatted so it can live in the repair file without guesswork about what was checked.
2) ADAS calibration or verification
Position statements often reference that advanced driver assistance systems are sensitive to changes in components, mounting points, alignment, ride height, glass replacement, and structural repairs. The defensible next step is to link your repair operations to OEM calibration prerequisites and to document the calibration/verification event.
What a diagnostic partner provides: OEM-aligned calibration/verification support, confirmation of prerequisites (to the extent they can be confirmed without performing mechanical work), and records showing whether the calibration completed successfully.
If your team is building a process around calibration documentation and prerequisites, see: OEM‑Aligned ADAS Calibration After Collision Repair: Triggers, Documentation, and How Mobile Support Fits the Workflow.
3) Module programming and configuration
Position statements may support why module programming/configuration can be required after replacement, certain repairs, or when scan findings indicate software/configuration issues. The vehicle-specific requirement still comes from OEM service information and the module’s programming pathway (including any security access requirements).
What a diagnostic partner provides: programming/configuration support using appropriate tools and access pathways, plus documentation of what was programmed/configured and what post-program verification was completed.
Related reading: Mobile Module Programming for Collision Repair: What Body Shops Need to Know (Including Secure Gateway & Immobilizer Support).
What to ask for when you outsource diagnostics (so the position statement becomes actionable)
A position statement can help explain why diagnostics and verification matter. Your diagnostic partner should help you execute the how—and prove it with deliverables that stand up to file review.
Consider asking for:
- Clear deliverables list: pre-scan, post-scan, calibration/verification record, programming logs (as applicable)
- VIN-identified reports you can attach to the RO and supplements
- DTC triage notes that distinguish current vs. history where the tool/OEM data supports it (without guessing)
- Escalation criteria: what triggers a recommendation for OEM procedure lookup, dealer involvement, or additional mechanical inspection
- Documentation discipline: time stamps, tool identifiers where available, and confirmation of successful completion vs. incomplete/blocked events
Common mistakes to avoid (that weaken your justification)
- Quoting a position statement as if it’s a universal rule. OEM guidance must be tied to the vehicle and repair.
- Using “no warning lights” as proof that no diagnostics are needed. Some faults and status conditions may not immediately present as a warning indicator.
- Skipping the post-scan. If the purpose is verification, the post-repair documentation is often the most important part of the record.
- Assuming calibrations are optional when prerequisites or repair operations suggest they may be required by OEM procedure.
- Unclear file notes (e.g., “scanned OK”). Better: attach the report and note what was addressed and what was verified.
Using position statements the right way: a simple estimator-to-technician workflow
- Estimator flags likely diagnostic needs early (based on impacted areas/operations) and notes that OEM guidance will be followed.
- Pre-scan is performed and attached to the RO; findings that affect repair planning are communicated.
- OEM procedures are referenced as needed to confirm calibrations/programming requirements for the specific vehicle and operations.
- Repairs are completed with prerequisites for any required calibrations met (as applicable).
- Post-scan + calibrations/programming are completed and documented.
- Repair file is packaged with position statement (when used), scan reports, calibration records, and concise notes.
How Express Diagnostics supports insurer-ready, OEM-aligned documentation
Express Diagnostics supports collision workflows where the shop needs dependable scanning, ADAS calibration/verification support, and module programming—paired with documentation that can be attached to the repair file. The goal is to help your team verify vehicle system status after collision-related operations and to document what was checked and completed.
If you’re building (or tightening) your process for OEM-aligned justification and documentation, contact Express Diagnostics to:
- Request technical service support for a current repair
- Confirm service coverage and scheduling for your shop
- Align on deliverables your estimators and insurers expect
Important: This article provides general information and workflow guidance. Always follow the specific OEM procedures and requirements for the exact vehicle, system, and repair operations performed.
External OEM guidance libraries (for locating position statements)
Many OEM position statements are collected in industry libraries. Two commonly used starting points include: