Bumper, Fascia, and Plastic Component Repair
What this domain tests
This domain tests bumper, fascia, and plastic component repair. The exam checks plastic identification, repair versus replacement, plastic welding, adhesives, refinish additives, sensor handling, and fit to adjacent parts.
Core rules
- Identify the plastic: TPO/PP/EPDM, ABS, PC, and blends behave differently; repair only thermoplastics the OEM allows.
- Replace rather than repair energy absorbers, bumper beams, or mounting points with structural damage; repair cosmetic cracks and gouges.
- Plastic welding, hot staples, and compatible adhesives can restore a fascia; follow the repair sequence and reinforcement.
- Use flex additive in refinish products as specified; test adhesion and texture match.
- Remove or protect sensors, radar, and ultrasonic units; check behind the fascia for hidden damage. Check gaps to lamps and hood, and verify sensor connectors.
Worked example
A TPO fascia is cracked at a parking sensor. The technician identifies TPO, plastic-welds the crack, reinforces it, refinishes with flex additive, and reinstalls the sensor. Reasoning: TPO needs a compatible repair; a rigid repair may crack again, and the sensor must sit correctly for calibration.
Traps
Repairing a crushed bumper beam; using the wrong plastic repair method; skipping flex additive; painting over a sensor; not checking the absorber; ignoring calibration; not checking fit to lamps.