FRAME FRAME Emergency Welding Welding Precautions Introduction WARNING! In the event of emergency welding of a frame rail and when welding any other part of your truck or any component attached to your truck, observe the following precautions before welding: WARNING! Frame welding is NOT recom- mended. The high heat of welding nullifies the special heat treatment of the rails, greatly reducing the ten- sile strength of the frame rail. If a frame member becomes cracked from overloading, fatigue, surface damage or a collision, the only permanent repair is to replace the damaged frame member with a new part.
Do not cut, splice or weld frame rails or drill through the top or bot- tom flanges of the rails. These operations could affect frame rail strength leading to a failure resulting in an accident. Rail failures re- sulting from such modifications are not warrantable. Failure to comply may result in death, personal injury, equipment or property damage. Disconnect all electronic devices. It is not possible to list all of the electronics that could be affected, but a few examples include the following: alternator, engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU), transmission ECU, ABS ECU, navigation devices, diagnostic devices, and monitoring devices. 5 In an emergency, a temporary repair may be performed.
Observe the following precautions to protect electronic systems during welding operations. Emergency welding procedures are further explained in the maintenance manuals. Please refer to the ordering information on the back cover to obtain a maintenance manual. Disconnect battery cables and insulate them from the vehicle. Do not use the ECU or engine ground stud for the ground of the welding probe. Ensure that the ground connection for the welder is as close to the 5-112 Y53-6077-1B1 (03/17)