The Mazda Body Shop Manual recommended welding procedure for panel replacements is to use CO2 arc welding (plug welding) in place of original spot welds. Most panel shops now have advanced Inverter Spot Welding equipment that is capable of mimicking or replicating a factory spot weld.

This Spot Welding repair method is allowed providing the Spot Welder meets the following
standards:

• Must be capable of welding multiple panels up to 6mm cross section.
• Must produce welds equivalent to OEM level standard.
• Must be able to identify and advise when a spot weld has been successfully or unsuccessfully performed.

Note: New panels fitted must have the same number or more Spot Welds applied as what the original panel fitted had. At weld points that cannot be reached by a Spot Welder tool, a CO2 Arc Weld/Plug Weld must be applied.

Please request that body repairers contact Mazda Australia for further information regarding these requirements should there be any questions:

• Customer Line: 1800 034 411
• Customer email: custserv@mazda.com.au
• Online: Refer to www.mazdamanuals.com.au for repairer (paid) access to correct Body Repair Manuals.

Please share this advice with any Smash or Panel Repairer who repairs Mazda vehicles.

Source: Mazda Parts General Bulletin

16 Jul 2019