Repair Execution: the full procedure
Perform only the authorized work following OEM service procedures and torque specs, and document the work on the repair order.
- Applies to: Technician.
- Frequency: Every authorized repair.
- Scope: Process SOP only — technical repair procedures, torque/safety specs, and mechanical safety defer to OEM service information, ASE-qualified technicians, and the shop safety plan.
What you need
- OEM service information (ALLDATA/Mitchell1)
- Calibrated torque wrench
- Required special tools
- PPE / safety equipment
- Repair order
The procedure, step by step
- Confirm authorization first — Verify the work is authorized on the RO before touching the vehicle; never do unauthorized work.
- Pull the OEM procedure — Look up the manufacturer’s service procedure, special tools, and safety precautions for this exact vehicle.
- Set up safely — Follow the shop safety plan — PPE, lifting points, battery/high-voltage and fluid precautions per OEM guidance.
- Follow torque & spec — Use a calibrated torque wrench and the OEM torque values and tightening sequences — don’t guess fasteners.
- Stop & re-authorize added work — If you find work beyond the estimate, stop and route it to the advisor for new authorization before continuing.
- Document work on the RO — Record what was done, parts installed, and any measurements or relearns performed.
- Perform required relearns/resets — Complete any OEM-specified calibrations, adaptations, or service-light resets the repair calls for.
- Clean up the work area — Account for all tools and remove rags/parts from the engine bay and vehicle before handing off to QC.
Quality check before you finish
- Work confirmed authorized before starting.
- OEM procedure followed for this exact vehicle.
- Fasteners torqued to OEM spec with a calibrated wrench.
- Added work re-authorized before proceeding.
- Work and parts documented on the RO.
- Required relearns/resets completed.
- All tools accounted for; no rags or parts left behind.
This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a Auto Repair Shop business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.
Sources
- ALLDATA Repair — Unedited OEM Procedures & Torque (alldata.com)
- Mitchell1 ProDemand — OEM Torque Specifications (mitchell1.com)
- ASE — Certified Technician Standard (ase.com)
About Free Repair Execution SOP for Auto Repair Shops
Free printable repair execution SOP: do only authorized work, follow OEM procedures and torque specs, document on the RO, and complete required resets.
How to use
- Read the full procedure top to bottom before the work — the SOP runs in order and each step builds on the last.
- Toggle Ink-saver (black & white) for a cheaper mono print for the binder; leave it off for the full-color version.
- Click Print SOP to print or save as PDF. Print one per crew, laminate it for the binder, or attach it to the job in your scheduling system.
- Train new hires on it and have staff sign off. Found something out of date? Use the feedback link — flagged SOPs are re-researched against the source list.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tech do extra work they spot while under the hood?
No. Stop and route it to the advisor for documented authorization first. Unauthorized work — even if helpful — can’t be billed and creates legal and trust problems.
Why insist on OEM torque specs and a calibrated wrench?
Fastener torque is a safety-critical spec set by the manufacturer. Guessing risks failed joints, comebacks, and liability. This SOP defers all technical specs to OEM service information.
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