2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

BODY COMPONENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
GRILLE................................13
HOOD.................................13
FRONT DOOR...........................14
SPLASH SHIELD.........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS..........................18
WIND NOISE............................19
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEAT STAKING..........................19
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR..............19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GRILLE................................23
HOOD LATCH...........................24
HOOD LATCH STRIKER....................24
HOOD RELEASE CABLE...................25
HOOD.................................26
HOOD SILENCER........................26
HOOD HINGE...........................26
COWL COVER...........................27
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD......28
FENDER...............................28
EXTERIOR BADGEING ATTACHED WITH
DOUBLE SIDED FOAM TAPE..............28
EXTERIOR BADGEING/TAPE STRIPES
ATTACHED WITH ADHESIVES.............28
FRONT/REAR DOOR WINDOW CRANK........29
FRONT DOOR TRIM......................30
FRONT DOOR WATER DAM................30
DOOR OUTER BELT WEATHERSTRIP.........30
FRONT/REAR DOOR INNER BELT
WEATHERSTRIP........................32
FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN WEATHERSTRIP . . . 32
FRONT DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE............33
DOOR LOCK CYLINDER...................33
FRONT DOOR LATCH.....................33
FRONT DOOR LATCH STRIKER.............34
FRONT VERTICAL GUIDE BAR..............34
FRONT DOOR GLASS.....................36
FRONT DOOR CHECK STRAP..............36
FRONT DOOR...........................36
FRONT DOOR HINGE.....................38
FRONT/REAR DOOR APPLIQUE.............38
SIDE VIEW MIRROR......................39
SIDE VIEW MIRROR TRIM BEZEL............39
DOOR UPPER SECONDARY WEATHERSTRIP . . 39
SILL SECONDARY WEATHERSTRIP..........40
REAR DOOR TRIM.......................40REAR DOOR WATER DAM.................40
REAR DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE.............40
REAR DOOR LATCH......................41
REAR DOOR LATCH STRIKER..............43
REAR DOOR GLASS......................43
REAR DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR.........43
REAR DOOR GLASS RUN WEATHERSTRIP....43
REAR DOOR CHECK STRAP................45
REAR DOOR............................45
REAR DOOR HINGE......................45
FUEL FILL DOOR.........................46
DECKLID LATCH.........................47
DECKLID...............................47
DECKLID LIFT SPRINGS...................47
DECKLID LOCK CYLINDER.................48
DECKLID LATCH STRIKER.................48
DECKLID OPENING WEATHERSTRIP.........49
TRUNK CARPET.........................49
DECKLID COVER.........................50
ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP................50
ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER
CHANNEL.............................50
B-PILLAR WEATHERSTRIP CHANNEL.........51
A-PILLAR TRIM..........................51
DOOR SILL TRIM.........................51
SIDE COWL TRIM........................52
B-PILLAR TRIM..........................52
UPPER QUARTER TRIM...................53
LOWER QUARTER TRIM...................53
FLOOR CONSOLE........................54
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE................54
FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR............54
FRONT SHOULDER BELT ADJUSTER.........54
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE.................55
REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR.............55
CARPET...............................56
SUN VISOR.............................56
HEADLINER.............................57
INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR...............57
REAR SHELF TRIM PANEL.................57
BODY VENT.............................58
ADJUSTMENTS
FRONT DOOR LATCH ADJUSTMENT.........58
REAR DOOR LATCH ADJUSTMENT..........58
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICATION......................59
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY.................................59
23 - 12 BODYPL

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
GRILLE
HOOD
1 ± GRILLE
HOOD HARDWARE
1 ± HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE
2 ± HOOD PROP ROD3 ± HOOD SECURITY ALARM
4 ± HOOD LATCH
HOOD SILENCER
1 ± HOOD
2 ± HOOD SILENCER
PLBODY 23 - 13

FRONT DOOR
HOOD HINGE
1 ± HOOD HINGE
2 ± HOOD
3 ± HOOD HINGE
FRONT DOOR HINGE
1 ± BODY ASSEMBLY
2 ± UPPER HINGE3 ± FRONT DOOR
4 ± LOWER HINGE
HOOD ADJUST BUMPER
1 ± HOOD STATIONARY BUMPER
2 ± HOOD ADJUST BUMPER
23 - 14 BODYPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

FRONT DOOR LATCH AND OUTER HANDLE
1 ± LOCK TO LATCH LINK & SLEEVE
2 ± FRONT DOOR
3 ± CENTRAL LOCKING SWITCH
4 ± OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE5 ± LOCK CYLINDER RETAINING CLIP
6 ± LOCK CYLINDER
7 ± FRONT DOOR LATCH
8 ± INSIDE DOOR HANDLE LINK & SLEEVE
FRONT DOOR LATCH
1 ± OUTSIDE HANDLE TO LATCH
2 ± KEY CYLINDER TO LATCH
3 ± POWER DOOR LOCK CONNECTOR
4 ± POWER5 ± FRONT DOOR LATCH
6 ± MANUAL
7 ± INSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO LATCH
8 ± INSIDE LOCK TO LATCH
PLBODY 23 - 15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

SPLASH SHIELD
FRONT DOOR POWER WINDOW REGULATOR
1 ± FRONT DOOR GLASS
2 ± FRONT DOOR
3 ± POWER WINDOW REGULATOR4 ± POWER WINDOW CONNECTORS
5 ± WINDOW TO REGULATOR FASTENER
FRONT DOOR MANUAL WINDOW REGULATOR
1 ± FRONT DOOR
2 ± FRONT WINDOW MANUAL REGULATOR3 ± WINDOW TO REGULATOR FASTENERS
4 ± FRONT DOOR GLASS
23 - 16 BODYPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

FRONT FENDER SPLASH SHIELD
1 ± PUSH IN PLUG
2 ± FRONT FASCIA
3 ± PULLEY SPLASH SHIELD4 ± FRONT FASCIA
5 ± FRONT FENDER SPLASH SHIELD
6 ± PULLEY SPLASH SHIELD
REAR WHEEL HOUSING SPLASH SHIELD
1 ± REAR FASCIA
2 ± REAR WHEEL HOUSING SPLASH SHIELD
PLBODY 23 - 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water-test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-cle. For hoisting recommendations refer to Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, General Information
section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the lowest point of the water track or
drop. After leak point has been found, repair the leak
and water test to verify that the leak has stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
23 - 18 BODYPL

WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
Wind noise can also be caused by improperly fitted
exterior moldings or body ornamentation. Loose
moldings can flutter, creating a buzzing or chattering
noise. An open cavity or protruding edge can create a
whistling or howling noise. Inspect the exterior of the
vehicle to verify that these conditions do not exist.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE
(1) Drive the vehicle to verify the general location
of the wind noise.
(2) Apply 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape in 150 mm
(6 in.) lengths along weatherstrips, weld seams or
moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehi-
cle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied,
remove tape, locate, and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
²Moldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
²Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
²Misaligned movable components.
²Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
²Weld burn through holes.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEAT STAKING
(1) Remove trim panel.
(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at
the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked loca-
tions and/or component seams for looseness.(3) Heat stake the components.
(a) If the heat staked or component seam loca-
tion is loose, hold the two components tightly
together and using a soldering gun with a flat tip,
melt the material securing the components
together. Do not over heat the affected area, dam-
age to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
(b) If the heat staked material is broken or miss-
ing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to
the area to be repaired. The panels that are being
heat staked must be held together while the apply-
ing the glue. Once the new material is in place, it
may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt
the newly applied material. Do not over heat the
affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim
panel may occur.
(4) Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the
repair.
(5) Install trim panel.
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR
DESCRIPTION OPERATION
Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) body panels are rein-
forced with a continuous fiberglass mesh. Epoxy
resin is injected into a gel-coated and fiberglass-lined
mold to form a body panel. Sheet molded compound
(SMC) body panels are constructed with fiberglass
strands usually 1 inch or shorter, epoxy resin formed
into sheet stock and pressed in mold flowing material
to form a sheet molded compound (SMC) body panel.
RTM and SMC body panels can be repaired with
epoxy adhesive after market products. Refer to
instructions provided by the manufacturer of prod-
ucts being used to repair RTM or SMC. Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a trained
automotive body technician perform body panel
repair procedures (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Panel Repair
PLBODY 23 - 19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)