2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING RTM AND SMC COMPONENTS.
PERSONAL INJURE CAN RESULT.
USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING DEVICE
WHEN MIXING EPOXY, GRINDING RTM AND SMC,
AND SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CON-
FINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
EPOXY RESIN, PETROLEUM, OR ALCOHOL BASED
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components and
electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
undamaged painted surfaces around repair areas.
Damage to finish can result.
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for an SMC
or RTM repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the
panel with epoxy structural adhesive (rigid repair
adhesive) (Fig. 2). To bond two plastic panels
together, a reinforcement must overlap both panels.
The panels must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The
area to be reinforced should be washed, then sanded.
Be sure to wipe off any excess soap and water when
finished. Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an
abrasive pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with
compressed air or wipe with a clean dry rag.When bonding SMC or RTM panels, use a two-part
epoxy adhesive. Properly mix parts A and B, and
apply it to the panels being repaired. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had
time to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the
final adhesive filler to the area being repaired.
Smooth the filler with a spatula, wooden tongue
depressor, or squeegee. For fine texturing, a small
amount of water can be applied to the filler surface
while smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as
necessary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done
withy soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry
cloth allowing time for the panel to dry before mov-
ing on with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels such
as Sheet Molded compound (SMC) or Resin Transfer
Molded (RTM) with large cracks and holes will
require a reinforcement backing. Reinforcements can
be made with several applications of glass cloth sat-
urated with epoxy structural adhesive, semirigid or
flexible repair materials should be used for semirigid
or flexible part repairs (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4). Open
meshed fiberglass dry wall tape can be used to form
a reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin
to penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the epoxy adhesive. Structurally, the
more dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 5). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
²Panel repair for both flexible and rigid panels
are basically the same. The primary difference
between flexible panel repair and rigid panel repair
is in the adhesive materials used (Fig. 6).
²The technician should first decide what needs to
be done when working on any type of body panel.
One should determine if it is possible to return the
Fig. 2 Panel Sectioning
1 ± EXISTING PANEL
2 ± NEW PANEL
3 ± PANEL ADHESIVE
4 ± BONDING STRIP
23 - 20 BODYPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

damage part to its original strength and appearance
without exceeding the value of the replacement part.
²When plastic repairs are required, it is recom-
mended that the part be left on the vehicle when
every possible. That will save time, and the panel
will remain stationary during the repair. Misalign-
ment can cause stress in the repair areas and can
result in future failure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) and Resin Trans-
fer Molded (RTM), because they are composites, reactdifferently to impact that sheet metal does. Compos-
ite materials can mask the severity of an accident.
Adhesive bond lines, interior structure of the doors,
and steel structure need to be inspected carefully to
get a true damage assessment. Close inspection may
require partial removal of interior trim or inner pan-
els.
Identify the type of repair:
Puncture or Crack ± Damage that has penetrated
completely through the panel. Damage is confined to
one general area; a panel section is not required.
However, a backer panel, open fiberglass tape, or
matted material must be bonded from behind (Fig.
7).
PANEL SURFACE PREPARATION
If a body panel has been punctured, cracked, or
crushed, the damaged area must be removed from
the panel to achieve a successful repair. All spider
web cracks leading away from a damaged area must
be stopped or removed. To stop a running crack in a
SMC or RTM panel, drilla6mm(0.250 in.) hole at
the end of the crack farthest away from the damage.
If spider web cracks can not be stopped, the panel
would require replacement. The surfaces around the
damaged area should be stripped of paint and freed
Fig. 3 Softened Edges
1 ± SOFTENED EDGES
2 ± PANEL ADHESIVE
3 ± BONDING STRIP
Fig. 4 Panel Reinforcement
1 ± PANEL ADHESIVE
2 ± REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 5 Beveling AngleÐ20 Degrees
Fig. 6 Fiberglass Tape
Fig. 7 Damage Component
1 ± PUNCTURE
PLBODY 23 - 21
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

from was and oil. Scuff surfaces around repair area
with 360 grit wet/dry sand paper, or equivalent, to
assure adhesion of epoxy repair materials.
PATCHING PANELS
An RTM or SMC panel that has extensive punc-
ture type damage can be repaired by cutting out the
damaged material (Fig. 8). Use a suitable reciprocat-
ing saw or cut off wheel to remove the section of the
SMC or RTM panel that is damaged. The piece cut
out can be used as a template to shape the new
patch. It is not necessary to have access to the back
of the panel to install a patch. Bevel edges of cutout
at 20 degrees to expose a larger bonding area on the
outer side. This will allow for an increased reinforce-
ment areas.
PANEL PATCH FABRICATIONS
A patch can be fabricated from any rigid fiberglass
panel that has comparable contour with the repair
area. discard SMC or RTM panels. Lift gates and
fenders can be used to supply patch material. If
existing material is not available or compatible, a
patch can be constructed with epoxy and reinforce-
ment mesh (dry wall tape). Perform the following
operation if required:
(1) Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive
backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the
patch required (Fig. 9).
(2) Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to
a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair
area.
(3) Apply a liberal coat of epoxy adhesive over the
reinforcement mesh (Fig. 9). If necessary apply a sec-
ond or third coat of epoxy and mesh after firs coathas cured. The thickness of the patch should be the
same as the repair area.
(4) After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or
plastic from the back of the patch.
(5) If desired, a thin film coat of poesy can be
applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for
added strength.
PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION
(1) Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size
and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.
(2) Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so
patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.
(3) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to
size.
(4) Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm
(2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain
the patch in the cutout.
(5) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 8).
(6) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 8).
(7) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center
of one side.
(8) Scuff the backside of the body panel around the
cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.
(9) Mix enough epoxy to cover one side of all sup-
port squares.
(10) Apply epoxy to the support squares on the
half with the hole pre-drilled in it.
(11) Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure
support squares to back side of body panel with
epoxy sandwiched between the panel and squares
(Fig. 10).
Fig. 8 Damaged Panel Cutout and Patch
1 ± CUTOUT
2 ± DAMAGED BODY PANEL
3 ± 4MM (0.160 IN.) HOLES
4 ± PATCH CUT TO SIZE
Fig. 9 Fabricated Panel
1 ± STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE OR EPOXY RESIN
2 ± FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 ± WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 ± WAXED PAPER
23 - 22 BODYPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(12) Position patch in cutout against support
squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along
all sides (Fig. 11).
(13) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch.
(14) Apply a coat of epoxy to the exposed ends of
the support squares (Fig. 12).
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 13). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow epoxy to cure, and remove all screws.
(17) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 14). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 15).
(19) Mix enough epoxy to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply epoxy over the mesh around patch, and
smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce finish
grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and epoxy
to create a stronger repair (Fig. 16).
PATCHED PANEL SURFACING
After patch panel is installed, the patch area can
be finished using the same methods as finishing
other types of body panels. If mesh material is
exposed in the patched area, grind surface down, and
apply a coat of high quality rigid plastic body filler.
Prime, block sand, and paint as required.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch, open and support hood on
prop rod.
(2) Remove screws attaching grille to parking
lamps (Fig. 17).
(3) Remove screw attaching grille to radiator clo-
sure panel.
(4) Remove grille from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place grille into position on vehicle.
Fig. 10 Secure Support Squares To Body Panel
1 ± SUPPORT SQUARES
2 ± SCREWS
3 ± DAMAGED BODY PANEL
Fig. 11 Position Patch In Cutout And Align
1 ± CUTOUT
2 ± SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 12 Apply Epoxy To Support Squares
1 ± APPLICATOR
2 ± SUPPORT SQUARES
3 ± EPOXY
PLBODY 23 - 23
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(2) Install screw attaching grille to radiator clo-
sure panel.
(3) Install screws attaching grille to parking
lamps.
HOOD LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Support hood on prop rod.
(3) Remove grille.
(4) Remove screws attaching hood latch to radiator
closure panel (Fig. 18).
(5) Remove hood latch from closure panel.
(6) Disengage remote release cable from latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Engage remote release cable into latch.
(2) Place hood latch onto radiator closure panel.
(3) Install bolts attaching latch to closure panel.
(4) Install grille.
(5) Close hood and verify alignment of hood and
that latch is securely engaged.
HOOD LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching striker to inside of
hood.
Fig. 13 Install Screws
1 ± PATCH
2 ± GAP
Fig. 14 Grind Surface
1 ± PATCH
2 ± GAP
3 ± DISC GRINDER
Fig. 15 Cover Gaps With Mesh
1 ± GROUND DOWN AREA
2 ± PATCH
3 ± MESH
Fig. 16 Cover Mesh With Epoxy
1 ± EPOXY
2 ± MESH
3 ± PATCH
4 ± SPREADER
23 - 24 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Remove hood latch striker from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hood latch striker on vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching hood latch striker to
hood. Tighten bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Align hood latch striker to engage smoothly
into hood latch.(4) Verify hood operation and alignment. Adjust as
necessary.
(5) Tighten attaching bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.)
torque.
HOOD RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect remote hood release cable from
hood latch.
(2) Remove left front cowl trim panel.
(3) Remove screws attaching hood release handle
to cowl panel (Fig. 19).
(4) Disconnect rubber grommet from dash panel
behind instrument panel.
(5) Pull release cable through hole in dash panel.
(6) Remove cable and handle from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble cable and handle onto vehicle.
(2) Push release cable through hole in dash panel.
(3) Connect rubber grommet into dash panel.
(4) Install screws attaching hood release handle to
cowl panel.
(5) Install left front cowl trim panel.
(6) Connect remote hood release cable to hood
latch.
(7) Close hood and verify operation.
Fig. 18 Hood Latch
1 ± HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE
2 ± HOOD PROP ROD3 ± HOOD SECURITY ALARM
4 ± HOOD LATCH
Fig. 17 Grille
1 ± GRILLE
PLBODY 23 - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

HOOD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood to full up position.
(2) Disengage under hood lamp wire connector
from engine compartment wire harness.
(3) Remove hood cover (Fig. 20).
(4) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood, align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers.
(5) Remove the top bolts attaching hood to hinge
and loosen the bottom bolts until they can be
removed by hand.
(6) With assistance from a helper at the opposite
side of the vehicle to support the hood, remove bot-
tom bolts attaching hood to hinge.
(7) Remove the hood from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood in position on vehicle. With assis-
tance from a helper at the opposite side of the vehicle
to support the hood, install bottom bolts to hold hood
to hinge finger tight.
(2) Install top bolts attaching hood to hinge finger
tight.
(3) Position bolts at marks and tighten bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders.(4) Install hood cover.
(5) Engage under hood lamp wire connector to
engine compartment wire harness.
(6) Verify hood operation and alignment.
HOOD SILENCER
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect hood lamp wire connector and
remove hood lamp (Fig. 21).
(3) Remove fasteners attaching hood silencer to
hood.
(4) Remove hood silencer from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood silencer in position on vehicle.
(2) Install fastener attaching hood silencer to hood.
(3) Install hood lamp and connect wire connector.
(4) Close hood.
HOOD HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Support hood on the side that requires hinge
replacement.
(2) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood hinge, align all marks and secure bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(3) Remove bolts holding hood to hinge.
(4) Remove bolts holding hood hinge to load beam
flange and separate hinge from vehicle. If necessary,
paint new hinge before installation.
INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint new hinge before installa-
tion.
(2) Place hinge in position on vehicle.
(3) Install bolts to hold hood hinge to front fender
flange.
(4) Install bolts to hold hood to hinge.
(5) Align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(6) Remove support from under hood and verify
hood operation.
Fig. 19 Hood Release Cable
1 ± HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
2 ± COWL SIDE TRIM PANEL
23 - 26 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

COWL COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove windshield wiper arms, refer to Group
8K, Windshield Wiper and Washer Systems for
proper procedures.
(3) Remove the five screws holding cowl cover to
cowl at base of windshield opening (Fig. 23).(4) Remove hood to cowl seal, at the leading edge
of cowl cover. Pull the seal towards the front of the
vehicle.
(5) Separate the cowl cover from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place cowl panel in place on vehicle.
Fig. 20 Hood
1 ± FENDER TO HOOD HINGE SEAL
2 ± HOOD TO RADIATOR WEATHERSTRIP
3 ± FENDER TO HOOD SEAL4 ± COWL SIDE TO COWL TOP
5 ± COWL PLENUM TO HOOD WEATHERSTRIP
Fig. 21
1 ± HOOD
2 ± HOOD SILENCERFig. 22 Hood Hinge
1 ± HOOD HINGE
2 ± HOOD
3 ± HOOD HINGE
PLBODY 23 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)