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 highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. 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 - 2 BODYBR/BE
BODY (Continued)
INSPECTION - BATTERY
When battery is easily accessible, check the test
indicator (green dot), terminal tightness and felt
(grease) washer on battery posts. Recharge battery as
required to assure that the green dot is visible.
When battery is not easily accessible check battery
condition with a voltmeter at the jump start loca-
tions, or check the voltmeter on the instrument panel
(Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12). The reading should be at least
12.4 volts. Recharge battery as required.
NOTE: Refer to service information for proper bat-
tery charging rates and times.
INSPECTION - WIRING
The assembly plant has shipped all vehicles with
the interior lights and most electronic memories non-
functional by way of an Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse
removed. The purpose is to reduce the possibility of
battery run-down during shipping and storage.
Vehicles stored after prep should have the IOD
fuse that activates the accessories pulled to prevent
battery drain.
NOTE: Ensure that the IOD fuse is removed to pre-
vent battery drain and possible damage. Vehicles
stored for extended periods after prep should be
washed frequently, to prevent environmental dam-age, and reinspected for storage-related problems
before delivery.
(1) Install the IOD fuse as equipped. (ON vehicles
being delivered, remember to reset radio, clock, com-
pass, etc., as required.)
(2) Check routing and connections of all underhood
wiring-reroute and connect as required.
(3) Make sure the starter, generator and air condi-
tioning clutch wiring are correctly installed, routed,
and in the clips where provided.
(4) For predelivery storage, always pull the IOD
fuse that activates accessories.
Fig. 10 TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND
RADIATOR HOSE
1 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES
2 - RADIATOR LOWER HOSE
Fig. 11 BATTERY VOLTAGE GAUGE DIESEL ENGINE
Fig. 12 BATTERY VOLTAGE GAUGE GAS ENGINE
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 7
UNDER HOOD (Continued)
BODY INTERIOR
INSPECTION - COMPASS
NOTE: Set variance after calibration.
(1) Calibrate and set compass variance (Fig. 26), if
so equipped (use appropriate procedures in service
information).
(2) Remove protective film from overhead console,
if equipped.
INSPECTION - FIT AND FINISH
(1) Remove any interior covers.
(2) Inspect the instrument panel, glove box door
(Fig. 27) and interior moldings for even gaps and
alignments.
(3) Check that the door panel material is clean,
free from wrinkles and installed correctly.
(4) Check that the seat material is clean, secure
and free of wrinkles.
(5) Check that the carpet is clean, secure and free
of wrinkles.
(6) Check that the headliner is clean, free of lint
and dirt smudges.
INSPECTION - LIGHTS AND SWITCHES
(1) Remove protective film from all switch bezels.
(2) Operate and visually inspect all interior lights
and switches, including:
²Dome/map lamps
²Vanity mirror lamps
²Glove box light²Ashtray light
²Cigar lighter light
²All gauge lights
²Radio display
²Door-mounted lights, if equipped
²Illuminated entry system, if equipped
(3) Visually inspect and operate all exterior lights
and their switches, including:
NOTE: Headlamp aim is preset during vehicle
assembly.
²Headlights, including high beam, optical horn
(ªflash to passº) and daylight running lamps (DRL's)
(Fig. 28)
²Tail/stop lamps (including center high-mounted
stop lamp)
²Parking lights Turn signals Brake lights (includ-
ing center high mounted stop lamp)
²Emergency flashers (Fig. 29)
²Fog/driving lights, if equipped
²Off-road or other lights, if equipped
²Cargo bed lights, if equipped
(4) Check ignition switch for proper operation in
all positions (accessory, lock, on, start and off).
INSPECTION - SEAT BELTS, SHOULDER
BELTS, RETRACTORS AND HEAD RESTRAINTS
(1) Inspect all seat belts and harnesses to ensure
that they connect and hold properly.
(2) Inspect the condition of the belts and anchors.
(3) Inspect for proper seat belt retraction.
Fig. 26 COMPASS OPERATION
Fig. 27 GLOVE BOX DOOR
30 - 12 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATIONBR/BE
ROAD TEST
DESCRIPTION - ROAD TEST INSPECTION
The following items must be inspected during the
road test portion of the new vehicle inspection.
²Check neutral safety switch operation
²Check operation of shift/clutch interlock system
²Check operation of gauges and warning lights
²Check horn operation
²Check operation of turn signals and emergency
flashers
²Check all mirror adjustments, including day/
night function
²Check windshield wipers for proper wipe pattern
and intermittent mode (if equipped)
²Check washer spray pattern
²Check heater, defroster and air conditioning for
proper operation
²Check that the fan operates quietly
²Check the rear window defroster (if equipped)
²Leave air selection lever in the fresh air position
²Check the rear heater and air conditioning for
proper operation
²Check the rear air register locations
²Check that the indicator lamps operate properly
²Check the operation of the radio, cassette and/or
compact disc player, and that sound quality is good
²Ensure that the clock displays the correct time
²Check that the trip computer/maintenance
reminder operates in all modes
²Check all speed control functions
²Check the service brakes to ensure that they
stop the vehicle in a straight line, without noise,
shudder or vibration
²Check the brake warning light
²Check the parking brake operation
²Check the engine's performance
²Check the transmission's performance for
smooth, quiet operation. If the vehicle is a 4x4, check
that the transfer case shifts easily among all ranges
²Check Autostick function (if equipped)
²Check the vehicle's steering and handling
²The steering wheel should be centered when
traveling in a straight line
²The vehicle should not pull or vibrate
²Check for squeaks, rattles and wind noise
²Check any other vehicle aspects you believe are
important, but that may not be included on the New
Vehicle Preparation Form
²Fill fuel tank with specified grade of fuel
INSPECTION - FUEL
Fill fuel tank with specified grade of gasoline (reg-
ular, midgrade or premium).
INSPECTION - OTHER
As part of DaimlerChrysler's Customer One philos-
ophy, the ªOtherº blank is provided on the New Vehi-
cle Preparation Form. This is designed to encourage
you to check any aspects of vehicle operation that
you believe are important to your customers, but that
do not appear elsewhere on the form.
INSPECTION - SQUEAKS, RATTLES AND WIND
NOISE
(1) Make sure that the instrument panel, glove
box, seats, steering wheel and column are free from
squeaks and rattles. Tighten any obvious loose fas-
teners.
(2) Check that the windows and doors are free
from squeaks, rattles and wind noise.
(3) Check that the vehicle exterior is free from
squeaks, rattles and noise, front and rear.
(4) Make sure that all interior panels are free from
squeaks and rattles.
INSPECTION - STEERING AND HANDLING
(1) Check that the power assist works properly (if
equipped). Steering should not require excessive
effort.
(2) Make sure the steering wheel does not vibrate
at idle or road speed.
(3) Ensure that the steering wheel is centered
when traveling straight ahead.
(4) Check that the vehicle does not drift to one
side.
(5) Make sure that the vehicle does not vibrate/
shake.
INSPECTION - TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER
CASE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(1) Make sure that the park lock holds the vehicle
With the vehicle on a grade, put automatic trans-
mission in PARK and slowly release the service
brake to see if park lock holds. If it does not hold, the
transmission requires further service.
(2) Make sure shift lever operates easily/ smoothly
(Fig. 36).
Check for smooth shifting. Check for proper
upshifting and downshifting.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(1) Check that the shifter operates easily (Fig. 38).
(2) Make sure that the clutch operates smoothly
(Fig. 37).
(3) Look for proper synchronization.
The gears should not grind.
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 15
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The horn chirps when
the vehicle is locked with the RKE transmitter.
HEADLAMP FLASH
NOTE: This feature can be enabled with or without
the horn chirp feature.
The headlamp flash function is a feature that can
be enabled or disabled on vehicles equipped with
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The headlamps flash
once when the vehicle is locked with the RKE trans-
mitter, and flash twice when the vehicle is unlocked
with the RKE transmitter.
LOW FUEL CHIME
All vehicles equipped with the audible low fuel
chime are shipped with this feature enabled.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) DOOR UNLOCK
SEQUENCE
Two door unlock sequences are provided on vehi-
cles equipped with this feature. When using the RKE
transmitter to unlock the doors, pressing the unlock
button once when the feature is enabled unlocks only
the driver's door. Pushing the RKE transmitter
unlock button a second time unlocks the remaining
doors. When the RKE door unlock feature is disabled,
all doors unlock with one press of the RKE transmit-
ter unlock button.
HEADLIGHTS ON AUTOMATICALLY WITH WIPERS
This feature appears on vehicles that have, as an
option, automatic headlights. When the windshield
wipers are turned on, the headlights automatically
turn on.
12V POWER OUTLET
This feature currently appears on Caravan/Voyag-
er/Town and Country vehicles. The vehicles are
shipped with the 12V power outlets turned off with
the ignition key. The relay can be changed to make
the outlets powered at all times. This feature may be
of interest to customers with cell phones.
TURN SIGNAL CHIME
This feature is an audible turn signal warning
chime. The chime sounds if the turn signal is on, the
vehicle has traveled one mile and vehicle speed has
exceeded 40 Km/h (25 mph).
REMOTE UNLOCK
The remote unlock function is a feature that can be
enabled or disabled on vehicles equipped with
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). With the first press of
the RKE transmitter to unlock the doors, the driver's
door only unlocks. With the second press of the RKEtransmitter, the remaining doors and the liftgate
unlock. With the remote unlock feature enabled, the
first press of the RKE transmitter unlocks all doors.
REMOTE LINKED TO MEMORY
The remote linked to memory function is currently
only available only on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
vehicles. When enabled, this feature recalls a mem-
ory of seats, mirror and radio presets and positions
when unlocking the vehicle with the RKE transmit-
ter.
HEADLAMP DELAY
Currently available only on Jeep Grand Cherokee
vehicles, the headlamp delay timeout can be set to
30, 60 or 90 seconds. This timeout only occurs when
the ignition is turned off prior to turning the head-
lamps off, or when leaving the headlamps in AUTO
mode.
SERVICE INTERVAL
Currently available only on Jeep Grand Cherokee
vehicles, the interval for the service reminder mes-
sage can be set from 3,219 kilometers to 12,070 kilo-
meters (2,000 miles to 7,500 miles).
EASY EXIT SEAT
Currently available only on Jeep Grand Cherokee
Limited vehicles, the driver's seat will reposition
55mm (2.1 inches) rearward, or the end of travel if
less than 55mm (2.1 inches) and full downward when
the key is removed from the ignition. This feature
allows ease of exiting the vehicle. The seat will repo-
sition itself to the memory location when the vehicle
is unlocked using the RKE transmitter or by pressing
the memory buttons on the door panel.
APPEARANCE TIPS
CLEANING
(1) Before delivering the new vehicle to the cus-
tomer, the following checks on appearance details are
recommended:
²Wash the vehicle to remove all traces of road
grime and other dirt on the car from new vehicle
preparation operations
²Clean the tire sidewalls
²Clean exterior and interior glass surfaces
²Remove all protective covers
²Remove undercoat overspray, excess window
sealer, and excess weatherstrip adhesive
²Inspect interior trim, seats, carpeting, and mold-
ings. Clean as necessary
²Remove shipping and inspection stickers
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 21
PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRONIC FEATURES (Continued)