(6) Retrain tire pressure sensors. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING/
SENSOR - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRE
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe application of brakes
²High-speed driving
²Taking turns at excessive speeds
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
²Operating vehicle with over or under inflated
tire pressuresRadial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation. This will
help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, load index and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 22). An All Season
type tire will have eitherM+S,M&SorM-S
(indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the
side wall. An Extra or Light Load marking ªXLº or
ªLLº may also be listed on the sidewall. The absence
of an ªXLº or ªLLº marking infers a standard load
tire.
Consult the tire manufacturer regarding any ques-
tions on tire specifications or capabilities.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Fig. 21 Mounting Tire Using Rotating Tool Machine
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - MOUNTING END OF TOOL
3 - BEAD BREAKER (KEEP CLEAR OF SENSOR)
Fig. 22 Tire Identification (Typical)
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Wheel Mounting (Lug)
Nut Hex Size19 mm
Wheel Mounting Stud
SizeM12 x 1.5 mm
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Wheel Mounting (Lug ) Nut 135 100 Ð
WHEEL COVER
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a bolt-on type wheel cover (Fig.
30).
This bolt-on wheel cover cannot be removed from
the wheel until three of the five wheel mounting nuts
shown are removed (Fig. 30). The bolt-on wheel cover
can then be removed with the remaining two wheel
nuts tightened in place.
REMOVAL
(1) Noting the location of the valve stem in rela-
tionship to the wheel mounting nuts, remove the
three wheel mounting nuts securing the wheel cover
to the wheel and hub (Fig. 30).
CAUTION: When removing the wheel cover, do not
pry the wheel cover from the wheel. This can result
in damage to the wheel cover. The wheel cover is
removed by pulling it off the wheel by hand.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover at the edges in line with
the remaining installed wheel nuts and pull straight
outward from the wheel. This will pop the wheel
cover retaining tabs over the two remaining wheel
nuts, removing the wheel cover from the wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Wheel mounting nuts must be installed on
the studs as shown to allow installation of the
wheel cover (Fig. 31).
(1) Place the wheel cover on the wheel in the fol-
lowing fashion:(a) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel.
(b) At the same time, align the two holes in the
wheel cover having the retaining tabs with the two
installed wheel nuts (Fig. 32).
(c) Press in on center of wheel cover until wheel
cover retaining tabs push past and engage rear of
previously installed wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 32).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.
(2) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 30).
Fig. 30 Nuts Securing Wheel Cover
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
3 - NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
Fig. 31 Two Wheel Mounting Nuts Installed
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - HUB PILOT
4 - NUTS
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-19
WHEELS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
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 LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
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 theleak 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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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-
23 - 2 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, AND FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PARTS TYPES
CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
ASA ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE
ACRYLITELURAN S CONSOLES, GRILLES
ABS ACRYLONITRILE
BUTADIENE STYRENETERLURAN9A9PILLARS, CONSOLES,
GRILLES
ABS/PC ABS/PC ALLOY PULSE, PROLOY,
BAYBLENDDOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
ABS/PVC ABS/PV ALLOY PROLOY, PULSE, LUSTRAN,
CYCLOVINDOOR PANELS, GRILLES,
TRIM
BMC BULK MOLDING
COMPOUNDBMC FENDER EXTENSIONS
EMA EHTYLENE METHYL
ACRYLATE/IONOMERSURLYN, EMA, IONOMER BUMPER GUARDS, PADS
METTON METTON METTON GRILLES, KICK PANELS,
RUNNING BOARDS
MPPO MODIFIED
POLYPHENYLENE OXIDEMPPO SPOILER ASSEMBLY
PA POLYAMID ZYTEL, VYDYNE, PA,
MINLONFENDERS, QUARTER PANELS
PET THERMOPLASTIC
POLYESTERRYNITE TRIM
PBT/PPO PBT/PPO ALLOY GERMAX CLADDINGS
PBTP POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATEPBT, PBTP, POCAN, VALOX WHEEL COVERS, FENDERS,
GRILLES
PBTP/EEBC POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATE/EEBC
ALLOYBEXLOY,9M9, PBTP/EEBC FASCIAS, ROCKER PANEL,
MOLDINGS
PC POLYCARBONATE LEXAN, MERLON, CALIBRE,
MAKROLON PCTAIL LIGHT LENSES, IP TRIM,
VALANCE PANELS
PC/ABS PC/ABS ALLOY GERMAX, BAY BLENDS,
PULSEDOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
PPO POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE AZDEL, HOSTALEN,
MARLEX, PRFAX, NORYL,
GTX, PPOINTERIOR TRIM, DOOR
PANELS, SPLASH SHIELDS,
STEERING COLUMN SHROUD
PPO/PA POLYPHENYLENE/
POLYAMIDPPO/PA, GTX 910 FENDERS, QUARTER PANELS
PR/FV FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
PLASTICFIBERGLASS, FV, PR/FV BODY PANELS
PS POLYSTYRENE LUSTREX, STYRON, PS DOOR PANELS, DASH
PANELS
RTM RESIN TRANSFER
MOLDING COMPOUNDRTM BODY PANELS
SMC SHEET MOLDED
COMPOUNDSMC BODY PANELS
TMC TRANSFER MOLDING
COMPOUNDTMC GRILLES
23 - 4 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement 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 plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. 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 spreader, 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 neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass 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 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. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
23 - 6 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
LIFTGATE SPOILER
REMOVAL.............................41INSTALLATION.........................41
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................43
SLAM BUMPER
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................43
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE SIDE.............43
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................43
INSTALLATION - LIFTGATE SIDE.........43
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the exterior handle electrical con-
nectors.
(3) Remove the two outer screws and the two inner
screws.
(4) Remove the exterior handle/license plate light
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route the exterior handle electrical connector
through the door and position handle.
(2) Install the two out screws and tighten to 20
N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the two inner bolts and tighten to 40
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connector.
(5) Install the trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - INSTALLATION)
HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Release liftgate latch and open liftgate.
(2) Support liftgate on a suitable lifting device in
the full open position.
(3) Apply several layers of duct tape on the outside
of to roof across the gap to the lift gate to hold the
liftgate in position.
(4) Remove bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header.
(5) Disconnect VTSS switch from the body har-
ness.
(6) Remove bolts attaching hinge to liftgate (Fig.
1).
(7) Remove hinge from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint replacement hinge before
installation.
(2) Place hinge in position on vehicle.
(3) Align hinge to marks on liftgate.
(4) Install bolts attaching hinge to liftgate (Fig. 1)
. Tighten bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
RSDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE23-39
ProCarManuals.com
(4) Clean off all traces of adhesive or double sided
tape from the panel with a general purpose adhesive
remover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean panel surface with isopropy alcohol.
(2) Align badgeing to reference points.
(3) Install and press securely to full adhesive con-
tact
(4) Clean away any reference points.
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES -
ADHESIVE ATTACHED
REMOVAL
(1) Mark reference points before removing.
(2) Using a heat gun gently apply heat in a circu-
lar motion to loosen the adhesive bond.
(3) With your fingernail lift up and peel away
badgeing/tape from panel, using a heat gun as you
go.
(4) Clean off all traces of adhesive from the pan-
el(s) with a general purpose adhesive remover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean panel surface with isopropy alcohol.
(2) Remove paper carrier and align badgeing/tape
to reference points or adjacent panel.
(3) Install and press securely, using a plastic
spreader to eliminate all air bubbles.
(4) Remove top protective carrier.
(5) Clean away any reference points.
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove headlamp housing. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove mud guard.
(3) Remove inner splash shield.
(4) Remove fender to fascia nuts.
(5)
Remove outboard cowl grille/fender bracket screw.
(6) Remove fender bolt to lower rocker panel.
(7) Remove fender bolt to lower cowl.
(8) Pull fascia away from fender.
(9) Remove bolts attaching fender to upper rail.
(10) Remove fender from vehicle (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place fender in position on vehicle.
(2) From inside engine compartment, start the
center upper rail bolt. install all the bolts attaching
fender to upper rail and tighten.
(3) Install fender to lower cowl panel bolt.
(4) Install fender to rocker panel bolt.
(5) Place fascia into position.
(6) Install outboard cowl grille/fender bracket
screw.
(7) Install fender to fascia nuts.
(8) Install inner splash shield.
(9) Install mud guard.
(10) Install headlamp assembly. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(11) Check fender for flush and gap.
Fig. 8 FENDER
1 - FASTENERS 2 - FENDER
3 - FASTENERS
RSEXTERIOR23-51
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES - TAPE ATTACHED (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(5) Disengage hidden clips attaching lower trim
cover to B-pillar.
(6) Remove lower B-pillar trim cover from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place lower B-pillar trim cover in position on
vehicle (Fig. 3).
(2) Insert seat belt through hole in lower B-pillar
trim.
(3) Engage hidden clips attaching lower trim cover
to B-pillar.
(4) Install access cover.
(5) Install upper B-pillar trim cover.
(6) Place seat belt anchor in position on floor so
webbing is pointed rearward and slightly outboard.
(7) Install bolt attaching lower seat belt anchor to
floor. Tighten all seat belt bolts to 39 N´m (29 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(8) Verify that seat belt anchor does not interfere
with seat track travel.
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolt attaching lower seat belt anchor to
floor.(2) Lower shoulder belt height adjuster to the bot-
tom of travel.
(3) Remove shoulder belt turning loop from height
adjuster.
(4) Use a Snap-ontTrim Pad Remover tool
(A179A), or equivalent, and remove shoulder belt
height adjuster knob.
(5) Remove shoulder belt bezel from trim cover
(Fig. 3).
(6) Remove screw attaching trim cover to B-pillar
from inside bezel cavity.
(7) Disengage hidden clips attaching trim cover to
B-pillar.
(8) Remove B-pillar trim cover from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert seat belt through B-pillar trim and web
guide (Fig. 3).
(2) Place B-pillar trim cover in position on vehicle.
(3) Engage hidden clips attaching trim cover to
B-pillar.
(4) Install shoulder belt bezel into trim cover.
(5) Install height adjuster knob.
(6) Install shoulder belt turning loop onto height
adjuster. Tighten bolt to 39 N´m (29 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Place seat anchor in position on floor so web-
bing is pointed rearward and slightly outboard.
(8) Install bolt attaching lower seat belt anchor to
floor. Tighten seat belt bolt to 39 N´m (29 ft. lbs.)
torque.
CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front seats. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove front center console.
(3) Remove the remaining seats. Refer to the Own-
er's Manual for the proper procedures.
(4) Remove front cowl panels and sill plates.
(5) Remove sliding door sill plates. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/SLIDING DOOR SILL PLATE -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the cargo organizer, if equipped.
(7) Remove liftgate scuff plate. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/LIFTGATE SCUFF PLATE -
REMOVAL)
(8) Remove lower B-pillar trim covers.
(9) Remove D-pillar trim covers.
(10) Remove Quarter trim panels.
(11) Remove floor escutcheons (Fig. 4).
(12) Remove the floor console trays. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE TRAY -
REMOVAL)
Fig. 3 LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM COVER
1 - B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
2 - B-PILLAR UPPER PLUG
3 - POWER SLIDING DOOR SWITCH AND BEZEL
4 - BELT ASSEMBLY
5 - B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
23 - 74 INTERIORRS
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM (Continued)
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