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.
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 notalways 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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY LUBRICATION
All mechanisms and linkages should be lubricated
when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation
and provide protection against rust and excessive
wear. The weatherstrip seals should be lubricated to
prolong their life as well as to improve door sealing.
All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operat-
ing mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned.
Pivot/sliding contact areas on the mechanisms should
then be lubricated.
(1) When necessary, lubricate the operating mech-
anisms with the specified lubricants.
23 - 2 BODYWJ
BODY (Continued)
(2) Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it
on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil pas-
senger's clothing.
(3) Before applying lubricant, the component
should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess
lubricant should be removed.
(4) The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch
striker, and safety latch should be lubricated period-
ically.
(5) The door lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
(a) Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubri-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
(b) Apply a small amount to the key and insert
it into the lock cylinder.
(c) Rotate it to the locked position and then back
to the unlocked position several times.(d) Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it
with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRILLING AND
WELDING
When holes must be drilled or punched in an inner
body panel, verify depth of space to the outer body
panel, electrical wiring, or other components. Dam-
age to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when
welding.
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICANTS
COMPONENT SERVICE INTERVAL LUBRICANT
Door Hinges As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Door Latches As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Hood Latch, Release Mechanism and
Safety LatchAs Required
(When Performing Other
Underhood Service)Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Hood Hinges As Required Engine Oil
Seat Track and Release Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Hinge As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Support Arms As Required Engine Oil
Liftgate Latches As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Liftgate Release Handle (Pivot and Slide
Contact Surfaces)As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Window System Components As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Lock Cylinders Twice a Year Lock-Cylinder Lubricant (4)
Parking Brake Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (1)
1 = Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease (High
Temp)
2 = Mopar Multi-Mileage Lubricant
3 = Mopar Spray White Lube
4 = Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant
WJBODY 23 - 3
BODY (Continued)
(18) Remove the four nuts that secure the steering
column to the studs on the instrument panel steering
column support bracket.
(19) Remove the steering column from the instru-
ment panel. Be certain that the steering wheel is
locked and secured from rotation to prevent the loss
of clockspring centering.
(20) Disconnect the left and right body wire har-
ness connectors, the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) wire
harness connector and the fused B(+) wire harness
connector from the connector receptacles of the JB
(Fig. 5).(21) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors from the following floor panel transmis-
sion tunnel components (Fig. 6):
²the Airbag Control Module (ACM) connector
receptacle
²the park brake switch terminal
²the transmission shifter connector receptacle.
(22) Remove the two nuts that secure the instru-
ment panel wire harness ground eyelets to the studs
on the floor panel transmission tunnel in front of and
behind the ACM.
(23) Disengage the retainers that secure the
instrument panel wire harness to the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(24) Remove the instrument panel to center floor
tunnel bracket from the instrument panel and the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP CENTER FLOOR TUN-
NEL BRACKET - REMOVAL).
(25) Remove the one screw that secures the floor
duct to the heater and air conditioner housing near
the driver side of the floor panel transmission tunnel
and remove the duct from the housing.
(26) If the vehicle is equipped with the manual
heating and air conditioning system, disconnect the
vacuum harness connector located near the driver
side of the floor panel transmission tunnel behind
the driver side floor duct.
(27) Remove the one screw that secures the instru-
ment panel steering column support bracket to the
driver side end of the heater and air conditioner
housing (Fig. 7).
(28) Remove the one screw that secures the instru-
ment panel steering column support bracket to the
intermediate bracket on the driver side dash panel
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 5 Junction Block Connections
1 - SNAP CLIPS
2 - SCREW
3 - CONNECTOR
4 - LEFT BODY WIRE HARNESS
5 - IOD CONNECTOR
6 - FUSED B+ CONNECTOR
7 - RIGHT BODY WIRE HARNESS
8 - SCREW
9 - CONNECTOR
10 - JUNCTION BLOCK
WJINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 39
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
Fig. 6 Floor Panel Transmission Tunnel
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR
2 - PARK BRAKE SWITCH CONNECTOR
3 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
4 - NUT (2)
5 - STUD
6 - GROUND EYELET7 - RETAINER
8 - STUD
9 - GROUND EYELET
10 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS
11 - TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONNECTOR
Fig. 7 Instrument Panel to Heater-A/C Housing -
Driver Side
1 - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - FLOOR DUCT
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT
BRACKET
4 - SCREW
Fig. 8 Instrument Panel to Intermediate Bracket
Mounting
1 - DASH PANEL
2 - SCREW
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT
BRACKET
4 - INTERMEDIATE BRACKET
23 - 40 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
(35) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire
harness connectors from the two heater and air con-
ditioner housing connectors located near the blower
motor on the passenger side end of the housing (Fig.
12).
(36) Remove the two screws that secure the pas-
senger side instrument panel structural duct to the
heater and air conditioner housing (Fig. 13).(37) Remove the two screws that secure the instru-
ment panel to the passenger side cowl side inner
panel (Fig. 14).
(38) With the aid of an assistant, lift the instru-
ment panel assembly upward off of the studs on the
dash panel near the windshield fence line and to dis-
engage the molded plastic hook formations on the
instrument panel structural duct from the guide
holes at each cowl side inner panel.
(39)
Pull the instrument panel rearward from the
dash panel and the cowl side inner panels and remove it
through the driver side front door of the vehicle.
Fig. 12 Heater and Air Conditioner Housing
Connections
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - HVAC HOUSING
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRE HARNESS
4 - BLOWER MOTOR
Fig. 13 Passenger Side Instrument Panel to
Heater-A/C Housing Mounting
1 - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURAL DUCT
3 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 14 Instrument Panel to Passenger Side Cowl
Side Inner Panel Mounting
1 - COWL SIDE INNER PANEL
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURAL DUCT
3 - SCREW (2)
23 - 42 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Prior to installing the instrument panel into
the vehicle, loosen the three nuts that secure the
instrument panel intermediate bracket and the accel-
erator pedal assembly to the studs on the dash panel
(Fig. 8).
(2) With the aid of an assistant, load the instru-
ment panel assembly through the driver side front
door of the vehicle and hang it on the studs on the
dash panel near the windshield fence line (Fig. 1).
(3) Be certain that the molded plastic hook forma-
tions on the instrument panel structural duct are
inserted into and seated in the guide holes at each
cowl side inner panel.
(4) Loosely install the two screws that secure each
end of the instrument panel to the cowl side inner
panels.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the passenger side instrument panel structural duct
to the heater and air conditioner housing (Fig. 13).
Tighten the screws to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the instrument panel steering column support
bracket to the driver side end of the heater and air
conditioner housing (Fig. 7). Tighten the screw to
11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(7) Tighten the two screws that secure each end of
the instrument panel to the cowl side inner panels
(Fig. 10) and (Fig. 14). Tighten the screws to 11.8
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(8) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the instrument panel steering column support
bracket to the intermediate bracket on the driver
side dash panel (Fig. 8). Tighten the screw to 11.3
N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(9) Tighten the three nuts that secure the instru-
ment panel intermediate bracket and the accelerator
pedal assembly to the studs on the dash panel.
Tighten the nuts to 11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.).(10) Install and tighten the four nuts that secure
the instrument panel to the studs on the dash panel
near the windshield fence line. Tighten the nuts to
11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(11) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
instrument panel steering column support bracket to
the stud on the driver side cowl plenum panel (Fig.
9). Tighten the nut to 28.2 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(12) Reinstall the instrument panel to center floor
tunnel bracket onto the instrument panel and the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP CENTER FLOOR TUN-
NEL BRACKET - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors to the two heater and air conditioner
housing connectors located near the blower motor on
the passenger side end of the housing (Fig. 12).
(14) Reconnect the two halves of the radio antenna
coaxial cable connector near the right cowl side inner
panel under the end of the instrument panel.
(15) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the lower cavity of the inline connector
on the passenger side cowl side inner panel and
tighten the connector screw (Fig. 11). Tighten the
screw to 4 N´m (36 in. lbs.).
(16) Reinstall the lower right center bezel onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/IP LOWER RIGHT CENTER BEZEL
- INSTALLATION).
(17) Reinstall the end cap onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL END CAP - INSTALLA-
TION).
(18) If the vehicle is equipped with the manual
heating and air conditioning system, reconnect the
vacuum harness connector located near the driver
side of the floor panel transmission tunnel behind
the driver side floor duct.
(19) Position the driver side floor duct to the
heater and air conditioner housing near the driver
side of the floor panel transmission tunnel (Fig. 7).
(20) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the driver side floor duct to the heater and air con-
ditioner housing near the driver side of the floor
panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the screw to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(21) Route the instrument panel wire harness to
the floor panel transmission tunnel and engage the
retainers that secure the harness to the mounting
brackets on the tunnel (Fig. 6).
(22) Install the instrument panel wire harness
ground eyelets to the studs on the floor panel trans-
mission tunnel in front of and behind the airbag con-
trol module and secure the eyelets with nuts. Tighten
the nuts to 7.3 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
WJINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 43
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
(22) Remove the front bin from the floor console.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
(23) Reach through the front bin opening of the
floor console to access and remove the two screws
that secure the center floor tunnel bracket to the
instrument panel.
(24) Reach through the front bin opening of the
floor console to access and loosen the two nuts that
secure the center floor tunnel bracket to the studs on
the floor panel transmission tunnel.
(25) Slide the center floor tunnel bracket rearward
in the vehicle far enough to disengage the locating
hole in the lower flange of the top pad from the locat-
ing pin on the instrument panel structural duct (Fig.
25).
(26) Remove the instrument panel top pad from
the instrument panel structural duct.INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
If the top pad is being replaced with a new unit, be
certain to transfer or install the panel outlets and
the passenger side trim bezel to the new unit before
it is installed on the instrument panel structural
duct. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/DISTRIBUTION/AIR OUTLETS - REMOVAL)
and (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
TRIM BEZEL - PASSENGER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position the instrument panel top pad over the
instrument panel structural duct and the studs on
the dash panel near the windshield fence line.
(2) Route the instrument panel wire harness take
out for the glove box lamp and switch unit to the
switch mounting hole in the upper glove box opening
reinforcement.
(3) Reach through the front bin opening of the
floor console to engage the locating hole in the lower
flange of the top pad with the locating pin on the
instrument panel structural duct (Fig. 25).
(4) Reach through the front bin opening of the
floor console to slide the center floor tunnel bracket
forward in the vehicle far enough to capture the
lower flange of the top pad between the bracket and
the structural duct.
(5) Reach through the front bin opening of the
floor console to install and tighten the two screws
that secure the center floor tunnel bracket to the
instrument panel. Tighten the screws to 11.8 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
Fig. 25 Instrument Panel Top Pad Remove/Install
1 - STRUCTURAL DUCT
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
4 - LOWER FLANGE
5 - CENTER FLOOR TUNNEL BRACKET
23 - 54 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD (Continued)
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER
BEZEL - LOWER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT
IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each of the four corners of
the center lower bezel away from the instrument
panel far enough to disengage the four snap clips
from their receptacles (Fig. 27).
(3) Pull the center lower bezel away from the
instrument panel far enough to access the instru-
ment panel wire harness connectors.
(4) Squeeze the mounting legs of the ash receiver
lamp hood and remove it from the rectangular hole
in the ash receiver flame shield.(5) If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the
instrument panel wire harness connectors for the two
heated seat switches from the switch connector
receptacles.
(6) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors for the cigar lighter and accessory power
outlet from the lighter and outlet connector recepta-
cles.
(7) Remove the center lower bezel from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the center lower bezel to the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors for the cigar lighter and the accessory
power outlet to the lighter and outlet connector
receptacles.
(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
instrument panel wire harness connectors for the two
heated seat switches to the switch connector recepta-
cles.
(4) Squeeze the mounting legs of the ash receiver
lamp hood and install them into the rectangular hole
in the ash receiver flame shield.
(5) Align the two lower snap clips on the center
lower bezel with their receptacles in the instrument
panel top pad.
(6) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the center lower bezel over each of the lower snap
clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully
engaged in its receptacle.
(7) Align the two upper snap clips on the center
lower bezel with their receptacles in the instrument
panel top pad.
(8) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the center lower bezel over each of the upper snap
clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully
engaged in its receptacle.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 27 Instrument Panel Center Lower Bezel
Remove/Install
1 - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLS
2 - TRIM STICK
3 - CENTER LOWER BEZEL
WJINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 57