BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 3
SPECIFICATIONS........................4
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY...............................5BODY STRUCTURE.......................6
HOOD................................119
DOOR - FRONT........................121
DOORS - REAR........................128
SWING GATE..........................135
EXTERIOR............................140
INSTRUMENT PANEL....................147
INTERIOR.............................156
PAINT................................162
SEATS...............................164
STATIONARY GLASS....................172
SUNROOF.............................175
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................185
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING FILTER
WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CON-
FINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL±BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: 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 compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
²Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
²Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from
the battery when servicing electrical components
that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to
electrical system can result.²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
²Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
²Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses many different
types of push-in fasteners to secure the interior and
exterior trim to the body. Most of these fasteners can
be reused to assemble the trim during various repair
procedures. At times, a push-in fastener cannot be
removed without damaging the fastener or the com-
ponent it is holding. If it is not possible to remove a
fastener without damaging a component or body, cut
or break the fastener and use a new one when
installing the component. Never pry or pound on a
plastic or pressed-board trim component. Using a
suitable fork-type prying device, pry the fastener
from the retaining hole behind the component being
removed. When installing, verify fastener alignment
with the retaining hole by hand. Push directly on or
over the fastener until it seats. Apply a low-force pull
to the panel to verify that it is secure.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges holding the component in
place.
KJBODY 23 - 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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 BODYKJ
BODY (Continued)
BODY STRUCTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION.......................6
WELD AND STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
LOCATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS........................9SEALER LOCATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS.......................87
OPENING DIMENSIONS
SPECIFICATIONS......................111
GAP AND FLUSH
SPECIFICATIONS......................116
ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
COMPLETE BODY STRUCTURE VIEWS ( 1 )
BODY STRUCTURE - SECTIONS ( 2 )
23 - 6 BODY STRUCTUREKJ
HOOD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HINGE
REMOVAL............................119
INSTALLATION........................119
HOOD
REMOVAL............................119
INSTALLATION........................119
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT.......................119
LATCH
REMOVAL............................120INSTALLATION........................120
LATCH RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL............................120
INSTALLATION........................120
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL............................120
INSTALLATION........................120
LATCH RELEASE HANDLE
REMOVAL............................120
INSTALLATION........................120
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the hood to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Raise and support hood.
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark posi-
tion of hinge.
(3) Remove hood support cylinder. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove nuts attaching hinge to hood.
(5) Remove bolts attaching hinge to body.
(6) Separate hinge from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hinge on vehicle and align reference
marks.
(2) Install bolts attaching hinge to body and
tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install nuts attaching hinge to hood 12 N´m (9
ft. lbs.).
(4) Install hood hinge support cylinder. (Refer to
23 - BODY/HOOD/SUPPORT CYLINDER - INSTAL-
LATION)
HOOD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood.
(2) Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark loca-
tion of hood hinges on hood for installation align-
ment.
(3) Remove bolts attaching hinges to hood.
(4) With the aid of a helper, remove hood from
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hood on hinges.
(2) Install bolts finger-tight.
(3) Align hinges with installation reference marks
and tighten bolts to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(4) Inspect hood for proper alignment and adjust
as necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
(1) If hood is low in relation to cowl panel, insert
shims between hinge and hood.
(2) Adjust hood bumper in or out to adjust hood-
to-fender height alignment.
(3) Adjust the hood latch as necessary. Tighten the
nuts to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
(4) Align the latch striker so that striker enters
the latch squarely and without binding.
KJHOOD 23 - 119
DOOR - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL............................121
INSTALLATION........................121
DOOR
REMOVAL............................122
INSTALLATION........................122
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL............................122
INSTALLATION........................122
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
HINGE
REMOVAL............................123
INSTALLATION........................123
LATCH
REMOVAL............................124
INSTALLATION........................124ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT.......................124
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL............................124
INSTALLATION........................124
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL............................125
INSTALLATION........................125
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL............................125
INSTALLATION........................126
WATERDAM
REMOVAL............................126
INSTALLATION........................126
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL............................126
INSTALLATION........................126
WINDOW REGULATOR - ELECTRIC
REMOVAL............................126
INSTALLATION........................126
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove screws attaching door check to A-pillar.
(3) Remove the two nuts and remove the door
check strap. (Fig. 1)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Make sure the proper orientation of the
check strap is maintained using the ªRº and ªLº on
the top.
(1) Install the check strap through the speaker
hole.
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 12 N´m (9 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the strap to the A-pillar and tighten
the bolts to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 1 CHECK STRAP
1 - NUTS
2 - CHECK STRAP
3 - SPEAKER OPENING
KJDOOR - FRONT 23 - 121
DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the door wire harness electrical con-
nector at the A-pillar.
(2) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
(3) Remove the bolts attaching the check strap to
the a-pillar.
NOTE: The epoxy washers should not be removed
from the hinge. If the washers are removed the door
may have to be re-adjusted.
(4) Remove the nuts attaching the door hinges to
the door. (Fig. 2)
INSTALLATION
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device
and install the door onto the hinges.
(2) Install the nuts and washers if they were
removed previously and tighten to 23 N´m (17 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the door wire harness electrical con-
nector.
(4) Connect the check strap to the a-pillar and
install the bolts.
(5) Tighten the check strap bolts to 12 N´m (9 ft.
lbs.).(6) Adjust the door as necessary. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH -
SPECIFICATIONS)
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the outer belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
OUTER BELT MOLDING - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(3) Raise the glass to the position shown and using
a long flat blade or hook type tool, disengage clips
attaching glass retainer to regulator lift plate. (Fig.
3)
(4) Disconnect the glass from the regulator lift
plate and re-install the clips.
(5) Rotate the top of the glass toward the front
and remove the glass from the window opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the glass through the window opening
and align the mounting plate to the lift plate.
(2) Engage the glass to the regulator lift plate.
(3) Install the outer belt molding. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR
OUTER BELT MOLDING - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 2 HINGES
1 - NUTS (4)
2 - EPOXY WASHERS (2) (NOT REMOVABLE)
3 - HINGES
4 - DOOR
Fig. 3 DOOR GLASS/REGULATOR
1 - DOOR GLASS ATTACHMENT CLIP (2)
2 - DOOR OPENING
3 - REGULATOR LIFT PLATE
4 - DOOR GLASS
23 - 122 DOOR - FRONTKJ
DOORS - REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL............................128
INSTALLATION........................128
DOOR
REMOVAL............................129
INSTALLATION........................129
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL............................129
INSTALLATION........................129
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL............................130
INSTALLATION........................130
GLASS RUN CHANNEL
REMOVAL............................130
INSTALLATION........................130
HINGE
REMOVAL............................131
INSTALLATION........................131
LATCH
REMOVAL............................131INSTALLATION........................131
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT.......................131
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL............................132
INSTALLATION........................132
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL............................132
INSTALLATION........................132
WATERDAM
REMOVAL............................133
INSTALLATION........................133
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL............................133
INSTALLATION........................133
WINDOW REGULATOR - ELECTRIC
REMOVAL............................134
INSTALLATION........................134
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove screws attaching door check to b-pillar.
(3) Remove the two nuts and remove the door
check strap. (Fig. 1)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Make sure the proper orientation of the
check strap is maintained using the ªRº and ªLº on
the top.
(1) Install the check strap through the speaker
hole.
(2) Install the nuts and tighten to 12 N´m (9 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Connect the strap to the b-pillar and tighten
the bolts to 12 N´m (9 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 1 CHECK STRAP
1 - NUTS
2 - CHECK STRAP
3 - SPEAKER OPENING
23 - 128 DOORS - REARKJ
DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the door wire harness electrical con-
nector at the b-pillar.
(2) Disconnect the check strap from the b-pillar.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/CHECK STRAP
- REMOVAL)
(3) Support the door with a suitable lifting device.
NOTE: The epoxy washers should not be removed
from the hinge. If the washers are removed the door
may have to be re-adjusted.
(4) Remove the nuts attaching the door hinges to
the door. (Fig. 2)
INSTALLATION
(1) Support the door with a suitable lifting device
and install the door onto the b-pillar.
(2) Install the nuts, washers and tighten to 23
N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the door wire harness electrical con-
nector.
(4) Connect the check strap to the b-pillar. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DOORS - REAR/CHECK STRAP -
INSTALLATION)(5) Adjust the door as necessary. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/BODY STRUCTURE/GAP AND FLUSH -
SPECIFICATIONS)
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the waterdam. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL)
(2) Raise the glass and line up the lift plate clip
with the hole in the door panel shown. (Fig. 3)
(3) Using a long flat blade or hook type tool, dis-
engage the clip attaching glass retainer to regulator
lift plate.
(4) Disconnect the glass from the regulator lift
plate and re-install the clip.
(5) Position the glass into the bottom of the door.
(6) Remove the glass division bar bolt. (Fig. 4)
(7) Twist the division bar towards the inside of the
door and disengage the door glass.
(8) Remove the glass from the window opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the glass through the window opening.
(2) Position the front of the glass into the glass
run channel.
Fig. 2 HINGES
1 - DOOR
2 - HINGES
3 - EPOXY WASHERS (2) (NOT REMOVABLE)
4 - NUTS
Fig. 3 DOOR GLASS POSITION
1 - GLASS DIVISION BAR
2 - DOOR PANEL SIGHT HOLE
3 - DOOR GLASS
KJDOORS - REAR 23 - 129