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 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 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 vehicle
in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened lug-
gage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage com-
partment. If light is visible through a normally sealed
location, water could enter through the opening.
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 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
UP UNSATURATED
POLYESTER
(THERMOSETTING)SMC, BMC, TMC, ZMC, IMC,
XSMC, UPGRILLE OPENING PANEL,
LIFTGATES, FLARESIDE
FENDERS, FENDER
EXTENSIONS
EEBC ETHER/ESTER BLOCKED
CO-POLYMEREEBC BUMPERS
EEBC/PBTP EEBC/POLYBUTYLENE
TEREPTHALATEEEBC, PBTP, BEXLOY BUMPER, ROCKER PANELS
EMPP ETHYLENE MODIFIED
POLYPROPYLENEEMPP BUMPER COVERS
EPDM ETHYLENE/
PROPROPYLENE DIENE
MONOMEREPDM, NORDEL, VISTALON BUMPERS
EPM ETHYLENE/
PROPROPYLENE CO-
POLYMEREPM FENDERS
MPU FOAM POLYURETHANE MPU SPOILERS
PE POLYETHYLENE ALATHON, DYLAN,
LUPOLEN, MARLEX-
PP POLYPROPYLENE
(BLENDS)NORYL, AZDEL, MARLOX,
DYLON, PRAVEXINNER FENDER, SPOILERS,
KICK PANELS
PP/EPDM PP/EPDM ALLOY PP/EPDM SPOILERS, GRILLES
PUR POLYURETHANE COLONELS, PUR, PU FASCIAS, BUMPERS
PUR/PC PUR/PC ALLOY TEXIN BUMPERS
PVC POLYVINYL CHLORIDE APEX, GEON, VINYLITE BODY MOLDINGS, WIRE
INSULATION, STEERING
WHEELS
RIM REACTION INJECTED
MOLDED POLYURETHANERIM, BAYFLEX FRONT FASCIAS, MODULAR
WINDOWS
RRIM REINFORCED REACTION
INJECTED MOLDEDPUR, RRIM FASCIAS, BODY PANELS,
BODY TRIMS
TPE THERMO POLYETHYLENE TPE, HYTREL, BEXLOY-V FASCIAS, BUMPERS,
CLADDINGS
TPO THERMOPOLYOLEFIN POLYTROPE, RENFLEX,
SANTOPRENE, VISAFLEX,
ETA, APEX, TPO, SHIELDS,
CLADDINGSBUMPERS, END CAPS,
TELCAR, RUBBER, STRIPS,
SIGHT, INTERIOR B POST
TPP THERMO-
POLYPROPYLENETPP BUMPERS
TPU THERMOPOLYURETHANE,
POLYESTERTPU, HYTREL, TEXIN,
ESTANEBUMPERS, BODY SIDE,
MOLDINGS, FENDERS,
FASCIAS
RSBODY23-5
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 12). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow adhesive 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. 13). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 14).
(19) Mix enough adhesive to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply adhesive over the mesh around patch,
and smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce fin-
ish grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and
adhesive to create a stronger repair (Fig. 15).
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.
Fig. 10 POSITION PATCH IN CUTOUT AND ALIGN
1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 11 APPLY ADHESIVE TO SUPPORT SQUARES
1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE
Fig. 12 INSTALL SCREWS
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
Fig. 13 GRIND SURFACE
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
3 - DISC GRINDER
RSBODY23-9
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Luggage rack crossbar fasteners 4 Ð 35
Lumbar support handle screw 1 Ð 9
Pivot bolt to the body half of hood hinge 28 21 Ð
Prop assembly to lifgate bolts 28 21 Ð
Rear door glass to regulator bolt 11 8 Ð
Rear door hinge to B-pillar bolt 28 20 Ð
Rear door hinge to door bolt 28 20 Ð
Rear door latch striker 28 20 Ð
Rear latch to sliding door end frame 28 20 Ð
Rear seat back to seat cushion bolt 27 19 Ð
Recliner to seat back frame 12 9 Ð
Seatback frame upper rail 8 Ð 71
Seatback hinge bolt 48 35 Ð
Seatback hinge cover screws 2.3 Ð 20
Shoulder belt turning loop onto height adjuster 39 29 Ð
Side view mirror bolts 10 Ð 85
Sliding door center hinge adjusting bolt 15 Ð 130
Sliding door glass nuts 3.4 Ð 30
Sliding door latch striker 28 21 Ð
Sliding door to roller arm bracket 12 9 Ð
Storage bin track guide to seat riser 3.5 Ð 31
Sunroof opening panel to lifter arm screws 5 44
Sunroof opening panel motor screws 4 35
Sunroof trough bracket to roof bolts 6 53
Sunroof trough to trough bracket bolts 6 53
Sunroof trough bracket bolts 6 53
Support cylinders to liftgate 28 21 Ð
BODY LUBRICATION
LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS
Body mechanisms and linkages should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, as required, to
maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear. When performing other under
hood services, the hood latch release mechanism and
safety catch should be inspected, cleaned, and lubri-
cated. During the winter season, external door lock
cylinders should be lubricated to assure proper oper-
ation when exposed to water and ice.
Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. If necessary, a suitable solvent can be used to
clean the item to be lubricated. After lubricating a com-
ponent, any excess oil or grease should be removed.
LUBRICANT APPLICATION
DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS
(1) Apply a small amount of lubricant directly into
the lock cylinder.
(2) Apply a small amount of lubricant to the key.
(3) Insert key into lock cylinder and cycle the
mechanism from the locked to the unlocked position.
NOTE: Do not add more lubricant.
(4) Cycle the lock cylinder mechanism several
times to allow the lubricant to flow throughout the
cylinder.
(5) Wipe all lubricant from exterior of lock cylinder
and key.
ALL OTHER BODY MECHANISMS
(1) Clean component as described above.
23 - 12 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(2) Apply specified lubricant to all pivoting and
sliding contact areas of component.
LUBRICANT USAGE
ENGINE OIL
²Door Hinges ± Hinge Pin and Pivot Contact
Areas
²Hood Hinges ± Pivot Points
²Liftgate Hinges
MOPARTSPRAY WHITE LUBE OR EQUIVALENT
²Door Check Straps
²Liftgate Latches
²Liftgate Prop Pivots²Ash Receiver
²Fuel Filler Door Remote Control Latch Mecha-
nism
²Parking Brake Mechanism
²Sliding Seat Tracks
²Liftgate Latch
MOPARTMultipurpose GREASE OR EQUIVALENT
²All Other Hood Mechanisms
MOPARTLOCK CYLINDER LUBRICANT OR
EQUIVALENT
²Door Lock Cylinders
²Liftgate Lock Cylinder
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
STICK, TRIM C 4755 16
REMOVER, MOLDINGS C-4829 17
PLIERS, HEADLINER CLIP 6967 18
Fig. 16 STICK, TRIM C 4755
Fig. 17 REMOVER, MOLDINGS C-4829
Fig. 18 PLIERS, HEADLINER CLIP 6967
RSBODY23-13
BODY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DOOR - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
APPLIQUE
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
DOOR
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDING
REMOVAL ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR B-PILLAR . 17
INSTALLATION ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR
B-PILLAR............................17
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................19
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................19INSTALLATION.........................19
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
WATERSHIELD
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
WINDOW CRANK
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
APPLIQUE
REMOVAL
(1) Roll door glass down.
(2) Remove outer door belt molding.
(3) Disengage clips holding front edge of applique
to door frame.
(4) Remove applique from vehicle (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position applique on vehicle.
(2) Hook rear edge of applique over rear edge of
door frame and seat applique bottom edge on sheet
metal.
(3) Engage clips to hold front edge of applique to
door frame.
(4) Install outer door belt molding.
23 - 14 DOOR - FRONTRS
ProCarManuals.com
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front door trim panel.
(2) Remove front door watershield (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove front door speaker, if equipped.
(4) Remove bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar.
(5) Remove nuts attaching check strap to door end
frame (Fig. 2).
(6) Remove check strap from door through speaker
hole.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position check strap on door through speaker
hole.
(2) Install nuts to attach check strap to door end
frame. Tighten nuts to 11 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install bolts to attach check strap to A-pillar.
Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install door speaker, if equipped.
(5) Install front door trim panel.
DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LF WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Disengage clips attaching door harness wire
connector to inner fender brace.
(3) Disconnect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors (Fig. 3).
(4) Depress lock tab attaching wire connector
halves together.
(5) Disconnect door harness from body wiring har-
ness.
(6) Remove bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar (Fig. 4).
(7) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(8) Remove bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame (Fig. 5).
(9) Steady door on lifting device and remove bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame.
(10) Remove door from vehicle.
Fig. 1 FRONT DOOR APPLIQUE
1 - GLASS RUN WEATHERSTRIP
2 - CLIPS
3 - APPLIQUE
4 - FRONT DOOR
Fig. 2 FRONT DOOR CHECK STRAP
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
RSDOOR - FRONT23-15
APPLIQUE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If new hinge pins are to be used, verify that
the knurling on the hinge pin is aligned with the
knurling on in the door hinge prior to driving in the
pin. Also, verify that the hinge pin is fully seated to
the door hinge and a new retaining clip is installed.
(1) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(2) Position door to vehicle. Verify net pierce nub-
bin is engaged if reusing original hinges.
(3) Steady door on lifting device and install bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame. Tighten
bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar. Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame. Tighten bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Align door to achieve equal spacing to surrounding
body panels. Panels should be flush across all gaps.
(6) Connect door harness into body wiring harness.
(7) Connect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors.
(8) Connect clips attaching door harness wire con-
nector to inner fender brace.
(9) Install front wheelhouse splash shield.
(10) Verify door operation and alignment. Adjust
as necessary.
Fig. 3 FRONT DOOR WIRE CONNECTORS
1 - LOCK TAB
2 - POSITIVE LOCK
3 - BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT FENDER
5 - DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR
6 - BODY HARNESS
Fig. 4 FRONT DOOR - HINGE PIN REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - CLIP
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - HINGE PIN
5 - CLIP
6 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
Fig. 5 FRONT DOOR - HINGE BOLT REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - CHECK STRAP
4 - LOWER HINGE
23 - 16 DOOR - FRONTRS
DOOR (Continued)
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