
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.
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 - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR
There are many different types of plastics used in
today's automotive environment. We group plastics in
three different categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and
Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of
an adhesion promoter for repair. These types of plas-
tic are used extensively on DaimlerChrysler Motors
vehicles. Always follow repair material manufactur-
er's plastic identification and repair procedures.
Rigid Plastics:
Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods,
Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC,
ABS, and Polycarbonates.
Semi-Rigid Plastics:
Examples of semi-rigid plastic use: Interior Panels,
Under Hood Panels, and other Body Trim Panels.
Flexible Plastics:
Examples of flexible plastic use: Fascias, Body
Moldings, and upper and lower Fascia Covers.
Repair Procedure:
The repair procedure for all three categories of
plastics is basically the same. The one difference is
the material used for the repair. The materials must
be specific for each substrate, rigid repair material
for rigid plastic repair, semi-rigid repair material for
semi-rigid plastic repair and flexible repair material
for flexible plastic repair.
Adhesion Promoter/Surface Modifier:
Adhesion Promoters/Surface Modifiers are required
for certain plastics. All three categories may have
plastics that require the use of adhesion promoter/
surface modifiers. Always follow repair material man-
ufacturer's plastic identification and repair
procedures.
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING:
²EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN
SERVICING COMPONENTS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING MASK
WHEN MIXING EPOXY, GRINDING, AND SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
RESIN, PETROLEUM, OR ALCOHOL BASED SOL-
VENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON
SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
NOTE:
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components
and electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on undamaged painted surfaces around repair
areas. Damage to finish can result.
RSBODY23-3
BODY (Continued)

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, BAYBLEND DOORS, 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
23 - 4 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

(3) Align with paint breaks around bolt heads.
(4) Install bolts attaching ends of crossmember to
radiator closure panel (Fig. 14). Tighten bolts to 19
N´m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching radiator isolators to
crossmember.
(6) Install screw attaching coolant recovery bottle
to crossmember.
(7) Install bolt attaching air cleaner housing to
crossmember.
(8) Install engine air inlet resonator.
(9) Install radiator sight shield.
(10) Install hood prop rod.
(11) Align hood latch by placing latch over net
pierce tabs. If alignment is required, flatten tabs.
(12) Install bolts attaching hood latch to cross-
member. Tighten bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(13) Verify hood latch operation and hood align-
ment.
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Remove front wheel.
(3) Remove push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail forward of suspension.
(4) Remove push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail rearward of suspension.
(5) Remove screws attaching wheelhouse splash
shield to front fender and front bumper fascia.
(6) Remove splash shield from vehicle (Fig. 15).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place splash shield in position on vehicle (Fig.
15).
(2) Install push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail forward of suspension.
(3) Install push pin fasteners attaching splash
shield to frame rail rearward of suspension.
(4) Install screws attaching wheelhouse splash
shield to front fender.
(5) Install front wheel.
(6) Lower vehicle.
LUGGAGE RACK RISER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove two fasteners from the front riser.
Gently pull up on the luggage rack side rail and
detach the riser snap to remove riser from the rail
(Fig. 16).
(2) Repeat for the opposite side, if necessary.
(3) Remove front riser(s) from vehicle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 15 FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
1 - FRONT FENDER WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
2 - PUSH PIN FASTENERS
3 - ACCESSORY DRIVE SPLASH SHIELD
4 - SCREWS
Fig. 16 LUGGAGE RACK RISER COVER
1 - FRONT RISER COVER
2 - LOCK TABS
3 - LUGGAGE RACK SIDE RAIL
4 - FRONT RISER
RSEXTERIOR23-55
GRILLE OPENING REINFORCEMENT (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood in position on vehicle. With assis-
tance from a helper at the opposite side of the vehicle
to support the hood, install bottom bolts attaching
hood to hinge finger tight.
(2) Install top bolts attaching hood to hinge finger
tight.
(3) Position bolts at marks and tighten. Tighten
bolts to 13.5 N´m (120 in. lbs.) torque. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers.
(4) Verify hood operation and alignment.
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching hood latch to radiator
closure panel crossmember (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove hood latch from crossmember.
(4) Disconnect hood release cable from hood latch
(Fig. 4).
(5) Remove hood latch from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position hood latch on vehicle.
(2) Connect hood release cable from hood latch.
(3) Position hood latch on crossmember.
(4) Align hood latch by placing latch over net
pierced tabs. If alignment is required, flatten or
grind tabs.
(5) Verify hood operation and alignment. Adjust as
necessary.(6) Tighten attaching bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.)
torque.
LATCH RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove hood latch.
(2) Disengage cable end from hood latch locking
mechanism.
(3) Slide cable case end sideways in keyhole slot of
hood latch while pinching barb on cable case closed.
(4) Remove cable from latch (Fig. 4).
(5) Remove hood release handle from instrument
panel.
(6) Disengage rubber grommet cable insulator
from hole in dash panel.
(7) Attach a suitable length of mechanic's wire to
latch end of cable to assist cable installation.
Fig. 2 HOOD
1 - HOOD
2 - HOOD LATCH STRIKER
3 - HOOD HALF OF HOOD HINGE
Fig. 3 HOOD LATCH
1 - HOOD RELEASE CABLE
2 - HOOD LATCH
3 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 4 HOOD
1 - RELEASE CABLE CASE
2 - HOOD LATCH
3 - RELEASE CABLE END
RSHOOD23-61
HOOD (Continued)

C-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove quarter trim panel.
(2) Remove seat belt turning loop from height
adjuster.
(3) Remove screw attaching C-pillar trim panel to
C-pillar (Fig. 7).
(4) Disengage hidden clips attaching trim to upper
C-pillar.
(5) Remove upper C-pillar trim from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place upper C-pillar trim in position on vehicle
(Fig. 7).
(2) Engage hidden clips attaching trim to upper
C-pillar.
(3) Install screw attaching C-pillar trim panel to
C-pillar.
(4) Install seat belt turning loop onto height
adjuster. Tighten all seat belt bolts to 39 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(5) Install quarter trim panel.
DOOR SILL TRIM PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Using trim stick (C-4755), disengage hidden
clips holding door sill plate from door sill.
(2) Remove sill plate from vehicle (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place sill plate in position on vehicle (Fig. 8).
(2) Align interlock tabs at front and rear to mating
trim.
(3) Engage hidden clips to hold door sill plate to
door sill.
Fig. 6 COWL TRIM
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - CLIPS
3 - COWL TRIM
4 - COWL
Fig. 7 C-PILLAR
1 - C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL
2 - C-PILLAR
Fig. 8 DOOR SILL PLATE
1 - CLIPS
2 - SLIDING DOOR SILL TRIM PLATE
3 - FRONT DOOR SILL TRIM PLATE
RSINTERIOR23-77
COWL TRIM (Continued)

LIFTGATE SILL PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Disengage hidden clips holding sill plate to lift-
gate door opening sill (Fig. 10).
(2) Remove sill plate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place sill plate in position on vehicle.
(2) Align engage hook tabs at end of liftgate sill
plate to D-pillar trim.
(3) Engage hidden clips to hold sill plate to liftgate
door opening sill.
QUARTER TRIM BOLSTER
REMOVAL
The speaker grille in the quarter trim panel is not
removable. The trim panel must be removed to ser-
vice the speaker.
(1) Disengage hidden clips attaching trim bolster
to quarter trim panel.
(2) Remove quarter trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
The speaker grille in the quarter trim bolster is
not removable. The trim bolster must removed to ser-
vice the speaker.
(1) Place quarter trim bolster in position on vehi-
cle.
(2) Engage hook retainer attaching front of trim
bolster to quarter trim panel, if applicable.
(3) Engage hidden clips attaching trim bolster to
quarter trim panel.
RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Damage to accessory feed circuit can result.
(1) Remove first row seat.
(2) Remove second row seat.
(3) Remove sliding door sill trim panel.
(4) Remove quarter trim bolster.
(5) Remove D-pillar trim panel.
(6) Remove first row seat belt anchor.
(7) Remove second row seat belt anchor.
(8) Remove screws attaching quarter trim to quar-
ter panel from bolster area.
(9) Remove screws attaching rear edge of quarter
trim to attaching bracket.
(10) Disengage hidden clips attaching front of
quarter trim to quarter panel rearward of sliding
door opening and at locators.
(11) Remove quarter trim from quarter panel.
(12) Disconnect speaker wire connector on LWB
quarter trim panel with rear air conditioning.
(13) Pass second row seat belt through slot in trim
panel on long wheel base vehicle.
(14) Pass first row seat belt through slot in trim
panel.
(15) Remove quarter trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position quarter trim panel on vehicle.
(2) Pass first row seat belt through slot in trim
panel.
(3) Pass second row seat belt through access hole
in trim panel on long wheel base vehicle.
(4) Connect wire connector into speaker on LWB
with rear air conditioning.
(5) Align locating pins on backside of trim panel to
mating holes in inner quarter panel.
(6) Engage hidden clips attaching front of quarter
trim to quarter panel rearward of sliding door open-
ing and at locators.
(7) Install screws attaching rear edge of quarter
trim to attaching bracket.
(8) Install screws attaching quarter trim to inner
quarter panel in bolster area.
(9) Install second row seat belt anchor on long
wheel base vehicle. Tighten all seat belt bolts to 39
N´m (29 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install first row seat belt anchor.
(11) Install D-pillar trim panel.
(12) Install C-pillar trim panel.
(13) Install quarter trim bolster.
(14) Install sliding door sill trim panel.
(15) Install second row seat, if equipped.
Fig. 10 LIFTGATE SILL PLATE
1 - LIFTGATE SILL PLATE
2 - LIFTGATE SILL
RSINTERIOR23-79

(16) Install first row seat.
(17) Connect the battery negative cable.
LEFT QUARTER TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Disconnect the negative cable clamp
from battery post. Damage to accessory feed circuit
can result.
(1) Remove first row seat.
(2) Remove second row seat, if equipped.
(3) Remove front door sill plate on three door vehi-
cle.
(4) Remove sliding door sill plate on four door
vehicle.
(5) Remove left quarter trim bolster.
(6) Remove C-pillar trim panel.
(7) Remove left D-pillar trim panel.
(8) Remove first row seat belt anchor.
(9) Remove second row seat belt anchor on long
wheel base vehicle.
(10) Remove screws attaching quarter trim to
quarter panel from bolster area.
(11) Remove screws attaching rear edge of quarter
trim to attaching bracket or inner quarter trim
panel.
(12) Disconnect wire connector from accessory
power outlet, if equipped.
(13) Remove quarter trim from quarter panel.
(14) Pass front seat belt and turning loop through
slot in quarter trim panel on three door vehicle.
(15) Pass first row seat belt through slot in quar-
ter trim panel.
(16) Pass second row seat belt, if equipped,
through slot in quarter trim panel on long wheel
base vehicle.
(17) Remove quarter trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position quarter trim panel on vehicle.
(2) Pass second row seat belt, if equipped, through
slot in quarter trim panel on long wheel base vehicle.
(3) Pass first row seat belt through slot in quarter
trim panel.
(4) Connect wire connector into accessory power
outlet, if equipped.
(5) Align locating pins on backside of trim panel to
mating holes in inner panels.
(6) Position quarter trim panel on inner quarter
panel.
(7) Install screws attaching rear edge of quarter
trim to attaching bracket or inner quarter panel.
(8) Install screws attaching quarter trim to inner
quarter panel in bolster area.(9) Install second row seat belts anchor on long
wheel base vehicle. Tighten all seat belt bolts to 39
N´m (28 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install first row seat belt anchor.
(11) Install left D-pillar trim panel.
(12) Install C-pillar trim panel.
(13) Install upper left B-pillar trim on three door
vehicle.
(14) Install left quarter trim bolster.
(15) Install front door sill plate on three door vehi-
cle.
(16) Install sliding door sill plate on four door
vehicle.
(17) Install second row seat, if equipped.
(18) Install first row seat.
(19) Connect the battery negative cable.
REAR HEADER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Disengage hidden clips holding trim to rear
header (Fig. 11).
(2) Separate rear header trim from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place rear header trim in position on vehicle.
(2) Align guide pins on trim to holes in header.
(3) Engage hidden clips to hold trim to rear
header.
(4) Engage interlock tabs at D-pillar trim.
Fig. 11 REAR HEADER TRIM
1 - REAR HEADER
2 - GUIDE PINS
3 - CLIPS
23 - 80 INTERIORRS
RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position D-pillar trim on vehicle.
(2) Pass second row seat belt, if equipped, through
slot in trim panel on short wheel base vehicle.
(3) Connect speaker wire connector to speaker, if
equipped.
(4) Align locating pins on backside of trim panel to
mating holes in D-pillar.
(5) Engage hidden clips attaching trim to D-pillar.
(6) Install screws attaching trim panel to attach-
ing bracket on short wheel base vehicle.
(7) Install quarter trim bolster on short wheel base
vehicle.
(8) Install bolt to attach second row seat belt, if
equipped, anchor to quarter on short wheel base
vehicle. Tighten all seat belt bolts to 39 N´m (29 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(9) Install second row seat belt turning loop on
long wheel base vehicle.
(10) Install liftgate sill plate.
(11) Install rear header trim cover.
SLIDING DOOR SILL PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Disengage hidden clips holding sill plate to
sliding door opening sill.
(2) Disengage hooks holding outside edge of sill
plate to door sill (Fig. 15).
(3) Remove sill plate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place sill plate in position on vehicle.
(2) Engage hooks to hold outside edge of sill plate
to door sill.
(3) Align guide pins to holes in door sill.
(4) Engage hidden clips to hold sill plate to sliding
door opening sill.(5) Engage interlock tabs at lower B-pillar and
quarter trim panel.
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL
All vehicles with driver and passenger side air
bags must have a colored coded five Bullet point air
bag warning label applied to the sun visor, verify
label availability and ensure the label is installed.
(1) Disengage sun visor from center support.
(2) Remove screws attaching sun visor to roof
header (Fig. 16).
(3) Remove sun visor from roof.
(4) If equipped, disconnect illuminated vanity mir-
ror wire connector from body harness.
(5) Remove sun visor from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
All vehicles with driver and passenger side air
bags must have a colored coded five Bullet point air
bag warning label applied to the sun visor, verify
label availability and ensure the label is installed.
(1) Place sun visor in position on vehicle.
(2) Connect illuminated vanity mirror wire connec-
tor into body harness.
(3) Place sun visor in position on roof.
(4) Install screws to hold sun visor to roof header
(Fig. 16).
(5) Engage sun visor into center support.
Fig. 15 SLIDING DOOR SILL PLATE
1 - HOOKS
2 - SILL PLATE
3 - CLIPS
4 - SLIDING DOOR SILL
5 - CLIPS
Fig. 16 SUN VISOR
1 - HEADLINING
2 - SUN VISOR
23 - 82 INTERIORRS
RIGHT D-PILLAR TRIM PANEL (Continued)