
(14) Remove regulator valve spring retainer (Fig.
167).
(15) Remove remaining retainers as shown in (Fig.
168). (16) Remove valves and springs as shown in (Fig.
169).
NOTE: Refer to Valve Body Cleaning and Inspection
for cleaning procedures.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: If valve body assembly is reconditioned, the
PCM/TCM Quick Learn Procedure must be per-
formed. (Refer t o 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(1) Install valves and springs as shown in (Fig.
169). (2) Install regulator valve spring retainer (Fig.
170). (3) Install dual retainer plate using Tool 6301 (Fig.
171).
Fig. 167 Remove Regulator Valve Spring Retainer using Tool 6302
1 - TOOL 6302
2 - RETAINER
Fig. 168 Valve Retainer Location
1 - RETAINER
2 - RETAINER
21s - 212 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERS
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(14) Install Manual Shaft/Rooster Comb and
Transmission Range Sensor (Fig. 182).
(15) Make sure Manual Valve control pin is con-
tained within the rooster comb slot (Fig. 183). Install
Transmission Range Sensor retaining screw (Fig.
183) and torque to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.). (16) Install manual shaft seal (Fig. 184).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If valve body assembly is being replaced or
reconditioned, it is necessary to perform the TCM
Quick Learn Procedure. (Refer t
o 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION
CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(1) Install valve body assembly to transaxle (Fig.
185). Install and torque valve body-to-transaxle case
bolts (Fig. 186) to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
Fig. 182 Install Manual Shaft/Rooster Comb and Transmission Range Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL SHAFT
3 - ROOSTER COMB
Fig. 183 Install Transmission Range Sensor Retaining Screw
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL VALVE CONTROL PIN
3 - RETAINING SCREW
Fig. 184 Manual Shaft Seal
1 - SEAL
2 - MANUAL SHAFT
Fig. 185 Valve Body Removal/Installation
1 - VALVE BODY
RS 41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21s - 217
VALVE BODY (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION....1
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . 10
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................11
BODY LUBRICATION...................12
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................13DOOR - FRONT.........................14
DOORS - SLIDING.......................24
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE.......40
EXTERIOR.............................45
HOOD.................................60
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................63
INTERIOR..............................73
PAINT.................................84
SEATS................................86
STATIONARY GLASS....................108
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................113
SUNROOF.............................116
BODY STRUCTURE.....................124
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Throughout this group, references to the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle family identifi-
cation code are used when describing a procedure
that is unique to that vehicle. Refer to Introduction
Group of this manual for detailed information on
vehicle identification. If a procedure is common to all
vehicles covered in this manual, no reference will be
made to a vehicle family code.
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETRO-
LEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING SOL-
VENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO 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.
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.
Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from the
battery when servicing electrical components that
are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to electri-
cal system can result.
Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage to fin-
ish or color can result.
Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
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
RSBODY23-1

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)

TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the plug and remove screw attaching
door pull cup to inner door panel.
(2) Remove switch bezel and disconnect power win-
dow/memory switch.
(3) Remove screws attaching trim panel to door
from below map pocket.
(4) If equipped, remove window crank. (Refer to 23
- BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW CRANK -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove screw holding door trim to door panel
from behind inside latch release handle.
(6) Disengage clips attaching door trim to door
frame around perimeter of panel.
(7) Lift trim panel upward to disengage flange
from inner belt molding at top of door.
(8) Tilt top of trim panel away from door to gain
access to latch linkage.
(9) Disengage clip attaching linkage rod to inside
latch release handle (Fig. 12).
(10) Separate linkage rod from latch handle.
(11) Disconnect the power door switch, courtesy
lamp electrical connectors.
(12) Remove front door trim panel from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Hold top of trim panel away from door to gain
access to latch linkage.
(2) Place linkage rod in position on latch handle.
(3) Engage clip to hold linkage rod to inside latch
release handle.
Fig. 11 OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE
1 - CLIP
2 - LOCK CYLINDER
3 - KEY CYLINDER TO LATCH LINK
4 - OUTSIDE HANDLE TO LATCH LINK5 - LOCK KNOB LINK
6 - FRONT DOOR
7 - KEY POSITION SWITCH
8 - OUTSIDE HANDLE
Fig. 12 INSIDE DOOR HANDLE LINKAGE
1 - DOOR LATCH HANDLE
2 - DOOR TRIM
3 - LATCH LINKAGE
4 - CLIP
5 - MEMORY SEAT SWITCH
23 - 20 DOOR - FRONTRS
LOCK CYLINDER (Continued)

(4) Place front door trim panel in position on door.
(5) Install trim panel into inner belt molding at
top of door.
(6) Install clips to attach door trim to door frame
around perimeter of panel.
(7) If equipped, install screw to attach door trim to
door panel behind inside latch release handle.
(8) If equipped, connect power switch into wire
connector.
(9) Place power accessary switch in position on
door trim.
(10) Connect wire connector into memory seat/mir-
ror switch and install switch into trim panel.
(11) Install screws to attach accessary switch
panel to door trim.
(12) Install screw cover into switch panel.
(13) If equipped, install window crank.
(14) If equipped, install screws to attach trim
panel to door inside map pocket.
(15) If equipped, install screw to attach door pull
cup to inner door panel.
(16) If equipped, install screws to attach door
assist handle to inner door panel.
(17) Connect wire connector into courtesy lamp.
(18) Install lamp in door trim.
(19) Install switch bezel.
WATERSHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the front door speaker. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - REMOVAL)
(3) Peel watershield away from adhesive around
perimeter of inner door panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insure that enough adhesive remains to
securely retain the water dam. Replace as necessary.
(2) Place the shield into position and press
securely to adhesive making sure to properly route
wiring and linkages.
(3) Install the front door speaker. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/SPEAKER - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install door trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION)
WINDOW CRANK
REMOVAL
(1) Using a window crank removal tool, disengage
clip attaching window crank to regulator shaft (Fig.
13).NOTE: Wrap a shop towel around the window crank
to catch the clip when it springs out.
(2) Pull window crank from regulator shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place the clip on to the window crank handle.
(2) Position window crank to regulator shaft.
(3) Push window crank onto regulator shaft to
engage retaining clip.
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Roll door glass up.
(2) Remove the watershield as necessary to gain
access to the outside door handle. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD -
REMOVAL)
(3) Through access hole at rear of inner door
panel, disconnect Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS) switch connector from door harness, if
equipped.
(4) Disengage push in fasteners attaching VTSS
switch harness to inner door reinforcement bar, if
equipped.
(5) Disengage clip holding door latch linkage to
door latch (Fig. 11).
(6) Remove latch linkage from latch.
(7) Disengage clip holding door lock linkage to
door latch.
(8) Remove lock linkage from latch.
(9) Remove nuts holding outside door handle to
door outer panel.
(10) Remove outside door handle from vehicle.
Fig. 13 WINDOW CRANK - TYPICAL
1 - WINDOW CRANK REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WINDOW CRANK
RSDOOR - FRONT23-21
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

CAUTION: Make note of cable routing and foam
insulator placement. This will prove helpful when
reinstalling replacement cable. Be certain replace-
ment cable is routed and retained correctly.
(7) Trace the inside handle cable along its routing
path and disconnect from its retaining clips.
(8) Disconnect the inside handle cable from the
latch assembly. Gently pry cable sleeve retainer out
of the latch mounting bracket and then unhook
swedged cable end from the latch link.
(9) Remove the inside handle cable from the side
door.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: For power sliding door procedures refer to
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM in the ELECTRI-
CAL section.
(1) Match the replacement cable up against the old
cable to verify the correct part.
(2) Position the inside handle cable on the side
door.
(3) Connect the inside handle cable on the handle
assembly. Hook the swedged cable end on the handle
link and gently push the cable sleeve retainer in the
handle bracket.
(4) Install the inside handle assembly on the side
door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - SLIDING/IN-
SIDE LATCH HANDLE - INSTALLATION)
NOTE: The inside handle cable is marked with blue
tape and must be attached to the latch at the center
(just above the lower cable). This position is
marked with a ªBº on the latch.
(5) Connect the inside handle cable on the latch
assembly. Hook the swedged cable end on the latch
link and gently push the cable sleeve retainer in the
latch bracket.
(6) Trace the inside handle cable along its routing
path and install on its retaining clips and position
foam insulators. Use previously made schematic as a
guide or remove the opposite side door trim panel
and use that door as a guide.
CAUTION: Be certain replacement cable is routed
and retained correctly and foam insulators are
properly positioned.
(7) Install the latch assembly. Refer to the Power
Side Doors section for the procedure.
(8) Place the watershield into position and press
securely to adhesive making sure to properly route
wiring and linkages.(9) Install the appropriate side door trim panel on
the vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - SLIDING/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect the negative battery cable.
HOLD OPEN LATCH CABLE
REMOVAL
NOTE: For power sliding door procedures refer to
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM in the ELECTRI-
CAL section.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate side door trim panel
from the vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS -
SLIDING/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(3) Peel watershield away from adhesive around
perimeter of inner door panel.
(4) Open the side door and remove the latch
assembly. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS/LATCH - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Make note of cable routing and foam
insulator placement. This will prove helpful when
reinstalling replacement cable. Be certain replace-
ment cable is routed and retained correctly.
(5) Trace the hold open latch cable along its rout-
ing path and disconnect from its retaining clips.
(6) Disconnect the hold open latch cable from the
latch assembly. Gently pry cable sleeve retainer out
of the latch mounting bracket and then unhook
swedged cable end from the latch link.
(7) Remove the hold open latch from the side door.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - SLIDING/HOLD
OPEN LATCH - REMOVAL)
(8) Disconnect the hold open latch cable from the
hold open latch. Gently pry cable sleeve retainer out
of the handle bracket and then unhook swedged
cable end from the latch link.
(9) Remove the hold open latch cable from the side
door.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: For power sliding door procedures refer to
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM in the ELECTRI-
CAL section.
(1) Match the replacement cable up against the old
cable to verify the correct part.
(2) Position the hold open latch cable on the side
door.
23 - 38 DOORS - SLIDINGRS
INSIDE HANDLE CABLE (Continued)

DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
LIFTGATE SPOILER
REMOVAL.............................42INSTALLATION.........................42
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
SLAM BUMPER
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................44
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE SIDE.............44
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................44
INSTALLATION - LIFTGATE SIDE.........44
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.
(5) Align hinge to marks on roof header.
(6) Install bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header. Tighten outer two bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.)
torque. The sheet medal screw at center 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.)
(7) Remove duct tape from roof and liftgate.
23 - 40 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATERS