TIRES/WHEELS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND
WHEEL VIBRATION.....................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL BALANCE......................5
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING..............7
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL ROTATION.....................7
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)....................8
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL).......................8
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL
ASSEMBLY (ALUMINUM WHEEL)..........8
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL
ASSEMBLY (STEEL WHEEL)..............8
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION...........................10
SENSOR - TPM
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
CAUTION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR............................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRE..................13
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES.......13
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES....14
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE
(TEMPORARY).......................14DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE . . . 14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD...............................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS..........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS.........................16
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES.........................16
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE
PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED
OPERATION.........................17
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING..........................17
CLEANING - TIRES.....................18
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL..................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION.........................19
CLEANING
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE.........19
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL.............................19
WHEEL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - REAR
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND WHEEL
VIBRATION
Tire and wheel imbalance, runout and force varia-
tion can cause vehicles to exhibit steering wheel
vibration.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visual inspection of the vehicle is recommended
prior to road testing or performing any other proce-
dure. Raise vehicle on a suitable hoist. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Inspect for the following:
²Verify correct (OEM) wheel and tire, as well as
correct wheel weights. Aluminum wheels require
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-1
unique wheel weights. They are designed to fit the
contour of the wheel (Fig. 1).
²Inspect tires and wheels for damage, mud pack-
ing and unusual wear; correct as necessary.
²Check and adjust tire air pressure to the pres-
sure listed on the label attached to the rear face of
the driver's door.
ROAD TEST
Road test vehicle on a smooth road for a least five
miles to warm tires (remove any flat spots). Lightly
place hands on steering wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00
positions while slowly sweeping up and down from 90
to 110 km/h (55 to 70 mph) where legal speed limits
allow.
Observe the steering wheel for:
²Visual Nibble (oscillation: clockwise/counter-
clockwise, usually due to tire imbalance)
²Visual Buzziness (high frequency, rapid vibra-
tion up and down)
To rule out vibrations due to brakes or powertrain:
²Lightly apply brakes at speed; if vibration occurs
or is enhanced, vibration is likely due to causes other
than tire and wheel assemblies.
²Shift transmission into neutral while vibration
is occurring; if vibration is eliminated, vibration is
likely due to causes other than tire and wheel assem-
blies.
For brake vibrations, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For powertrain vibrations, (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
For tire and wheel assembly vibrations, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
(1) Balance the tire and wheel assemblies as nec-
essary following the wheel balancer manufacturer's
instructions and using the information listed in Stan-
dard Procedure - Tire And Wheel Balance. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Road test the vehicle for at least 5 miles, fol-
lowing the format described in Road Test.
(3) If the vibration persists, continue with this
diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT/MATCH MOUNTING
(1)System Radial Runout.This on-the-vehicle
system check will measure the radial runout includ-
ing the hub, wheel and tire.
(a) Raise vehicle so tires clear floor. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(b) Apply masking tape around the circumfer-
ence of the tire in the locations to be measured
(Fig. 2). Do not overlap the tape.
(c) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. System radial runout should
not exceed 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) with no tread
ªdipsº or ªsteps.º Tread ªdipsº and ªstepsº can be
identified by spikes of the dial indicator gauge.
²Tread9dips9; Rapid decrease then increase in
dial indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of
tread circumference.
²Tread9steps9; Rapid decrease or increase in dial
indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of tread
circumference.
(d) If system runout is excessive, re-index the
tire and wheel assembly on the hub. Remove
assembly from vehicle and install it back on the
hub two studs over from original mounting posi-
tion. If re-indexing the tire and wheel assembly
corrects or reduces system runout, check hub
runout and repair as necessary (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(e) If system runout is still excessive, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
(2)Tire and Wheel Assembly Radial Runout.
This radial runout check is performed with the tire
and wheel assembly off the vehicle.
(a) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle
and install it on a suitable wheel balancer.
Fig. 1 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
(3) Place the wheel cover on the wheel in the fol-
lowing fashion:
(a) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel.
(b) At the same time, align the two holes in the
wheel cover having the retaining tabs with the two
installed wheel nuts (Fig. 15).
(c) Press in on center of wheel cover until wheel
cover retaining tabs push past and engage rear of
previously installed wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 15).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.(4) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 12).
(5) Progressively tighten all five wheel mounting
nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 16). Tighten wheel
nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
DESCRIPTION
Some versions of this vehicle are equipped with
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM). TPM monitors air
pressure in the four road tires. The system alerts the
driver when tire pressure in any of the four road
wheels falls below a predetermined threshold (pres-
sure too low).
Depending on optional equipment, a vehicle may
have four or five sensors (fifth sensor located in spare
wheel). Although a pressure sensor may be present in
the spare tire wheel of the five sensor system, pres-
sure in the spare tire is not monitored.
There are two systems available, Base and Pre-
mium. The Base system offers an indicator lamp,
warning the driver of a pressure issue. An audible
chime also sounds once when a pressure issue occurs.
In addition to these features, the Premium system
offers an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) display of information.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the appropriate diagnostic information.
Fig. 14 TWO WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS INSTALLED
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - HUB PILOT
4 - NUTS
Fig. 15 WHEEL COVER INSTALLATION OVER TWO
NUTS
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 16 NUT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
OPERATION
The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system uses
radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pres-
sure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit a low frequency indi-
cating their individual pressure to a receiver located
in the Wireless Control Module (WCM) portion of the
Sentry Key Remote Electronic Entry Module
(SKREEM). These transmissions occur approximately
once every minute at speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Tire Pressure Monitoring system remains active
even if no tire pressure related message is displayed.
The sensors lay dormant (Park Mode), then wake
and start transmitting (Drive Mode) when the vehicle
first reaches speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). Once the
wheels stop rotating for a period of approximately 30
minutes, the sensors shut down until again awaken.
Although not transmitting as when in Drive Mode,
while in Park Mode, the sensors still transmit
approximately once every 13 hours to let the receiver
know air pressure status at that time.
The receiver only receives information from the
four rotating tires. A fifth sensor may be located in
the spare tire wheel, depending on vehicle options.
Although this fifth sensor may be present, it does not
broadcast any information because it does not rotate.
When the system detects that a tire is going low,
below the Low Pressure (lamp) ON Threshold (See
following table), the driver is alerted to the situation.
The Base system illuminates an indicator lamp,
warning the driver of a pressure issue and sounds an
audible chime. In equipped with the Premium sys-
tem, the information is also displayed on the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Once pressure in the suspect tire raises above the
Low Pressure (lamp) OFF Threshold, the lamp will
go out and the system returns to normal.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Placard Pressure (Cold) 36 PSI (248 kPa)
Low Pressure OFF Threshold 33 PSI (228 kPa)
Low Pressure ON Threshold 28 PSI (193 kPa)
SENSOR - TPM
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing, one tire pressure sensor is mounted to each road
wheel (Fig. 18), and depending on factory wheel
options, a sensor may be located in the spare tire
wheel. Both aluminum and steel wheels are used in
this system, although sensors for one type wheel can-
not be used in the other type wheel.Each sensor has an internal battery that lasts up
to 10 years. The battery is not serviceable. At the
time of battery failure, the sensor must be replaced.
The serviceable components of the tire pressure sen-
sor are:
²Sensor-To-Wheel Grommet
²Valve Stem Cap
²Valve Stem Core
Valve stem caps and cores are specifically designed
for the tire pressure monitoring sensors. Although
similar to standard valve stem caps and cores, they
are different.
CAUTION: Do not use a standard valve stem cap or
core in a tire pressure sensor. Always use the orig-
inal equipment style sensor cap and core.
CAUTION: Do not reuse the Sensor-To-Wheel Grom-
met. Always use a new grommet when installing a
pressure sensor and properly torque the sensor
nut.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in an aftermarket wheel. Use only in original
style factory wheels.
OPERATION
The battery operated tire pressure sensors lay dor-
mant (Park Mode), then wake and start transmitting
(Drive Mode) when the vehicle first reaches speeds
over 20 mph (32 km/h). Once the wheels stop rotat-
ing for a period of approximately 30 minutes, the
sensors shut down until again awaken. Although not
transmitting as when in Drive Mode, while in Park
Mode, the sensors still transmit approximately once
every 13 hours to let the receiver know air pressure
status at that time.
Each sensor transmits tire pressure data approxi-
mately once every minute. Each sensor's (transmit-
ter) broadcast is uniquely coded so that the wireless
control module (WCM) can monitor the state of each
of the sensors on the four rotating road wheels. The
WCM (located in the SKREEM) automatically learns
and stores the sensor's ID while driving after a sen-
sor has been replaced. There is no retraining neces-
sary.
The receiver only receives information from the
four rotating tires. A fifth sensor may be located in
the spare tire wheel, depending on vehicle options.
Although this fifth sensor may be present, it does not
broadcast any information because it does not rotate.
For additional information, refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information.
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING (Continued)
CAUTION
CAUTION: The use of tire sealants is strictly prohib-
ited for vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring system. Tire sealants can clog tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps
and cores are specially designed for the sensors.
Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard
valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in
place of the original equipment style sensor cap
and core.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use
tire pressure sensors in original style factory
wheels only.
NOTE: TPM thresholds have been established for
the original tire size equipped on the vehicle. Use
original size tires only to maintain system accuracy.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR
NOTE: Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Do
NOT reduce this normal pressure build up.
If a fault in the system is detected, always check
air pressure in the tires first with a known accurate
air gauge and correct the inflation pressure. If any
tire is low, inspectallthe tires.
If the gauge-read pressure in the tires does not
indicate a tire pressure issue, refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: The cap used on this valve stem con-
tains an O-ring seal to prevent contamination and
moisture from entering the valve stem. Retain this
valve stem cap for reuse. Do not substitute a regu-
lar valve stem cap in its place.
CAUTION: The valve stem used on this vehicle is
made of aluminum and the core is nickel plated
brass. The original valve stem core must be rein-
stalled and not substituted with a valve stem core
made of a different material. This is required to pre-
vent corrosion in the valve stem caused by the dif-
ferent metals.(2) Dismount tire from wheel following tire
changer manufacturers instructions while paying
special attention to the following to avoid damaging
the pressure sensor:
(a) When breaking the tire bead loose from the
wheel rim, avoid using the Bead Breaker in the
area of the sensor. That includes both front and
rear beads of the tire.
(b) When preparing to dismount the tire from
the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/dimount-
ing tool at the valve stem 10É (Fig. 17), then pro-
ceed to dismount the tire from the wheel. Use this
process on both the upper and lower tire beads.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, remove special nut
retaining sensor to wheel (Fig. 18).
(4) Remove sensor from wheel (Fig. 18).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before reinstalling a tire pressure sensor,
replace sealing grommet at base of valve stem.
(1) Wipe area clean where sensor sealing grommet
contacts wheel. Make sure surface of wheel is not
damaged.
(2) Install sensor in wheel as shown (Fig. 18). Do
not attempt to mount sensor otherwise, damage may
occur.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, install special sensor
nut (Fig. 18). Tighten nut to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.)
torque.
Fig. 17 Start Mount/Dismount Tool Within 10
Degrees Of Valve Stem
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-11
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 22).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 22).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 23).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The specified tire pressures have been chosen to
provide safe operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth
ride. The proper tire pressure specification can be
found on the Tire Inflation Pressure Label provided
with the vehicle (usually on the driver's side B-pil-
lar).A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire air pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked cold once per month. Check tire pressure
more frequently when the weather temperature var-
ies widely. Tire pressure will decrease when the out-
door temperature drops. After checking the air
pressure, replace valve cap finger tight.
Fig. 22 Tire Wear Patterns
Fig. 23 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
22 - 16 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION....1
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS........................1
WIND NOISE..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 9
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................10
BODY LUBRICATION...................12
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................13DOOR - FRONT.........................14
DOORS - SLIDING.......................24
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE.......40
EXTERIOR.............................45
HOOD.................................62
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................65
INTERIOR..............................78
PAINT................................100
SEATS...............................102
STATIONARY GLASS....................161
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................166
SUNROOF.............................169
BODY STRUCTURE.....................177
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
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
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 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 not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
23 - 2 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)