
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)

PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement must overlap both panels. The panels
must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The area to be
reinforced should be washed, then sanded. Be sure to
wipe off any excess soap and water when finished.
Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an abrasive
pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with compressed
air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had time
to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
23 - 6 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
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
component, 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.
(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 Pivots
²Ash 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
23 - 12 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

DOOR - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
APPLIQUE
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
DOOR
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDING
REMOVAL ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR B-PILLAR . 17
INSTALLATION ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR
B-PILLAR............................17
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................19INSTALLATION.........................19
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
WATERSHIELD
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
WINDOW CRANK
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL.............................22
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

CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front door trim panel.
(2) Remove front door watershield (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(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.
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.
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)

(2) Position door to vehicle. Verify net pierce nub-
bin is engaged if reusing original hinges. Applies to
body half of hinge only.
(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 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.
(5) Install bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar. Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(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.
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove watershield. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove inner belt molding.(Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FDR INNER BELT
WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
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)

(3) Position glass to gain access to front and rear
regulator lift plates through front and rear access
holes in door panel.
(4) Loosen two screws on regulator clamping glass
(Fig. 6).
(5) Remove glass from regulator lift plates.
(6) Disengage glass from glass run weatherstrip.
(7) Insert front of glass between glass run channel
and outer door panel.
(8) Lift glass upward and out of exterior side of
the opening at top of door (Fig. 7).
(9) Remove glass from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Ensure clamp opening is set to 6 mm (0.2 in.)
front and rear (Fig. 6).
(2) Place glass in window opening with front
inserted between run channel and outer door panel
(Fig. 7).
(3) Lower glass downward into door.
(4) Insert ends of glass into glass run weatherstrip
channels at front and rear of door.
(5) Place glass in position on regulator lift plates.
(6) Roll glass up to level to tie down two glass
clamps and fasten.
(7) Install inner belt molding.(Refer to 23 - BODY/
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR INNER
BELT MOLDING - INSTALLATION)
(8) Verify door glass operation and fit.
(9) Install watershield. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR
- FRONT/WATERSHIELD - INSTALLATION)
FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDING
REMOVAL ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR B-PILLAR
(1) Roll door glass down.
(2) Using a hook tool, pull front door frame close-
out molding from window frame channel.
(3) Remove closeout molding from vehicle.
INSTALLATION ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR
B-PILLAR
(1) Position closeout molding in window frame.
(2) Insert closeout molding into window frame
channel starting at the corners and working inward.
(3) Verify door glass operation.
HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Release front door latch and open door.
(2) Mark hinge foot print on both door and pillar
to aid when installing door.
(3) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(4) Remove bolts attaching front door to door
hinge.
(5) Remove bolts attaching hinge to pillar.
(6) Remove door hinge from vehicle.
Fig. 6 FRONT DOOR GLASS CLIPS
1 - DOOR GLASS
2 - REGULATOR GLASS CLAMP ASSEMBLY
3 - GLASS LIFT PLATE
Fig. 7 FRONT DOOR GLASS
1 - DOOR GLASS
2 - FRONT DOOR
3 - GLASS RUN CHANNEL
RSDOOR - FRONT23-17
DOOR GLASS (Continued)