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BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS ..... 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS .............................. 2
WIND NOISE ................................ 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
BODY LUBRICATION ......................... 4
HEAT STAKING .............................. 4
BUZZ, SQUEAK & RATTLE ................... 4
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR ............... 5
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE ................................... 14
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY ...................................... 16TA I L G AT E..............................17
DOOR - FRONT.........................28
DOORS - REAR.........................56
EXTERIOR.............................86
HOOD................................126
INSTRUMENT PANEL....................138
INTERIOR.............................176
PA I N T................................215
SEATS...............................221
STATIONARY GLASS....................256
SUNROOF - SERVICE INFORMATION.......270
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................300
WINCH...............................320
BODY STRUCTURE.....................361
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BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: Use an OSHA approved breathing filter when spraying paint or solvents in a confined area. Per-
sonal injury can result.
Avoidprolongedskincontactwithpetroleumoralcohol–basedcleaningsolvents. 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 components. Damage to vehicle canresult.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible material on the interior ofvehicle 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 electrical 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 finish
or color can result.
Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WAT E R L E A K S
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper body component alignment, body seam porosity, missing
plugs, or blocked drain holes. Centrifugal 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 highpressure washing or hard driving rain
(severe) conditions. Overcompensating on door or glass adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under severe
conditions can cause premature sealwear 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 sealing 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.
Ifaleakoccurswiththevehicleparkedinasteadylightrain,floodtheleak area with an open-ended garden
hose.
If 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.
If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an incline, hoist the end or sideofthevehicletosimulatethis
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
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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 vehicle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - 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 interior 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 willshow 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 adistance from the entry point. Mostwater leaks of this type become appar-
ent 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 gainvisual 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 luggage compartment inspect around seals and body seams. If neces-
sary, have a helper direct a drop light over the suspected leak areas aroundthe luggage compartment. If light is
visible through a normally sealed location, water could enter through theopening.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compartment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize the passenger
compartment and soap test exterior ofthe vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compartment, 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
solution 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 component
alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs in the engine compartmentor 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 noticed in the passenger com-
partment 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 beforereturning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and body components are aligned and sealed. If component alignment
or sealing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of this group forproper procedures.
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 vehicle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied, remove tape, locate,
and repair defect.
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POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
Moldings standing away from body surface can catch wind and whistle.
Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
Misaligned movable components.
Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
Weld burn through holes.
Improperly installed roof rack cross bars.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
BODY LUBRICATION
All mechanisms and linkages should be lubricated when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation and provide
protection against rust and excessive wear. The weatherstrip seals should be lubricated to prolong their life as well
as to improve door sealing.
All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operating mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned. Pivot/sliding con-
tact areas on the mechanisms should then be lubricated.
1. When necessary, lubricate the operating mechanisms with the specifiedlubricants.
2. Apply silicone lubricant to a clothand wipe it on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil passenger’s cloth-
ing.
3. Before applying lubricant, the component should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess lubricant should be
removed.
4. The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch striker, and safety latch should be lubricated periodically.
5. The door lock cylinders should be lubricated twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Apply a small amount to the key and insert it into the lock cylinder.
Rotate it to the locked position and then back to the unlocked position several times.
Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
HEAT STAKING
1. Remove trim panel.
2. Bend or move the trim panel components at the heat staked joints. Observethe heat staked locations and/or
component seams for looseness.
3. Heat stake the components.
a. If the heat staked or component seam location is loose, hold the two components tightly together and using
a soldering gun with a flat tip, melt the material securing the components together. Do not over heat the
affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
b. Iftheheatstakedmaterialisbrokenormissing,useahotglueguntoapplynewmaterialtotheareatobe
repaired. The panels that are being heat staked must be held together whiletheapplyingtheglue.Oncethe
new material is in place, it may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt the newly applied material. Do
not over heat the affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim panel mayoccur.
4. Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the repair.
5. Install trim panel.
BUZZ, SQUEAK & RATTLE
Buzz, Squeak & Rattles (BSR) may be caused by any one or more of the followingand may be corrected as indi-
cated:
Loose fasteners should be tightened to specifications.
Damaged or missing clips should be replaced.
Damaged trim panels should be replaced.
Incorrectly installed trim panels should be reinstalled properly.
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Many BSR complaints such as loose trim, can be serviced using the MoparParts BSR Noise Reduction Kit. This
kit contains various tapes including foam, flock and anti-squeak used to eliminate noises caused by metal, plastic
and vinyl components. Long life lubricants and greases can also be used on avariety of components. Refer to the
Buzz, Squeak & Rattle Kit table for material contents and usage.
Buzz, Squeak & Rattle Kit
ITEM FEATURES APPLICATIONS SERVICE TEMP
Itch And Squeak
TapeAn abrasion resistant material
thin enough to conform to most
irregular surfaces. Stops most
itches and squeaks.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, metal and
vinyl, vinyl and plastic. Interior.
Examples: Trim panels and
bezels.-40° to 225° F
(-40° to 107° C)
Black Nylon Flock Nylon Flock with an aggressive
acrylic adhesive. Provides for
cushioning and compression fit,
also isolates components.
Water-resistant.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic, vinyl and
plastic.
Examples: Pull cups, bezels,
clips, ducts, top cover to glass,
cowl panel.-40° to 180° F
(-40° to 82° C)
High Density
Urethane FoamTear resistant, highly resilient
and durable.Between metal and metal,
metal and plastic. Water-
resistant.
Examples: I/P, heavy metal
rattles, isolating brackets.-40° to 180° F
(-40° to 82° C)
Open Cell Foam
TapeSoft foam conforms to irregular
surfaces.Wire harness and connector
wrap.
Examples: Seals, gasket,
wiring, heat ducts.-40° to 180° F
(-40° to 82° C)
Closed Cell Low
Density Foam TapeSoft, conformable. Water-
resistant.Wherever bulk is needed.
Prevents closing flutters and
rattles when applied to door
watershield.
Examples: Door, I/P.-40° to 180° F
(-40° to 82° C)
NYE
Grease 880 Long life. Suspensions.
Examples: Strut bushings, sway
bars.-40° to 390° F
(-40° to 200° C)
Krytox
Oil Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.When access is not possible, oil
will migrate to condition. Vinyl,
rubber, plastic, metal.
Examples: Convertible top
bushings, pull cups trim panel
inserts.-30° to 400° F
(-34° to 205° C)
Krytox
Grease Long life. Will not dry out or
harm plastics or rubber.Vinyl, rubber, plastic, metal,
glass.
Examples: Weather-strips,
backlite and windshield
moldings.-30° to 400° F
(-34° to 205° C)
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR
There are many different types of plastics used in today’s automotive environment. We group plastics in three dif-
ferent categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of an adhesion pro-
moter for repair. These types of plastic are used extensively on DaimlerChrysler Motors vehicles. Always follow
repair material manufacturer’s plastic identification and repair procedures.
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Rigid Plastics:
Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods, Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC, ABS, and Poly-
carbonates.
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 thesame. 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 manufacturer’s plastic identi-
fication and repair procedures.
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING:
Eye protection should be used when servicing components. Personal injurycan result.
Use an OSHA approved breathing mask when mixing epoxy, grinding, and spraying paint or solvents in
a confined area. Personal injury can result.
Avoid prolonged skin contact with resin, petroleum, or alcohol based solvents. Personal injury can
result.
Do not venture under a hoisted vehicle that is not properly supported on safety stands. Personal injury
can result.
NOTE:
When holes must be drilled or cut in bodypanels, verify locations of internal body components and elec-
trical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on undamaged painted surfaces around repair areas. Dam-
age to finish can result.
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 STYRENETERLURAN
APILLARS, CONSOLES,
GRILLES
ABS/PC ABS/PC ALLOY PULSE, PROLOY, BAYBLEND DOORS, INSTRUMENT
PA N E L S
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
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CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
METTON METTON METTON GRILLES, KICK PANELS,
RUNNING BOARDS
MPPO MODIFIED
POLYPHENYLENE OXIDEMPPO SPOILER ASSEMBLY
PA POLYAMID ZYTEL, VYDYNE, PA,
MINLONFENDERS, QUARTER
PA N E L S
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,
M, PBTP/EEBC FASCIAS, ROCKER PANEL,
MOLDINGS
PC POLYCARBONATE LEXAN, MERLON, CALIBRE,
MAKROLON PCTAIL LIGHT LENSES, IP TRIM,
VA L A N C E PA N E L S
PC/ABS PC/ABS ALLOY GERMAX, BAY BLENDS,
PULSEDOORS, INSTRUMENT
PA N E L S
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
PA N E L S
PR/FV FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
PLASTICFIBERGLASS, FV, PR/FV BODY PANELS
PS POLYSTYRENE LUSTREX, STYRON, PS DOOR PANELS, DASH
PA N E L S
RTM RESIN TRANSFER
MOLDING COMPOUNDRTM BODY PANELS
SMC SHEET MOLDED
COMPOUNDSMC BODY PANELS
TMC TRANSFER MOLDING
COMPOUNDTMC GRILLES
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