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
