Prop JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G Workshop Manual
Page 1874 of 2199
BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS........................1
WIND NOISE..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRILLING AND
WELDING............................3
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICANTS....................3
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE.............4
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY...............................4DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE........5
DOOR - FRONT.........................11
DOORS - REAR.........................19
EXTERIOR.............................25
HOOD.................................33
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM.............36
INTERIOR..............................69
PAINT.................................81
SEATS................................83
STATIONARY GLASS.....................93
SUNROOF.............................96
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................105
BODY STRUCTURE.....................112
BODY
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
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 Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, General Information
section.
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
WJBODY 23 - 1
Page 1875 of 2199
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 notalways seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
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.
Wind noise can also be caused by improperly fitted
exterior moldings or body ornamentation. Loose
moldings can flutter, creating a buzzing or chattering
noise. An open cavity or protruding edge can create a
whistling or howling noise. Inspect the exterior of the
vehicle to verify that these conditions do not exist.
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 - 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 operat-
ing mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned.
Pivot/sliding contact areas on the mechanisms should
then be lubricated.
(1) When necessary, lubricate the operating mech-
anisms with the specified lubricants.
23 - 2 BODYWJ
BODY (Continued)
Page 1878 of 2199
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
FLIP-UP GLASS
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
FLIP-UP GLASS SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
ADJUSTMENTS
LIFTGATE ADJUSTMENT................9
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL........9
REMOVAL - LOWER LIFTGATE OPENING
TRIM PANEL.........................10
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL . . . 10
INSTALLATION - LOWER LIFTGATE
OPENING TRIM PANEL.................10
LIFTGATE INSULATOR
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the liftgate trim panel refer to (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the latch, outside handle linkage, and
power lock connector.
(3) Remove the fasteners attaching the outside
handle to the liftgate.
(4) Remove the outside handle from the liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the outside handle on the liftgate.
(2) Install the fasteners attaching outside handle
to liftgate.
(3) Connect outside handle link and power lock
connector.
(4) Install liftgate trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23
- BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
FLIP-UP GLASS
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE PROP ROD
CYLINDERS WITH THE LIFTGATE FLIP UP GLASS
CLOSED. THE PROP ROD PISTONS ARE OPER-
ATED BY HIGH PRESSURE GAS. THIS PRESSURE
COULD CAUSE DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL
INJURY IF THEY ARE REMOVED WHILE THE PIS-
TONS ARE COMPRESSED.
(1) Using a trim stick or other suitable device, sep-
arate the flip up glass hinge cover from the hinge on
the liftgate (Fig. 1).
(2) Open liftgate flip up glass. Support the glass
for ease of repair.
(3) Using a small flat blade or equivalent tool, gen-
tly pry open the locking caps on the end of the prop
rods.
(4) Remove prop rod cylinders from ball studs.
(5) Lower the flip up glass.
(6) Remove hinge fasteners from liftgate.
(7) Separate flip up glass from liftgate.
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 5
Page 1879 of 2199
INSTALLATION
(1) Position flip up glass on liftgate.
(2) Install hinge fasteners, hand tight only.
(3) With the glass panel in the fully open position,
fully raised position, push the glass forward to com-
pletely seat the hinges. Tighten hinge fasteners to
6N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Install prop rods on ball studs and compress
locking caps to lock rods on ball studs.
(5) Lower the flip up glass and install the flip up
glass hinge cover.
(6) Check the flip up glass for proper alignment
and latching.
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Open liftgate flip up glass.
(2) Remove the trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove latch (Fig. 2).
(4) Disconnect switch connectors.
(5) Remove latch from liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the latch on the liftgate (Fig. 2).
(2) Connect switch connectors.
(3) Adjust latch to the proper position, and tighten
the fasteners to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
Fig. 1 Flip-Up Glass
1 - FLIP-UP GLASS
2 - HINGE COVER
3 - SUPPORT PROP4 - BUMPER
5 - BUMPER
Fig. 2 Flip-up Glass Latch
1-LATCH
2 - LIFTGATE
23 - 6 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEWJ
FLIP-UP GLASS (Continued)
Page 1880 of 2199
(4) Close flip up glass panel and verify proper
operation.
(5)
Install liftgate trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - INSTALLATION).
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise flip up glass panel.
(2) Mark the position of the handle/striker on the
glass panel.
(3) Remove the screws attaching the handle/striker
to the glass.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the handle/striker on the glass panel
and align the reference marks.
(2) Install the screws attaching the handle/striker
to the glass panel. Tighten the fasteners to 6 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
FLIP-UP GLASS SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove license plate lamp housing/trim panel
from liftgate, refer to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(2) Squeeze the locking tabs inward to release the
switch from the housing.
(3) Disconnect the switch harness connector,
remove the switch from the housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install switch harness connector.(2) Position switch in housing, snap switch into
place.
(3) Install license plate lamp housing/trim panel
onto liftgate, refer to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the liftgate to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Open the liftgate. Support the liftgate for ease
of repair.
(2) Remove the liftgate header trim panel.
(3) Mark the hinge location with a grease pencil or
other suitable device.
(4) Remove the hinge screws (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove hinge.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the liftgate to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Position the hinge on the roof panel and on the
liftgate. (Use 3MŸ Fast and Firm or equivalent on
the hinge to body mating surfaces as a sealant.
(2) Install and tighten hinge screws at roof panel
to 28N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install hinge screws at liftgate. Tighten screws
to 28N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install liftgate header trim panel.
(5) Check the liftgate for proper alignment and
operation.
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 7
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH (Continued)
Page 1882 of 2199
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE SUPPORT ROD
CYLINDERS WITH THE LIFTGATE CLOSED. THE SUP-
PORT ROD PISTONS ARE OPERATED BY HIGH PRES-
SURE GAS. THIS PRESSURE COULD CAUSE DAMAGE
AND /OR PERSONAL INJURY IF THEY ARE REMOVED
WHILE THE PISTONS ARE COMPRESSED.
(1) Open the liftgate. Support the liftgate for ease
of repair.
(2) Remove the liftgate trim panel.
(3) Remove the prop rods from the liftgate.
(4) Unplug the wire harnesses and disconnect the
washer hose.
(5) Mark the hinge location with a wax pencil or
other suitable device (Fig. 5).
(6) Remove the hinge screws and remove liftgate
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the liftgate on the vehicle and align
the witness marks.
(2) Install the hinge screws at liftgate. Tighten
hinge screws to 28N´m (21ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the wire harnesses and the washer
hose.
(4) Install the trim panel.
(5) Install the prop rods.
(6) Close the liftgate and check for proper latching
and alignment.
ADJUSTMENTS
LIFTGATE ADJUSTMENT
The position of the liftgate can be adjusted upward
or downward by the use of slots in the hinge. An
inward or outward adjustment is achieved by use of
slots in the body. If an inward or outward adjustment
is needed, use 3MŸ Fast and Firm or equivalent on
the hinge to body mating surface as a sealant.
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL
NOTE: The liftgate trim panel is attached with
screws and spring clips.
(1) Raise the liftgate.
(2) Remove the screws securing the liftgate trim
panel to the liftgate (Fig. 6).
(3) Disconnect the rear window defroster wires.
(4) Using a trim stick, or other suitable tool, pry
the liftgate trim panel off the liftgate.
Fig. 5 Liftgate
1 - HINGE
2 - LIFTGATE
Fig. 6 Liftgate Trim Panel
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 9
Page 1889 of 2199
ADJUSTMENTS
DOOR LATCH
DOOR LATCH ADJUSTMENT
(1) Locate access hole (Fig. 11).
(2) Insert a 5/32-inch hex-wrench through hole and
into adjustment screw. Loosen screw.
(3) Operate outside handle button several times to
release any restriction because of mis-alignment.
(4) Tighten adjustment screw to 3 N´m (30 in-lbs)
torque.
(5) Test handle button and lock cylinder for proper
operation.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove screws attaching striker to B-pillar.
(2) Separate striker and spacer from B-pillar (Fig.
12).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position striker and spacer on B-pillar.
(2) Install screws attaching striker to B-pillar.
Tighten screws to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig.
12).
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove outside door handle, refer to (Refer to
23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/EXTERIOR HANDLE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove screw securing lock cylinder retainer
to outside door handle (Fig. 13).
(3) Separate lock cylinder from door handle.
(4) Disconnect lock cylinder switch, if equipped.
Fig. 11 Door Latch Adjustment
1 - ACCESS HOLE
2 - DOOR
3 - LATCH MOUNTING BOLTS
4-LATCH
Fig. 12 Front Door Latch Striker
1 - B-PILLAR
2 - SPACER
3 - STRIKER
Fig. 13 Front Door Lock Cylinder
1 - OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE
2 - LOCK CYLINDER
3 - ANTI-THEFT SWITCH
4 - RETAINER
23 - 16 DOOR - FRONTWJ
LATCH (Continued)
Page 1897 of 2199
INSTALLATION
(1) Waterdam contact surface must be free of con-
taminants. Clean as necessary.
(2) Route all harnesses and linkage rods through
waterdam as necessary.
(3) Position waterdam on door and align all holes
(Fig. 10).
(4) Press waterdam on door.
(5) Install door trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
WINDOW REGULATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove waterdam, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the stationary glass, refer to (Refer to
23 - BODY/STATIONARY GLASS/DOOR GLASS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Raise the door glass and support.
(4) Disconnect the speaker harness and power win-
dow harness, if equipped.
(5) Remove the window clips retaining regulator
(Fig. 11).
(6) Remove the door glass.
(7) Remove the fasteners retaining the regulator
(Fig. 12).
(8) Remove the regulator.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the window regulator in the door.
(2) Install the fasteners retaining the regulator
(Fig. 12).
(3) Install the door glass.
(4) Install the window clips retaining regulator
(Fig. 11).
(5) Lower the door glass.
(6) Install the stationary glass, refer to (Refer to
23 - BODY/STATIONARY GLASS/DOOR GLASS -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the power window and speaker har-
ness if equipped.
(8) Install the waterdam, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOORS - REAR/WATERDAM - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Cycle the glass and check for proper operation.
Fig. 11 Window Regulator Retainer Clips
1 - GLASS
2 - RETAINER
3 - CLIP
4 - LIFT PLATE
5 - REGULATOR
6 - CLIP
Fig. 12 Rear Door Window Regulator
1 - DOOR
2 - REGULATOR
23 - 24 DOORS - REARWJ
WATERDAM (Continued)
Page 1901 of 2199
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES
REMOVAL
NOTE: Exterior nameplates are attached to body
panels with adhesive tape.
(1) Apply a length of masking tape on the body,
parallel to the top edge of the nameplate to use as a
guide, if necessary.
(2) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun. Do not exceed 52ÉC
(120ÉF) when heating emblem.
(3) Insert a plastic trim stick or a hard wood
wedge behind the emblem to separate the adhesive
backing from the body.
(4) Clean adhesive residue from body with MOPAR
Super Clean solvent or equivalent.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove protective cover from adhesive tape on
back of emblem.
(2) Position emblem properly on body.(3) Press emblem firmly to body with palm of
hand.
(4) If temperature is below 21ÉC (70ÉF) warm
emblem with a heat lamp or gun to assure adhesion.
Do not exceed 52ÉC (120ÉF) when heating emblem.
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Using a wax crayon or equivalent, mark posi-
tion of fender.
(2) Remove front fender liner.
(3) Pull back fascia and remove screws attaching
fender to fascia.
(4) Remove screws attaching lower fender bracket
located behind fascia.
(5) Remove screws attaching fender to rocker
panel (Fig. 6).
(6) Remove screws attaching rear of fender to
A-pillar brackets.
(7) Open hood.
Fig. 6 Fender Mounting
1 - BODY
2 - FENDER
23 - 28 EXTERIORWJ
Page 1904 of 2199
(4) Remove the screws attaching the supports to
the roof panel.
(5) Separate the supports from the roof panel.
NOTE: If a crossbar needs to be serviced, the for-
ward or rearward supports will have to be removed.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the supports on the roof panel and
install the screw. Be sure that the gasket is properly
seated.
(2) Position the luggage rack on the supports.
(3) Install the screws attaching the side rails to
the supports.
(4) Position the supports covers on the supports
and press into place.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) With damaged mirror still on vehicle, position
mirror glass down and centered.
(2) Position a wide leverage device between the
bottom edge of the glass and the mirror shell.
(3) Firmly apply pressure in an upward direction
until glass assembly disengages from adapter plate.
(4) Disconnect the heater wire terminal, if
equipped, or the EC plug, if equipped.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the heater wire terminal or the EC
plug, if equipped.
(2) Position the replacement glass in the mirror
shell and align the four snap tabs with the four cav-
ities in the shell.
(3) Apply firm pressure inward until the replace-
ment glass assembly engages with the adapter plate.
Correct assembly will result in a firm click. Glass
assembly should exhibit even gaps to the shell when
complete.
(4) Pull lightly on corners of glass assembly to
ensure all four snaps are engaged and there is no
free play.
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Disengage power mirror harness connector, if
equipped.
(3) Remove mirror flag seal.
(4) Remove nuts attaching mirror to door (Fig. 11).
(5) Separate mirror from door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position mirror on door. Verify that gasket seal
is properly positioned.
(2) Install nuts attaching mirror to door (Fig. 11).
(3) Install mirror retaining nuts.
(4) Install mirror flag seal.
(5) Engage power mirror harness connector, if
equipped.
(6) Install door trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
Fig. 11 Side View Mirror
1 - SIDEVIEW MIRROR
2 - MIRROR FLAG SEAL
3 - CONNECTOR
WJEXTERIOR 23 - 31
LUGGAGE RACK (Continued)