warning CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2003 Service Manual

CAUTION: Use care not to bend tube ends of the
power steering hoses when installing. Leaks and
restrictions may occur.
CAUTION: Power steering fluid hoses must remain
away from the exhaust system and must not come
in contact with any unfriendly surfaces on the vehi-
cle.
(4) Route hose up behind engine toward pump
avoiding tight bends or kinking.
(5) Install power steering pressure hose end into
pump pressure outlet fitting (Fig. 21). Thread tube
nut into outlet fitting, but do not tighten at this time.
(6) Attach pressure hose routing bracket to engine
(Fig. 21). Tighten bolt to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Tighten hose tube nut at pump outlet fitting to
31 N´m (275 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Route hose behind cradle crossmember and
start hose end into gear port. Do not tighten hose
tube nut at this time.
(9) Attach hose to suspension cradle crossmember
and steel reinforcement using two routing clamps
and bolts (Fig. 20). Tighten clamp bolt at steel rein-
forcement to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque. Tighten
clamp bolt at cradle crossmember to 23 N´m (200 in.
lbs.) torque.
(10) Tighten hose tube nut at power steering gear
port to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Fill and bleed the power steering system
using the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation
Procedure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(14) Inspect system for leaks.
HOSE - POWER STEERING
RETURN
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(5) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
power steering fluid.
(6) Cut tie-strap securing insulating heat sleeve to
power steering fluid return hose near power steering
pump. Pull back heat sleeve to expose hose clamp.
(7) Remove clamp, then return hose from power
steering pump (Fig. 19).
(8) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 23).
(9) Remove bolts attaching routing clamps to front
suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 19). Remove
return hose from clamps.
(10) Back out return hose tube nut at power steer-
ing gear and remove hose (Fig. 19).
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -
WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
any draining power steering fluid.
(4) Remove clamp attaching return hose to power
steering fluid reservoir. Disconnect hose from reser-
voir (Fig. 21).
(5) Follow return hose downward and open
retainer at ABS bracket (Fig. 20). Remove hose tube
from retainer.
(6) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(7) Remove front emissions vapor canister. (Refer
to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE
EMISSIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove bolt securing return hose routing
clamp to suspension cradle crossmember (Fig. 20).
(9) Remove 2 bolts attaching power steering cooler
to cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 23).
(10) Disconnect return hose at power steering gear
(Fig. 20).
19 - 48 PUMPRS
HOSE - POWER STEERING PRESSURE (Continued)
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(6) Attach return hose tubes to suspension cradle
crossmember using routing clamp and bolt (Fig. 20).
Tighten clamp bolt to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the power steering fluid cooler on the
cradle crossmember reinforcement (Fig. 23). Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 11 N´m (100 in.
lbs.). When installing mounting bolts, include pres-
sure hose routing clamp.
(8) Tighten hose tube nut at power steering gear
port to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install front emissions vapor canister. (Refer to
25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/EVAPORATIVE EMIS-
SIONS/VAPOR CANISTER - INSTALLATION)
(10) Lower vehicle.
(11) Install return hose tube into retainer on ABS
bracket (Fig. 20). Close the bracket.
(12) Install return hose onto reservoir (Fig. 21).
Slide the hose clamp into position on fluid reservoir
and attach it.Be sure hose clamp in installed
past bead on fluid reservoir fitting.
(13) Fill and bleed power steering system using
the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation Proce-
dure. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(14) Inspect system for leaks.
HOSE - POWER STEERING
SUPPLY
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove filler cap from power steering fluid res-
ervoir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from the power steering
fluid reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Remove hose clamp securing supply hose to
power steering pump, then remove supply hose from
pump fitting.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Remove hose clamp attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to power steering fluid reservoir,
then remove supply hose.
(7) Remove the power steering fluid supply hose
from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
NOTE: Before proceeding, review all WARNINGS
and CAUTIONS. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP -WARNING)(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - CAU-
TION)
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much power
steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid
reservoir.
(3) Place an oil drain pan under vehicle to catch
any draining power steering fluid.
(4) Remove clamp attaching supply hose to power
steering fluid reservoir. Disconnect hose from reser-
voir (Fig. 21).
(5) Pull upward on hose routing clip releasing it
from bracket on cylinder head cover (Fig. 21).
NOTE: It may be necessary to remove air cleaner
housing to gain greater access to supply hose at
power steering pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove clamp attaching supply hose to power
steering pump. Disconnect hose from pump and
remove from vehicle (Fig. 21).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Install and correctly route power steering fluid
supply hose from remote fluid reservoir to power
steering pump.
(2) Install fluid supply hose onto power steering
fluid reservoir. Install hose clamp.Be sure hose
clamp is installed past bead on fluid reservoir
fitting.
(3) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(4) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump supply fitting. Install hose
clamp.Be sure hose clamp is installed past bead
on pump fitting.
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Fill and bleed power steering system using
Power Steering Pump Initial Operation Procedure.
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE)
(7) Inspect system for leaks.
INSTALLATION - 3.3L/3.8L ENGINE
(1) Install supply hose onto supply fitting on power
steering pump (Fig. 21). Slide the hose clamp into
position on fluid reservoir and attach it.Be sure
hose clamp in installed past bead on fluid res-
ervoir fitting.
19 - 50 PUMPRS
HOSE - POWER STEERING RETURN (Continued)
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The transfer shaft should be removed for differen-
tial repair and bearing turning torque checking.
(1) Remove the differential cover and bolts (Fig.
173) (Fig. 174).(2) Remove the differential bearing retainer and
bolts (Fig. 175) (Fig. 176).
(3) Using a plastic hammer, remove extension
housing/adapter plate on the right side of the trans-
axle.
WARNING: HOLD ONTO DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING OUT OF HOUSING.
Fig. 173 Differential Cover Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER BOLTS
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 174 Remove Differential Cover
1 - DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 - DIFFERENTIAL COVER
Fig. 175 Differential Retainer Bolts
1 - DIFFERENTIAL RETAINER BOLTS
Fig. 176 Remove Bearing Retainer
1 - DIFFERENTIAL BEARING RETAINER
2 - TOOL L-4435
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 191
FINAL DRIVE (Continued)
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If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap and the message9SPARE
TIRE IN USE? Y/N9(along with a chime) will be dis-
played.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
High Pressure ON Threshold 48 PSI (331 kPa)
High Pressure OFF Threshold 43 PSI (296 kPa)
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
wheel (Fig. 19). Each sensor has an internal battery
that lasts up to 10 years. The battery is not service-
able. At the time of battery failure, the sensor must
be replaced. The serviceable components of the tire
pressure sensor 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 try to install a tire pressure sen-
sor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use only
in original style factory wheels.
OPERATION
Tire pressure sensors are battery operated. They
transmit tire pressure data once every minute at
speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h) or up to once every
hour when stationary (parked). For additional infor-
mation, refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
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, inspectalltires.
If gauge-read pressure in the tires does not reflect
the reading on the EVIC, retrain the sensors, then
reevaluate (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING/SENSOR - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information for complete diagnosis of the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR RETRAIN
WARNING: DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN
OCCUR IF MAGNETICALLY SENSITIVE DEVICES
ARE EXPOSED TO THE RELEARN MAGNET. MAG-
NETS CAN AFFECT PACEMAKERS.
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING (Continued)
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RCONSTRUCTION
TYPER - RADIAL
B - BIAS BELTED
D - DIAGONAL (BIAS)
16WHEEL DIAMETER SHOWN IN INCHES
97LOAD INDEX *
TSPEED RATING *
* NOTE: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding
any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four
and under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. It is recommended that tires from dif-
ferent manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may be
mixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A
maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is recom-
mended while a temporary spare is in use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi-
cle.
The original equipment tires provide a proper com-
bination of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
The use of tires smaller than the minimum tire
size approved for the vehicle can result in tire over-
loading and failure.
Use tires that have the approved load rating for
the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip
the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capabil-
ity can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehi-
cle control.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed
for emergency use only. The original tire should be
repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at
the first opportunity.
The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be
inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not
exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the tempo-
rary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE
Unusual tire noise can be associated with tire and
wheel vibration or irregular tire wear. For vibration,
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For irregular tire wear, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Cor-
rection Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead
or drift problem.
Fig. 22 Tire Aspect Ratio
1 - SECTIONAL WIDTH
2 - SECTIONAL HEIGHT
22 - 14 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per
square inch (psi) (14 to 41 kPa) during operation. Do
not reduce this normal pressure buildup.
Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
²The vehicle to drift.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN FAIL
SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 25).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 26).STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should not be
driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph).
Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of the
tire. For information on tire identification and speed
ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 27). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
Fig. 25 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 26 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
Fig. 27 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-17
TIRES (Continued)
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white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 28). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps hold the tire in position on the
wheel until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 29).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
All aluminum wheels have wheel mounting (lug)
nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is
necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive runout
²Dents, cracks or irregular bends
²Damaged wheel stud (lug) holes
²Air Leaks
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged, an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they must be equivalent in load
carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset, pilot
hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the same
as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT WITH USED WHEELS IS
NOT RECOMMENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF
THE WHEEL MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREAT-
MENT OR VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
CLEANING - ALUMINUM WHEEL CARE
Chrome plated and painted aluminum wheels
should be cleaned regularly using mild soap and
water to maintain their luster and to prevent corro-
sion.
Fig. 28 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 29 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 18 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION....1
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . 10
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................11
BODY LUBRICATION...................12
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................13DOOR - FRONT.........................14
DOORS - SLIDING.......................24
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE.......39
EXTERIOR.............................44
HOOD.................................59
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................62
INTERIOR..............................72
PAINT.................................83
SEATS................................85
STATIONARY GLASS....................105
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................110
SUNROOF.............................113
BODY STRUCTURE.....................121
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 THATIS 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.
RSBODY23-1
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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 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 vehicle
in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened lug-
gage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage com-
partment. If light is visible through a normally sealed
location, water could enter through the opening.
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.
23 - 2 BODYRS
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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
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.
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 - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR
There are many different types of plastics used in
today's automotive environment. We group plastics in
three different categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and
Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of
an adhesion promoter for repair. These types of plas-
tic are used extensively on DaimlerChrysler Motors
vehicles. Always follow repair material manufactur-
er's plastic identification and repair procedures.
Rigid Plastics:
Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods,
Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC,
ABS, and Polycarbonates.
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 the same. 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 man-
ufacturer's plastic identification and repair
procedures.
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING:
²EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN
SERVICING COMPONENTS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING MASK
WHEN MIXING EPOXY, GRINDING, AND SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
RESIN, PETROLEUM, OR ALCOHOL BASED SOL-
VENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A HOISTED VEHI-
CLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON
SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
NOTE:
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components
and electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on undamaged painted surfaces around repair
areas. Damage to finish can result.
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