light DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

REMOVAL
(1) Using light plier pressure, squeeze the clips
together at the rear of the trough.
(2) Slide the trough over the retaining pin that
locates the trough in the case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reverse removal procedure to install oil feed
trough.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
TRANSAXLE
Clean the gears, bearings, shafts, synchronizers,
thrust washers, oil feeder, shift mechanism, gear
case, and bellhousing with solvent. Dry all parts
except the bearings with compressed air. Allow the
bearings to either air dry or wipe them dry with
clean shop towels.
Inspect the gears, bearings, shafts and thrust
washers. Replace the bearings and cups if the rollers
are worn, chipped, cracked, flat spotted, or brin-
nelled, or if the bearing cage is damaged or distorted.
Replace the thrust washers if cracked, chipped, or
worn. Replace the gears if the teeth are chipped,
cracked, or worn thin. Inspect the synchronizers.
Replace the sleeve if worn or damaged in any way.
Replace the stop rings if the friction material is
burned, flaking off, or worn. Check the condition of
the synchro keys and springs. Replace these parts if
worn, cracked, or distorted.
SYNCHRONIZER
CLEAN
Do not attempt to clean the blocking rings in sol-
vent. The friction material will become contaminated.
Place synchronizer components in a suitable holder
and clean with solvent. Air dry.
INSPECT
Proper inspection of components involve:
²Teeth, for wear, scuffed, nicked, burred, or bro-
ken teeth
²Keys, for wear or distortion
²Balls and springs, for distortion, cracks, or wear
If any of these conditions exist in these compo-
nents, replace as necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CROSSOVER CABLE
(1) Remove shift console from vehicle.
(2) Loosen adjusting screw on crossover cable at
shifter (Fig. 136).(3) Pin transaxle crossover lever in 3-4 neutral
position using a 1/4 inch drill bit. Align hole in cross-
over lever with the hole in the boss on the transaxle
case (Fig. 137). Be sure drill bit goes into transaxle
case at least one±half inch.
(4) The shifter is spring±loaded and self±centering.
Allow shifter to rest in its neutral position. Torque
adjustment screw to 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.). Care must be
taken to avoid moving the shift mechanism off-center
during screw tightening.
(5) Remove drill bit from transaxle case and per-
form functional check by shifting transaxle into all
gears.
(6) Reinstall center shift console. Blouse boot out
around console. Seat boot lip on top of console.
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
GENERAL RULES ON SERVICING BEARINGS
(1) Use extreme care when removing and install-
ing bearing cups and cones. Use only an arbor press
Fig. 136 Crossover Cable Adjustment Screw
Fig. 137 Crossover Lever Pin Procedure
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 35
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(8) Recheck fluid level after transaxle is at normal
operating temperature. The level should be in the
HOT region.
ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum tran-
saxle case and valve body can be repaired by the use
of Heli-Coils. This repair consists of drilling out the
worn-out or damaged threads. Then tap the hole with
a Heli-Coil tap, and install a Heli-Coil insert into the
hole. This brings the hole back to its original thread
size.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from most automotive parts suppliers.
FLUSHING COOLERS AND TUBES
When a transaxle failure has contaminated the
fluid, the oil cooler(s) must be flushed. The cooler
bypass valve in the transaxle must be replaced also.
The torque converter must also be replaced with an
exchange unit. This will ensure that metal particles
or sludged oil are not later transferred back into the
reconditioned (or replaced) transaxle.
The recommended procedure for flushing the cool-
ers and tubes is to use Tool 6906A Cooler Flusher.
WARNING: WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR THAT
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF OSHA AND ANSI
Z87.1±1968. WEAR STANDARD INDUSTRIAL RUB-
BER GLOVES.
KEEP LIGHTED CIGARETTES, SPARKS, FLAMES,
AND OTHER IGNITION SOURCES AWAY FROM THE
AREA TO PREVENT THE IGNITION OF COMBUSTI-
BLE LIQUIDS AND GASES. KEEP A CLASS (B) FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN THE AREA WHERE THE
FLUSHER WILL BE USED.
KEEP THE AREA WELL VENTILATED.
DO NOT LET FLUSHING SOLVENT COME IN CON-
TACT WITH YOUR EYES OR SKIN: IF EYE CONTAM-
INATION OCCURS, FLUSH EYES WITH WATER FOR
15 TO 20 SECONDS. REMOVE CONTAMINATED
CLOTHING AND WASH AFFECTED SKIN WITH
SOAP AND WATER. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
COOLER FLUSH USING TOOL 6906A
(1) Remove cover plate filler plug on Tool 6906A.
Fill reservoir 1/2 to 3/4 full of fresh flushing solution.
Flushing solvents are petroleum based solutions gen-
erally used to clean automatic transmission compo-
nents.DO NOTuse solvents containing acids, water,
gasoline, or any other corrosive liquids.
(2) Reinstall filler plug on Tool 6906A.
(3) Verify pump power switch is turned OFF. Con-
nect red alligator clip to positive (+) battery post.
Connect black (-) alligator clip to a good ground.
(4) Disconnect the cooler lines at the transmission.NOTE: When flushing transmission cooler and
lines, ALWAYS reverse flush.
(5) Connect the BLUE pressure line to the OUT-
LET (From) cooler line.
(6) Connect the CLEAR return line to the INLET
(To) cooler line
(7) Turn pump ON for two to three minutes to
flush cooler(s) and lines. Monitor pressure readings
and clear return lines. Pressure readings should sta-
bilize below 20 psi. for vehicles equipped with a sin-
gle cooler and 30 psi. for vehicles equipped with dual
coolers. If flow is intermittent or exceeds these pres-
sures, replace cooler.
(8) Turn pump OFF.
(9) Disconnect CLEAR suction line from reservoir
at cover plate. Disconnect CLEAR return line at
cover plate, and place it in a drain pan.
(10) Turn pump ON for 30 seconds to purge flush-
ing solution from cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(11) Place CLEAR suction line into a one quart
container of Mopar ATF Plus 3ttype 7176 automatic
transmission fluid.
(12) Turn pump ON until all transmission fluid is
removed from the one quart container and lines. This
purges any residual cleaning solvent from the trans-
mission cooler and lines. Turn pump OFF.
(13) Disconnect alligator clips from battery. Recon-
nect flusher lines to cover plate, and remove flushing
adapters from cooler lines.
OIL PUMP VOLUME CHECK
After the new or repaired transmission has been
installed, fill to the proper level with Mopar ATF
PLUS 3 (Type 7176) automatic transmission fluid.
The volume should be checked using the following
procedure:
(1) Disconnect theFrom coolerline at the trans-
mission and place a collecting container under the
disconnected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat curb idle speed, with the
shift selector in neutral.
(3) If fluid flow is intermittent or it takes more
than 20 seconds to collect one quart of ATF, discon-
nect theTo Coolerline at the transaxle.
(4) Refill the transaxle to proper level and recheck
pump volume.
(5) If flow is found to be within acceptable limits,
replace the cooler. Then fill transmission to the
proper level, using Mopar ATF PLUS 3 (Type 7176)
automatic transmission fluid.
21 - 58 TRANSAXLEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

CAUTION: When reinstalling driveshafts, new drive-
shaft retaining clips must be used. Do not reuse old
clips. Failure to use new clips may result in disen-
gagement of inner constant±velocity joint.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.
(14) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(15) Remove transaxle to rear lateral bending
strut from engine and transaxle (Fig. 28).
(16) Remove front engine bracket through±bolt.
Remove front engine bracket bolts (Fig. 29).
(17) Remove lower starter bolt (Fig. 30).
(18) Remove lower dust shield screw.
(19) Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to con-
verter bolts (Fig. 31). Remove torque converter bolts
(Fig. 32). Mark converter to flex plate for reassembly
ease.
(20) Support transaxle with a transmission jack.
(21) Remove left mount through±bolt (Fig. 33).
Remove left mount bolts from transaxle (Fig. 34).
(22) Remove left transaxle mount from transaxle.
(23) Remove rear engine bolt at transaxle.
(24) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels. Disen-
gage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach a
small C-clamp to edge of bellhousing. This will
hold torque converter in place during transaxle
removal.Lower transaxle and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install transaxle, reverse removal procedure.(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 7176.
(5) Verify that vehicle's back-up lights and speed-
ometer are functioning properly.
Fig. 28 Bracket Removal
Fig. 29 Front Engine Bracket
Fig. 30 Starter Bolts
21 - 66 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

ASSEMBLY
When rebuilding, reverse the above procedure.
VALVE BODY RECONDITION
NOTE: Tighten all valve body screws to 5 N´m (40
in. lbs.)
Do not clamp any portion of valve body or transfer
plate in a vise. Any slight distortion of the aluminum
body or transfer plate will result in sticking valves,
excessive leakage, or both.When removing or
installing valves or plugs, slide them in or out
carefully. Do not use force.
NOTE: TAG ALL SPRINGS AS THEY ARE
REMOVED FOR REASSEMBLY IDENTIFICATION.
Fig. 69 Detent Spring Attaching Screw and Spring
Fig. 70 Using Tool L-4553 on Valve Body Screw
Fig. 71 Remove or Install Valve Body Screws
Fig. 72 Transfer Plate and Separator Plate
Fig. 73 Steel Ball Locations
21 - 74 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

ASSEMBLY
To reassemble, reverse the above procedure.MEASURING PLATE CLEARANCE
REAR CLUTCH-RECONDITION
INSPECTION
Inspect facing material on all driving discs.
Replace discs that are charred, glazed, or heavily pit-
ted. Discs should also be replaced if they show evi-
dence of material flaking off, or if facing material can
be scraped off easily. Inspect driving disc splines for
wear or other damage. Inspect steel plate and pres-
sure plate surface for burning, scoring, or damaged
driving lugs. Replace if necessary. Inspect plates and
discs for flatness; they must not be warped or cone-
shaped.
Inspect steel plate lug grooves in clutch retainer
for smooth surfaces; plates must travel freely in the
grooves. Note ball check in piston; be sure ball moves
freely. Inspect seal rings surfaces in clutch retainer
for nicks or deep scratches; light scratches will not
interfere with sealing of the seals. Inspect Neoprene
seal rings for deterioration, wear, and hardness.
Fig. 89 Thick Steel Plate and Waved Snap Ring
Fig. 90 Front Clutch (4-Disc Shown)
Fig. 91 Front Clutch Return Spring Snap Ring
Fig. 92 Front Clutch Return Spring and Piston
Fig. 93 Measuring Front Clutch Plate Clearance
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 79
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

To remove the differential bearing cup from the
extension housing/adapter side, use Special Tool
6062A, Remover. To install the differential bearing
cup on the extension housing/adapter side, use Spe-
cial Tool 6536, Driver and Special Tool C-4171, Han-
dle.
DETERMINING SHIM THICKNESS
Shim thickness need be determined only if any of
the following parts are replaced:
²Transaxle case
²Differential carrier
²Differential bearing retainer
²Extension housing
²Differential bearing cups and cones
Refer to Bearing Adjustment Procedure in rear of
this section to determine proper shim thickness.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
VALVE BODY
Allow all parts to soak a few minutes in a suitable
clean solvent. Wash thoroughly and blow dry with
compressed air. Be sure all passages are clean and
free from obstructions.
Inspect manual and throttle valve operating levers
and shafts for being bent, worn or loose. If a lever is
loose on its shaft, it should be replaced. Do not
attempt to straighten bent levers.
Inspect all mating surfaces for burrs, nicks and
scratches. Minor blemishes may be removed with cro-
cus cloth, using only a very light pressure. Using a
straightedge, inspect all mating surfaces for warpage
or distortion. Slight distortion may be corrected,
using a surface plate. Be sure all metering holes in
steel plate are open. Using a penlight, inspect bores
in valve body for scores, scratches, pits, and irregu-
larities.
Inspect all valve springs for distortion and col-
lapsed coils. Inspect all valves and plugs for burrs,
nicks, and scores. Small nicks and scores may be
removed with crocus cloth, providing extreme care is
taken not to round off sharp edges. The sharpness of
these edges is vitally important. It prevents foreign
matter from lodging between valve and valve body.
This reduces the possibility of sticking. Inspect all
valves and plugs for freedom of operation in valve
body bores.
When bores, valves, and plugs are clean and dry,
the valves and plugs should fall freely in the bores.
The valve body bores do not change their dimensions
with use. Therefore, a valve body that was function-
ing properly when vehicle was new, will operate cor-
rectly if it is properly and thoroughly cleaned. There
is no need to replace a valve body unless it is dam-
aged in handling.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position
Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper link-
age adjustment.
Move the selector level slowly forward until it
clicks into the PARK (P) position. The starter should
operate.
After checking the (P) position, move selector
slowly toward the NEUTRAL (N) position until lever
drops in the (N) position. If the starter will operate
also at this point, the gearshift linkage is properly
adjusted. If the starter fails to operate in either posi-
tion, linkage adjustment is required.
Fig. 194 Remove Bearing Cup
Fig. 195 Install Bearing Cup
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 99
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

ADJUSTMENT
(1) Set parking brake.
(2) Remove floor console. Refer to Group 23, Body.
(3) Place gearshift lever in the (PARK) (P) posi-
tion.
(4) Push down on the tab and unsnap the collar at
the shifter cable to allow the cable to be adjusted
(Fig. 196).
(5) Move the gearshift lever on the transaxle to
the PARKposition.
(6) Verify the shift lever and transaxle are in the
PARK position. Rotate collar on the shift cable
adjuster end up until it seats against the plastic
housing. NOTE: If the collar will not rotate to the
fully detented lock position, rotate the collar back to
its initial unlocked position. Position the ATX in the
gated PARK position. Apply a slight load to the shift
lever, fore or aft in vehicle, while simultaneously
rotating the collar upward to the LOCK position. The
collar must seat against the plastic housing to
achieve the required detented lock position. The gear-
shift linkage should now be properly adjusted.
Check adjustment as follows:
(7) Detent position for NEUTRAL and DRIVE
should be within limits of hand lever gate stops.
(8) Key start must occur only when the shift lever
is in PARK or NEUTRAL positions.
THROTTLE PRESSURE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The throttle pressure cable adjustment is very
important to proper transaxle operation. This adjust-
ment positions a valve which controls shift speed,
shift quality, and part throttle downshift sensitivity.
If the setting is too long, early shifts and slippage
between shifts may occur. If the setting is too short,
shifts may be delayed and part throttle downshifts
may be very sensitive.(1) Perform transaxle throttle pressure cable
adjustment while engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
(2) Release cross-lock on the cable assembly (pull
cross-lock upward) see (Fig. 197).
(3) To ensure proper adjustment, the cable must be
free to slide all the way toward the engine, against
its stop, after the cross-lock is released.
(4) Move transaxle throttle control lever fully
clockwise, against its internal stop, and press cross-
lock downward into locked position.
The adjustment is complete and transaxle throttle
cable backlash was automatically removed.
Test cable freedom of operation by moving the
transaxle throttle lever forward (counterclockwise).
Then slowly release it to confirm it will return fully
rearward (clockwise).
No lubrication is required for any component of the
throttle cable system.
SHIFTER/IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM
If ignition switch cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, with shifter in PARK, an adjustment of the
Interlock System may be required. To adjust Shifter/
Ignition Interlock System, follow procedure listed
below.
(1) Disconnect and isolate, the battery negative (-)
cable from the vehicle battery.
(2) Remove console assembly. Refer to Group 23,
Body.
(3) Remove the gearshift knob set screw and knob.
(4) Remove the screws retaining the gearshift indi-
cator bezel and remove bezel and indicator lamp.
(5) Reinstall the gearshift knob.
(6) Place shifter in PARK.
(7) Turn ignition switch to the LOCK or ACCES-
SORY position. If cable has lost its adjustment, man-
ually position cable to get key into LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Grasp slug on interlock cable
Fig. 196 Gearshift Cable Adjustment
Fig. 197 Throttle Pressure Cable Adjuster Lock
21 - 100 TRANSAXLEPL
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
REMOVE
NOTE: When unthreading the wheel cover retaining
nuts (Fig. 11) from the wheel nuts it is recom-
mended that a hand wrench be used and not an
impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench could
result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover retain-
ing nuts.
(1) Un-thread the 5 nuts (Fig. 11) attaching the
wheel cover to the wheel nuts.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover and pull straight out-
ward from the wheel. This will remove the wheel
cover from the wheel.
INSTALL
(1) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel (Fig. 11). Align the
wheel cover retaining nuts with the externally
threaded wheel nuts.
(2) By hand, start to thread all 5 of the wheel
cover retaining nuts onto the externally threaded
wheel nuts.
NOTE: When tightening the wheel cover retaining
nuts it is recommended that a hand wrench be used
and not an impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench
could result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts.
(3) Tighten each of the wheel cover retaining nuts.
If the retaining nut ªjumpsº a thread (slips), which is
an override feature of the retaining nut, retighten
the retaining nut to a point just prior to this occur-ring. To avoid rattling of the wheel cover be sure all
five retaining nuts are correctly tightened.
WHEEL AND TIRE
CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface using the hub pilot as a guide.
All wheel nuts should be lightly tightened before pro-
gressively tightening them in the proper sequence
(Fig. 12). Then tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.). Never
use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
STEEL WHEEL
REMOVE
CAUTION: When removing the lock-on wheel cover,
do not attempt to pry the wheel cover off the wheel.
This can result in damage to the wheel cover. The
wheel cover is removed by un-threading the wheel
cover retaining nuts and pulling it off the wheel by
hand.
NOTE: When unthreading the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts (Fig. 13) from the wheel nuts it is rec-
ommended that a hand wrench be used and not an
impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench could
result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover retain-
ing nuts.
(1) Un-thread the 5 nuts (Fig. 13) attaching the
wheel cover to the wheel nuts.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover and pull straight out-
ward. This will remove the wheel cover from the
wheel.
(3) Remove the wheel nuts (Fig. 14) from the
studs.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire from the hub.
Fig. 11 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
Fig. 12 Tightening Wheel Nuts
22 - 12 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

INSTALL
(1) To install the wheel, first position it properly
on the studs and hub mounting surface using the
hub pilot as a guide. Install andlightly tightenthe
wheel nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 15).
CAUTION: When installing the wheel/tire never use
oil or grease on studs or nuts.
(2) Progressively tighten the 5 wheel nuts in the
proper sequence (Fig. 15) until tightened to half of
the specified torque. Then tighten the wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel (Fig. 13). Align the
wheel cover retaining nuts with the externally
threaded wheel nuts.
(4) By hand, start to thread all 5 of the wheel
cover retaining nuts onto the externally threaded
wheel nuts.NOTE: When tightening the wheel cover retaining
nuts it is recommended that a hand wrench be used
and not an impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench
could result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts.
(5) Tighten each of the wheel cover retaining nuts.
If the retaining nut ªjumpsº a thread (slips), which is
an override feature of the retaining nut, retighten
the retaining nut to a point just prior to this occur-
ring. To avoid rattling of the wheel cover be sure all
five retaining nuts are correctly tightened.
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
If a retaining nut for the lock-on wheel cover is
damaged, it can be replaced as a separate component
of the wheel cover. Use the following procedure for
replacing a wheel cover retaining nut.
REMOVE
(1) If required, remove the wheel cover from the
wheel. Refer to Wheel Cover Lock-On in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the procedure.
NOTE: The retaining nut flange can not be forced
past the large retaining tab. When removing retain-
ing nut from wheel cover, the flange on the retain-
ing nut must be forced past the 2 small retaining
tabs on wheel cover.
(2) From the back side of the wheel cover, push
outward and tilt the retaining nut sideways forcing
the flange on the retaining nut past the 2 small
retaining tabs in the retaining nut hole of the wheel
cover (Fig. 16).
(3) When flange on retaining nut is past the 2
retaining tabs on the wheel cover, remove retaining
nut from wheel cover by pushing or pulling from hole
in wheel cover.
Fig. 13 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
Fig. 14 Wheel Nuts
Fig. 15 Wheel Nut Tightening Sequence
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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
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.
PLBODY 23 - 3