engine DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEM..........25
EVAP CANISTER.........................25
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT..............................25
LEAK DETECTION PUMP..................26
LEAK DETECTION PUMP PRESSURE
SWITCH..............................27
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
SYSTEMS.............................28POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE. . . 28
VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL...................29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EVAP CANISTER.........................29
LEAK DETECTION PUMP..................30
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOID VALVE....30
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEM
OPERATION
The evaporation control system prevents the emis-
sion of fuel tank vapors into the atmosphere. When
fuel evaporates in the fuel tank, the vapors pass
through vent hoses or tubes to an activated carbon
filled evaporative canister. The canister temporarily
holds the vapors. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) allows intake manifold vacuum to draw
vapors into the combustion chambers during certain
operating conditions.
All engines use a proportional purge solenoid sys-
tem. The PCM controls vapor flow by operating the
purge solenoid. Refer to Proportional Purge Solenoid
in this section.
NOTE: The evaporative system uses specially man-
ufactured hoses. If they need replacement, only use
fuel resistant hose. Also the hoses must be able to
pass an Ozone compliance test.
NOTE: For more information on Onboard Refueling
Vapor Recovery (ORVR), refer to the Fuel Delivery
section.
EVAP CANISTER
DESCRIPTION
The vacuum and vapor tubes connect to the top of
the canister (Fig. 1).
OPERATION
All vehicles use a, maintenance free, evaporative
(EVAP) canister. Fuel tank vapors vent into the can-
ister. The canister temporarily holds the fuel vapors
until intake manifold vacuum draws them into the
combustion chamber. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) purges the canister through the proportional
purge solenoid. The PCM purges the canister at pre-
determined intervals and engine conditions.
Purge Free Cells
Purge-free memory cells are used to identify the
fuel vapor content of the evaporative canister. Since
the evaporative canister is not purged 100% of the
time, the PCM stores information about the evapora-
tive canister's vapor content in a memory cell.
The purge-free cells are constructed similar to cer-
tain purge-normal cells. The purge-free cells can be
monitored by the DRB III Scan Tool. The only differ-
ence between the purge-free cells and normal adap-
tive cells is that in purge-free, the purge is
completely turned off. This gives the PCM the ability
to compare purge and purge-free operation.
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
DESCRIPTION
OPERATION
All vehicles use a proportional purge solenoid. The
solenoid regulates the rate of vapor flow from the
EVAP canister to the throttle body. The PCM oper-
ates the solenoid.
During the cold start warm-up period and the hot
start time delay, the PCM does not energize the sole-
noid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged.
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 25

The proportional purge solenoid operates at a fre-
quency of 200 hz and is controlled by an engine con-
troller circuit that senses the current being applied
to the proportional purge solenoid (Fig. 2) and then
adjusts that current to achieve the desired purge
flow. The proportional purge solenoid controls the
purge rate of fuel vapors from the vapor canister and
fuel tank to the engine intake manifold.
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The leak detection pump is a device used to detect
a leak in the evaporative system.
The pump contains a 3 port solenoid, a pump that
contains a switch, a spring loaded canister vent valve
seal, 2 check valves and a spring/diaphragm.
OPERATION
Immediately after a cold start, when the engine
temperature is between 40ÉF and 86ÉF, the 3 port
solenoid is briefly energized. This initializes the pump
by drawing air into the pump cavity and also closes
the vent seal. During non-test test conditions, the
vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm assem-
bly which pushes it open at the full travel position.
The vent seal will remain closed while the pump is
cycling. This is due to the operation of the 3 port sole-
noid which prevents the diaphragm assembly from
reaching full travel. After the brief initialization
period, the solenoid is de-energized, allowing atmo-
spheric pressure to enter the pump cavity. This per-
mits the spring to drive the diaphragm which forces
air out of the pump cavity and into the vent system.
When the solenoid is energized and de-energized, the
cycle is repeated creating flow in typical diaphragm
pump fashion. The pump is controlled in 2 modes:
1 ± FUEL CAP
2 ± RECIRCULATION TUBE
3 ± LIQUID SEPARATOR
4 ± PURGE
5 ± W/LDP
6 ± BREATHER ELEMENT
7 ± W/O LDP8 ± CANISTER
9 ± ROLLOVER VALVE
10 ± FUEL TANK
11 ± CHECK VALVE
12 ± LIQUID TRAP
13 ± CONTROL VALVE
ORVR System Schematic
25 - 26 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

PUMP MODE:The pump is cycled at a fixed rate
to achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten
the overall test time.
TEST MODE:The solenoid is energized with a
fixed duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur
when the diaphragm reaches the switch closure
point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system
will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5 inches
of water.
When the pump starts, the cycle rate is quite high.
As the system becomes pressurized, pump rate drops.
If there is no leak, the pump will quit. If there is a
leak, the test is terminated at the end of the test
mode.If there is no leak, the purge monitor is run. If the
cycle rate increases due to the flow through the
purge system, the test is passed and the diagnostic is
complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system
after completion of the test sequence as the pump
diaphragm assembly moves to the full travel position.
LEAK DETECTION PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH
OPERATION
The leak detection pump LDP assembly incorpo-
rates two primary functions: it detects a leak in the
evaporative system, and it seals the evaporative sys-
tem so that the required leak detection monitor test
can be run.
The primary components within the leak detection
pump assembly are: a three-port leak detection sole-
noid valve, a pump assembly that includes a spring
loaded diaphragm, a reed switch which is used to
monitor the pump diaphragm movement (position),
two check valves, and a spring loaded vent seal
valve.
The three-port LDP solenoid valve is used to
expose either engine vacuum or atmospheric pressure
to the top side of the leak detection pump diaphragm.
When the LDP solenoid valve is deenergized its
port (opening) to engine vacuum is blocked off. This
allows ambient air (atmospheric pressure) to enter
the top of the pump diaphragm. The spring load on
the diaphragm will push the diaphragm down, as
long as there is no pressure present in the rest of the
evaporative system. If there is sufficient evaporative
system pressure present, then the pump diaphragm
will stay in the ªupº position. If the evaporative sys-
tem pressure decays, then the pump diaphragm will
eventually fall. The rate of this decent is dependent
upon the size of the evaporative system leak (Large
or small).
When the LDP solenoid valve is energized the port
(opening) to atmosphere is blocked off. At the same
time, the port to engine vacuum is opened. Engine
vacuum replaces atmospheric pressure. When engine
vacuum is sufficient, it over comes the spring pres-
sure load on the pump diaphragm and causes the
diaphragm to rise to its ªupº position. The reed
switch will change state depending upon the position
of the pump diaphragm.
If the diaphragm is in the ªupº position the reed
switch will be in its ªopenº state. This means that
the 12 volt signal sense to the PCM is interrupted.
Zero volts is detected by the PCM. If the pump dia-
phragm is in the ªdownº position the reed switch will
be in its ªclosedº state. 12 volts is sent to the PCM
via the switch sense circuit.
Fig. 1 EVAP Canister
Fig. 2 Proportional Purge Solenoid
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 27
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

The check valves are one-way valves. The first
check valve is used to draw outside air into the lower
chamber of the LDP (the space that is below the
pump diaphragm). The second check valve is used to
vent this outside air, which has become pressurized
from the fall of the pump diaphragm, into the evap-
orative system.
The spring loaded vent seal valve, inside the LDP
is used to seal off the evaporative system. When the
pump diaphragm is in the ªupº position the spring
pushes the vent seal valve closed. The vent seal valve
opens only when the pump diaphragm is in its ªfull
downº position. When the pump assembly is in its
pump mode the pump diaphragm is not allowed to
descend (fall) so far as to allow the vent seal valve to
open. This allows the leak detection pump to develop
the required pressure within the evaporative system
for system leak testing.
A pressure build up within the evaporative system
may cause pressure on the lower side of the LDP dia-
phragm. This will cause the LDP diaphragm to
remain in its ªupº position (stuck in the up position).
This condition can occur even when the solenoid
valve is deenergized. This condition can be caused by
previous cycling (pumping) of the LDP by the techni-
cian (dealer test). Another way that this condition is
created is immediately following the running of the
vehicle evaporative system monitor. In this case, the
PCM has not yet opened the proportional purge sole-
noid in order to vent the pressure that has been built
up in the evaporative system to the engine combus-
tion system. The technician will need to vent the
evaporative system pressure via the vehicle fuel filler
cap and its fuel filler secondary seal (if so equipped
in the fuel filler neck). This will allow the technician
to cycle the LDP and to watch switch state changes.
After passing the leak detection phase of the test,
system pressure is maintained until the purge sys-
tem is activated, in effect creating a leak. If the dia-
phragm falls (as is expected), causing the reed switch
to change state, then the diagnostic test is completed.
When of the evaporative system leak monitor
begins its various tests, a test is performed to deter-
mine that no part of the evaporative system is
blocked. In this test, the LDP is cycled (pumped) a
calibrated (few) number of times. Pressure should not
build up in the evaporative system. If pressure is
present, then LDP diaphragm is forced to stay in its
ªupº position. The reed switch now stays open and
the PCM senses this open (incorrect) state. The evap-
orative system monitor will fail the test because of a
detected obstruction within the system.
Possible causes:
²Open or shorted LDP switch sense circuit
²Leak Detection Pump switch failure²Open fused ignition switch output
²Restricted, disconnected, or blocked manifold
vacuum source
²Obstruction of hoses or lines
²PCM failure
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
SYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION
OPERATION
Intake manifold vacuum removes crankcase vapors
and piston blow-by from the engine. The emissions
pass through the PCV valve into the intake manifold
where they become part of the calibrated air-fuel
mixture. They are burned and expelled with the
exhaust gases. The air cleaner supplies make up air
when the engine does not have enough vapor or
blow-by gases. In this system, fresh air does not
enter the crankcase.
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE
OPERATION
The PCV valve contains a spring loaded plunger.
The plunger meters the amount of crankcase vapors
routed into the combustion chamber based on intake
manifold vacuum.
When the engine is not operating or during an
engine backfire, the spring forces the plunger back
against the seat. This prevents vapors from flowing
through the valve (Fig. 4).
When the engine is at idle or cruising, high mani-
fold vacuum is present. At these times manifold vac-
uum is able to completely compress the spring and
Fig. 3 PCV System
25 - 28 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

pull the plunger to the top of the valve (Fig. 5). In
this position there is minimal vapor flow through the
valve.
During periods of moderate intake manifold vac-
uum the plunger is only pulled part way back from
the inlet. This results in maximum vapor flow
through the valve (Fig. 6).
VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
LABEL
DESCRIPTION
All models have a Vehicle Emission Control Infor-
mation (VECI) Label. DaimlerChrysler permanently
attaches the label in the engine compartment. It can-
not be removed without defacing information and
destroying the label.
The label contains the vehicle's emission specifica-
tions and vacuum hose routings. All hoses must be
connected and routed according to the label.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EVAP CANISTER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) Disconnect the hoses from the EVAP canister
(Fig. 7).
(4) Remove 1 nuts from the bracket of the EVAP
canister (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove EVAP canister from bracket.
Fig. 4 Engine Off or Engine BackfireÐNo Vapor
Flow
Fig. 5 High Intake Manifold VacuumÐMinimal Vapor
Flow
Fig. 6 Moderate Intake Manifold VacuumÐMaximum
Vapor Flow
Fig. 7 EVAP Canister
Fig. 8 EVAP Bracket and Bracket
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 29
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install EVAP canister to Bracket (Fig. 8).
(2) Install 2 nuts to EVAP canister and bracket
and tighten nuts to 6.7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect hoses.
(4) Install EVAP canister and bracket to vehicle
and tighten nut 22.4 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle.
(6) Connect negative battery cable.
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle on a hoist.
(2) Push locking tab on electrical connector to
unlock and remove connector.
(3) loosen the sway bar bracket to remove the
pump bracket.
(4) Remove pump and bracket as an assembly.
(5) Disconnect lines from LDP.
(6) Remove filter.
(7) Remove pump from bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pump to bracket and tighten bolts to 1.2
N´m (10.6 in. lbs.).
(2) Install filter and tighten to 2.8 N´m (25 in.
lbs.).
(3)Before installing hoses to LDP, make sure
they are not cracked or split. If a hose leaks, it
will cause the Check Engine Lamp to illumi-
nate.Connect lines to the LDP.
NOTE: The LDP bracket must be between the rail
and sway bar bracket.
(4) Install pump and bracket assembly to body and
tighten bolts to 5.0 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(5) Install sway bar bracket bolt and tighten bolts
to 33.8 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install electrical connector to pump and push
locking tab to lock.
(7) Lower vehicle(8) Use the DRB scan tool, verify proper operation
of LDP.
PROPORTIONAL PURGE SOLENOID VALVE
The solenoid attaches to a bracket near the steer-
ing gear (Fig. 9). The solenoid will not operate unless
it is installed correctly.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from solenoid.
(3) Disconnect vacuum tubes from solenoid.
(4) Remove solenoid from bracket.
INSTALLATION
The top of the solenoid has TOP printed on it. The
solenoid will not operate unless it is installed cor-
rectly.
(1) Install solenoid on bracket.
(2) Connect vacuum tube to solenoid.
(3) Connect electrical connector to solenoid.
(4) Lower vehicle.
Fig. 9 Proportional Purge Solenoid Valve
25 - 30 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PAINT................................... 1
STATIONARY GLASS........................ 4
SEATS ................................... 8BODY COMPONENTS...................... 12
SPECIFICATIONS......................... 60
PAINT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
PAINT CODE.............................1
BASE COAT/CLEAR COAT FINISH.............1
WET SANDING, BUFFING, AND POLISHING.....1PAINTED SURFACE TOUCH-UP..............1
SPECIFICATIONS
AFTERMARKET PAINT REPAIR PRODUCTS.....2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
PAINT CODE
A paint code is provided on the body code plate
located in the engine compartment. Refer to the
Introduction section at the front of this manual for
body code plate description. The paint and trim codes
are also included on the Vehicle Safety Label located
on the driver's door end frame.
BASE COAT/CLEAR COAT FINISH
On most vehicles a two-part paint application (base
coat/clear coat) is used. Color paint that is applied to
primer is called base coat. The clear coat protects the
base coat from ultraviolet light and provides a dura-
ble high-gloss finish.
CAUTION: Do not use abrasive chemicals or com-
pounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can
result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted surfaces. Damage to finish or
color can result.
WET SANDING, BUFFING, AND POLISHING
Minor acid etching, orange peel, or smudging in
clear coat or single-stage finishes can be reduced
with light wet sanding, hand buffing, and polishing.
If the finish has been wet sanded in the past, itcannot be repeated. Wet sanding operation
should be performed by a trained automotive
paint technician.
CAUTION: Do not remove clear coat finish, if
equipped. Base coat paint must retain clear coat for
durability.
PAINTED SURFACE TOUCH-UP
When a painted metal surface has been scratched
or chipped, it should be touched-up as soon as possi-
ble to avoid corrosion. For best results, use Mopart
Scratch Filler/Primer, Touch-Up Paints and Clear Top
Coat. Refer to Introduction group of this manual for
Body Code Plate information.
CAUTION: USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
TOUCH-UP PROCEDURE
(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside
scratch or chip.
(2) Clean affected area with MopartTar/Road Oil
Remover, and allow to dry.
(3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat
of filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good sur-
PLBODY 23 - 1

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 lowest point of the water track or
drop. 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.
23 - 18 BODYPL

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.
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.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEAT STAKING
(1) Remove trim panel.
(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at
the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked loca-
tions and/or component seams for looseness.(3) Heat stake the components.
(a) If the heat staked or component seam loca-
tion 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, dam-
age to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
(b) If the heat staked material is broken or miss-
ing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to
the area to be repaired. The panels that are being
heat staked must be held together while the apply-
ing the glue. Once the 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 may occur.
(4) Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the
repair.
(5) Install trim panel.
PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR
DESCRIPTION OPERATION
Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) body panels are rein-
forced with a continuous fiberglass mesh. Epoxy
resin is injected into a gel-coated and fiberglass-lined
mold to form a body panel. Sheet molded compound
(SMC) body panels are constructed with fiberglass
strands usually 1 inch or shorter, epoxy resin formed
into sheet stock and pressed in mold flowing material
to form a sheet molded compound (SMC) body panel.
RTM and SMC body panels can be repaired with
epoxy adhesive after market products. Refer to
instructions provided by the manufacturer of prod-
ucts being used to repair RTM or SMC. Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a trained
automotive body technician perform body panel
repair procedures (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Panel Repair
PLBODY 23 - 19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

HOOD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood to full up position.
(2) Disengage under hood lamp wire connector
from engine compartment wire harness.
(3) Remove hood cover (Fig. 20).
(4) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood, align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers.
(5) Remove the top bolts attaching hood to hinge
and loosen the bottom bolts until they can be
removed by hand.
(6) With assistance from a helper at the opposite
side of the vehicle to support the hood, remove bot-
tom bolts attaching hood to hinge.
(7) Remove the hood from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood in position on vehicle. With assis-
tance from a helper at the opposite side of the vehicle
to support the hood, install bottom bolts to hold hood
to hinge finger tight.
(2) Install top bolts attaching hood to hinge finger
tight.
(3) Position bolts at marks and tighten bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders.(4) Install hood cover.
(5) Engage under hood lamp wire connector to
engine compartment wire harness.
(6) Verify hood operation and alignment.
HOOD SILENCER
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Disconnect hood lamp wire connector and
remove hood lamp (Fig. 21).
(3) Remove fasteners attaching hood silencer to
hood.
(4) Remove hood silencer from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood silencer in position on vehicle.
(2) Install fastener attaching hood silencer to hood.
(3) Install hood lamp and connect wire connector.
(4) Close hood.
HOOD HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Support hood on the side that requires hinge
replacement.
(2) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood hinge, align all marks and secure bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(3) Remove bolts holding hood to hinge.
(4) Remove bolts holding hood hinge to load beam
flange and separate hinge from vehicle. If necessary,
paint new hinge before installation.
INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint new hinge before installa-
tion.
(2) Place hinge in position on vehicle.
(3) Install bolts to hold hood hinge to front fender
flange.
(4) Install bolts to hold hood to hinge.
(5) Align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(6) Remove support from under hood and verify
hood operation.
Fig. 19 Hood Release Cable
1 ± HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
2 ± COWL SIDE TRIM PANEL
23 - 26 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)