DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2003 Service Manual
Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2003, Model line: TOWN AND COUNTRY, Model: DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2003Pages: 2177, PDF Size: 59.81 MB
Page 1741 of 2177
(1) Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive
backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the
patch required (Fig. 8).
(2) Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to
a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair
area.
(3) Apply a liberal coat of adhesive over the rein-
forcement mesh (Fig. 8). If necessary apply a second
or third coat of adhesive and mesh after firs coat has
cured. The thickness of the patch should be the same
as the repair area.
(4) After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or
plastic from the back of the patch.
(5) If desired, a thin film coat of adhesive can be
applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for
added strength.
PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION
(1) Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size
and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.
(2) Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so
patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.
(3) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to
size.
(4) Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm
(2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain
the patch in the cutout.
(5) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 7).
(6) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.)
away from edge of patch across from holes drilled
around cutout.
(7) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares 13 mm (0.5 in.) from the edge in the center
of one side.
(8) Scuff the backside of the body panel around the
cutout hole with a scuff pad or sandpaper.
(9) Mix enough adhesive to cover one side of all
support squares.
(10) Apply adhesive to cover one side of all support
squares.
(11) Using number 8 sheet metal screws, secure
support squares to back side of body panel with
adhesive sandwiched between the panel and squares
(Fig. 9).
(12) Position patch in cutout against support
squares and adjust patch until the gap is equal along
all sides (Fig. 10).
(13) Drill 3 mm (0.125 in.) holes in the support
squares through the pre-drilled holes in the patch.
(14) Apply a coat of adhesive to the exposed ends
of the support squares (Fig. 11).
Fig. 7 DAMAGED PANEL CUTOUT AND PATCH
1 - CUTOUT
2 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
3-4MM(0.160 IN.) HOLES
4 - PATCH CUT TO SIZE
Fig. 8 FABRICATED PANEL
1 - STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
2 - FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 - WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 - WAXED PAPER
Fig. 9 SECURE SUPPORT SQUARES TO BODY PANEL
1 - SUPPORT SQUARES
2 - SCREWS
3 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
23 - 8 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1742 of 2177
(15) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 12). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(16) Allow adhesive to cure, and remove all screws.
(17) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 13). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(18) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 14).
(19) Mix enough adhesive to cover the entire patch
area.
(20) Apply adhesive over the mesh around patch,
and smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce fin-
ish grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and
adhesive to create a stronger repair (Fig. 15).
PATCHED PANEL SURFACING
After patch panel is installed, the patch area can
be finished using the same methods as finishing
other types of body panels. If mesh material is
exposed in the patched area, grind surface down, and
apply a coat of high quality rigid plastic body filler.
Prime, block sand, and paint as required.
Fig. 10 POSITION PATCH IN CUTOUT AND ALIGN
1 - CUTOUT
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
Fig. 11 APPLY ADHESIVE TO SUPPORT SQUARES
1 - APPLICATOR
2 - SUPPORT SQUARES
3 - ADHESIVE
Fig. 12 INSTALL SCREWS
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
Fig. 13 GRIND SURFACE
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
3 - DISC GRINDER
RSBODY23-9
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1743 of 2177
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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.
Fig. 14 COVER GAPS WITH MESH
1 - GROUND DOWN AREA
2 - PATCH
3 - MESH
Fig. 15 COVER MESH WITH ADHESIVE
1 - ADHESIVE
2 - MESH
3 - PATCH
4 - SPREADER
23 - 10 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1744 of 2177
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
All seat belt anchor bolts 39 29 Ð
Armrest shoulder bolt 29 21 Ð
Bench seat riser bolts 48 35 Ð
Bench seat track nuts 48 35 Ð
Quad bucket seat track to cushion frame bolts 40 30 Ð
Bucket seat back pivot bolts 33 24 Ð
Center seat to seat track bolts 24 17 Ð
Child seat module screws (bench seats) 7 Ð 62
Child seat module screws (quad seats) 13.5 10 Ð
Crossmember to radiator closure panel bolts 28 21 Ð
Door check strap to door end frame 12 Ð 105
Door latch to door end frame bolts 10 Ð 89
Floor latch to seat cushion frame bolts 27 19 Ð
Front cover to seat track screws 4 Ð 32
Front door hinge to hinge pillar bolts 34 25 Ð
Front door hinge to door nuts and bolts 34 25 Ð
Front door latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Front/quad seat cushion bolts 28.5 21 Ð
Front seat belt retractor bolts 38 28 Ð
Front seat riser to floor nuts 60 44 Ð
Front seat track cover screws 4 Ð 35
Front seat riser to seat track nuts 81 60 Ð
Front seatback pivot bolts 54 40 Ð
Front seatback recliner nut 12 Ð 105
Front seatback assist strap screws 2.5 Ð 22
Grocery bag holder screws 2 Ð 17
Hinge to liftgate bolts 33 24 Ð
Hood latch to bolts 13.5 10 Ð
Hood latch striker bolts 13.5 10 Ð
Hood hinge to hood bolts 13.5 10 Ð
Liftgate exterior handle outer screws 20 15 Ð
Liftgate exterior handle inner bolts 40 30 Ð
Lifgate hinge to roof header bolts 33 24 Ð
Liftgate latch bolts 16 12 Ð
Liftgate latch striker bolts 28 21 Ð
Liftgate lift motor link to liftgate 28 21 Ð
Liftgate spoiler bolts 9 Ð 80
Lifgate stabilizer wedge striker to D-pillar bolts 3 Ð 30
RSBODY23-11
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1745 of 2177
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Luggage rack crossbar fasteners 4 Ð 35
Lumbar support handle screw 1 Ð 9
Pivot bolt to the body half of hood hinge 28 21 Ð
Prop assembly to lifgate bolts 28 21 Ð
Rear door glass to regulator bolt 11 8 Ð
Rear door hinge to B-pillar bolt 28 20 Ð
Rear door hinge to door bolt 28 20 Ð
Rear door latch striker 28 20 Ð
Rear latch to sliding door end frame 28 20 Ð
Rear seat back to seat cushion bolt 27 19 Ð
Recliner to seat back frame 12 9 Ð
Seatback frame upper rail 8 Ð 71
Seatback hinge bolt 48 35 Ð
Seatback hinge cover screws 2.3 Ð 20
Shoulder belt turning loop onto height adjuster 39 29 Ð
Side view mirror bolts 10 Ð 85
Sliding door center hinge adjusting bolt 15 Ð 130
Sliding door glass nuts 3.4 Ð 30
Sliding door latch striker 28 21 Ð
Sliding door to roller arm bracket 12 9 Ð
Storage bin track guide to seat riser 3.5 Ð 31
Sunroof opening panel to lifter arm screws 5 44
Sunroof opening panel motor screws 4 35
Sunroof trough bracket to roof bolts 6 53
Sunroof trough to trough bracket bolts 6 53
Sunroof trough bracket bolts 6 53
Support cylinders to liftgate 28 21 Ð
BODY LUBRICATION
LUBRICATION REQUIREMENTS
Body mechanisms and linkages should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, as required, to
maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear. When performing other under
hood services, the hood latch release mechanism and
safety catch should be inspected, cleaned, and lubri-
cated. During the winter season, external door lock
cylinders should be lubricated to assure proper oper-
ation when exposed to water and ice.
Prior to the application of any lubricant, the parts
concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and
grit. If necessary, a suitable solvent can be used to
clean the item to be lubricated. After lubricating a com-
ponent, any excess oil or grease should be removed.
LUBRICANT APPLICATION
DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS
(1) Apply a small amount of lubricant directly into
the lock cylinder.
(2) Apply a small amount of lubricant to the key.
(3) Insert key into lock cylinder and cycle the
mechanism from the locked to the unlocked position.
NOTE: Do not add more lubricant.
(4) Cycle the lock cylinder mechanism several
times to allow the lubricant to flow throughout the
cylinder.
(5) Wipe all lubricant from exterior of lock cylinder
and key.
ALL OTHER BODY MECHANISMS
(1) Clean component as described above.
23 - 12 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1746 of 2177
(2) Apply specified lubricant to all pivoting and
sliding contact areas of component.
LUBRICANT USAGE
ENGINE OIL
²Door Hinges ± Hinge Pin and Pivot Contact
Areas
²Hood Hinges ± Pivot Points
²Liftgate Hinges
MOPARTSPRAY WHITE LUBE OR EQUIVALENT
²Door Check Straps
²Liftgate Latches
²Liftgate Prop Pivots²Ash Receiver
²Fuel Filler Door Remote Control Latch Mecha-
nism
²Parking Brake Mechanism
²Sliding Seat Tracks
²Liftgate Latch
MOPARTMultipurpose GREASE OR EQUIVALENT
²All Other Hood Mechanisms
MOPARTLOCK CYLINDER LUBRICANT OR
EQUIVALENT
²Door Lock Cylinders
²Liftgate Lock Cylinder
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
STICK, TRIM C 4755 16
REMOVER, MOLDINGS C-4829 17
PLIERS, HEADLINER CLIP 6967 18
Fig. 16 STICK, TRIM C 4755
Fig. 17 REMOVER, MOLDINGS C-4829
Fig. 18 PLIERS, HEADLINER CLIP 6967
RSBODY23-13
BODY (Continued)
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Page 1747 of 2177
DOOR - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
APPLIQUE
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
DOOR
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDING
REMOVAL ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR B-PILLAR . 17
INSTALLATION ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR
B-PILLAR............................17
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................19
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................19INSTALLATION.........................19
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................20
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
WATERSHIELD
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
WINDOW CRANK
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - POWER
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
WINDOW REGULATOR - MANUAL
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
APPLIQUE
REMOVAL
(1) Roll door glass down.
(2) Remove outer door belt molding.
(3) Disengage clips holding front edge of applique
to door frame.
(4) Remove applique from vehicle (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position applique on vehicle.
(2) Hook rear edge of applique over rear edge of
door frame and seat applique bottom edge on sheet
metal.
(3) Engage clips to hold front edge of applique to
door frame.
(4) Install outer door belt molding.
23 - 14 DOOR - FRONTRS
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Page 1748 of 2177
CHECK STRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front door trim panel.
(2) Remove front door watershield (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove front door speaker, if equipped.
(4) Remove bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar.
(5) Remove nuts attaching check strap to door end
frame (Fig. 2).
(6) Remove check strap from door through speaker
hole.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position check strap on door through speaker
hole.
(2) Install nuts to attach check strap to door end
frame. Tighten nuts to 11 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install bolts to attach check strap to A-pillar.
Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install door speaker, if equipped.
(5) Install front door trim panel.
DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front wheelhouse splash shield. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LF WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Disengage clips attaching door harness wire
connector to inner fender brace.
(3) Disconnect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors (Fig. 3).
(4) Depress lock tab attaching wire connector
halves together.
(5) Disconnect door harness from body wiring har-
ness.
(6) Remove bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar (Fig. 4).
(7) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(8) Remove bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame (Fig. 5).
(9) Steady door on lifting device and remove bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame.
(10) Remove door from vehicle.
Fig. 1 FRONT DOOR APPLIQUE
1 - GLASS RUN WEATHERSTRIP
2 - CLIPS
3 - APPLIQUE
4 - FRONT DOOR
Fig. 2 FRONT DOOR CHECK STRAP
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
RSDOOR - FRONT23-15
APPLIQUE (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: If new hinge pins are to be used, verify that
the knurling on the hinge pin is aligned with the
knurling on in the door hinge prior to driving in the
pin. Also, verify that the hinge pin is fully seated to
the door hinge and a new retaining clip is installed.
(1) Support door on suitable lifting device.
(2) Position door to vehicle. Verify net pierce nub-
bin is engaged if reusing original hinges.
(3) Steady door on lifting device and install bolts
attaching upper hinge to door end frame. Tighten
bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install bolts attaching door check strap to
A-pillar. Tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching lower hinge to door end
frame. Tighten bolts to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Align door to achieve equal spacing to surrounding
body panels. Panels should be flush across all gaps.
(6) Connect door harness into body wiring harness.
(7) Connect positive lock slide on the side of the
wire connectors.
(8) Connect clips attaching door harness wire con-
nector to inner fender brace.
(9) Install front wheelhouse splash shield.
(10) Verify door operation and alignment. Adjust
as necessary.
Fig. 3 FRONT DOOR WIRE CONNECTORS
1 - LOCK TAB
2 - POSITIVE LOCK
3 - BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT FENDER
5 - DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR
6 - BODY HARNESS
Fig. 4 FRONT DOOR - HINGE PIN REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - CLIP
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - HINGE PIN
5 - CLIP
6 - DOOR CHECK STRAP
Fig. 5 FRONT DOOR - HINGE BOLT REMOVAL
1 - FRONT DOOR
2 - UPPER HINGE
3 - CHECK STRAP
4 - LOWER HINGE
23 - 16 DOOR - FRONTRS
DOOR (Continued)
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Page 1750 of 2177
DOOR GLASS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove watershield. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOOR - FRONT/WATERSHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove inner belt molding.(Refer to 23 -
BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FDR INNER BELT
WEATHERSTRIP - REMOVAL)
(3) Position glass to gain access to front and rear
regulator lift plates through front and rear access
holes in door panel.
(4) Remove clips attaching door glass to regulator
lift plates. (Fig. 6)
(5) Remove glass from regulator lift plates.
(6) Disengage glass from glass run weatherstrip.
(7) Insert front of glass between glass run channel
and outer door panel.
(8) Lift glass upward and out of exterior side of
the opening at top of door (Fig. 7).
(9) Remove glass from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install clips that attach door glass to regulator
lift plates (Fig. 6).
(2) Place glass in window opening with front
inserted between run channel and outer door panel
(Fig. 7).
(3) Lower glass downward into door.
(4) Insert ends of glass into glass run weatherstrip
channels at front and rear of door.(5) Place glass in position on regulator lift plates.
(6) Snap glass mounting studs into clips on regu-
lator lift plates.
(7) Install inner belt molding.(Refer to 23 - BODY/
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/FRONT DOOR INNER
BELT MOLDING - INSTALLATION)
(8) Verify door glass operation and fit.
(9) Install watershield. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR
- FRONT/WATERSHIELD - INSTALLATION)
FRAME CLOSEOUT MOLDING
REMOVAL ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR B-PILLAR
(1) Roll door glass down.
(2) Using a hook tool, pull front door frame close-
out molding from window frame channel.
(3) Remove closeout molding from vehicle.
INSTALLATION ± A-PILLAR-HEADER, OR
B-PILLAR
(1) Position closeout molding in window frame.
(2) Insert closeout molding into window frame
channel starting at the corners and working inward.
(3) Verify door glass operation.
Fig. 6 FRONT DOOR GLASS CLIPS
1 - DOOR GLASS
2 - GLASS LIFT PLATE
3 - CLIP
4 - GUIDE RAIL
5 - REGULATOR LIFT PLATE
Fig. 7 FRONT DOOR GLASS
1 - DOOR GLASS
2 - FRONT DOOR
3 - GLASS RUN CHANNEL
RSDOOR - FRONT23-17
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