Body/Frame - Water Leaks Into Passenger Compartment
NUMBER: 23-035-04GROUP: Body
DATE: September 15, 2004
SUBJECT:
Water In Passenger Compartment
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves resealing the area at the base of the A-pillar just below the windshield.
MODELS:
2004 - 2005 (CS) Pacifica
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The vehicle operator may describe the carpeting is wet under the driver's or passengers feet.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the complaint is wetness on the driver's side or passenger's side front floor of the vehicle, perform the repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Remove the appropriate cowl side trim panel. Refer to the service information available in TechCONNECT. Refer to 23 - Body/Interior/Cowl Trim - Removal
2. Pull back and support the carpet to allow the carpet pad to dry out as necessary. Inspect the area under the carpet for the source of the water. If the water appears to be coming from the A-pillar area, proceed to Step # 3. If the water does not appear to be coming from the A-pillar area, further diagnosis is necessary. This bulletin does not apply. Refer to TechCONNECT for other service bulletin information.
3. If the carpet is wet on only one side of the vehicle, proceed to Step # 4. If the carpet is wet on both sides of the vehicle, repeat Step # 1 and Step # 2 on the other side of the vehicle. When complete, proceed to Step # 4.
4. Remove the hood hinge from the suspect side of the vehicle. Refer to the service information available in TechCONNECT. Refer to 23 - Body/Hood/Hinge - Removal.
5. Inspect the area at the base of the A-pillar below the windshield, on the suspect side, and locate the melt form patch (Fig. 1).
6. Inspect the entire area of the melt form patch for cracks and missing sealer around the perimeter of the patch. If the melt form patch is cracked or damaged, repair it with paintable sealer, p/n 04318026 (Fig. 1).
7. Using paintable sealer, fill any area that is missing sealer around the perimeter of the melt form patch. Lift the corner of the melt form patch and inspect for missing sealer (Fig. 2).
8. To ensure the area is sealed properly, place a hose with a moderate flow of water at the A-pillar base for approximately 60 seconds.
9. Inspect the base of the A-pillar, under the instrument panel, for signs of water entry.
10. If water entry is not present, proceed to Step # 11. If water entry is present, re-apply a second layer of repair sealer to the area around the melt form patch. Proceed to Step # 8.
11. Install the suspect side hood hinge.
12. If the carpet is wet on both sides of the vehicle, repeat Step # 4 through Step # 11 on the opposite side of the vehicle. When complete, proceed to Step # 13.
13. Install the cowl grille.
14. When the carpet padding is dry, lower the carpet back into place.
15. Install the cowl side trim panel.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.