Sunroof - Buffeting Noise in Cabin When Open

60 08 09

2011729/4

November 26, 2008.

Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 60 number 06-16 dated December 6, 2006 for reasons listed below.

60 Buffeting noise in cabin when sunroof opens to comfort position





Condition





Buffeting or rhythmic pressure waves are heard and felt in the cabin at expressway speeds (usually greater than 60 mph) with the sliding roof panel open to the comfort position.

Technical Background

Figure 1:

Noise may be caused by a deformed wind deflector screen due to weak wind deflector springs. At expressway speeds, the wind turbulence across a deformed wind deflector screen with weak springs can cause the wind deflector to "bounce," and a pressure wave effect in the cabin can ensue.

NOTE: It is important to note that buffeting will occur when the sliding roof panel is fully open, as specified in the Owner's Manual. This is a normal characteristic at expressway speeds with the roof panel open to this position.

Tip: This Technical Service Bulletin applies only to those vehicles that exhibit this condition with the sliding roof panel open to the comfort position.

Production Solution

Improved wind deflector screen and stronger "double leaf" springs.

Service

Figure 2:

If the vehicle exhibits the condition described, check the wind deflector and determine whether it is equipped with a single or double leaf spring.

If the wind deflector is equipped with a single leaf spring, replace the wind deflector and spring assembly as follows:

Figure 3:

Open sliding roof panel fully. With the roof mechanism now exposed, apply masking tape to the channels of the cover openings (Figure 3).

This will prevent small parts from being lost through an opening should you lose your grasp of them during removal.

Figure 4:

Remove the springs from both sides by prying the spring down and pulling the spring away from the deflector. Twist the spring to release the hooked end.

Figure 5:

There are two pins on each side of the deflector that need to be driven out to release the deflector from the sunroof frame. Protect the painted surfaces by laying a cloth towel on these surfaces. Drive out these pins on each side, starting from the outside and driving them toward the inside (Figure 5).

Figure 6:

Tip: A small amount of force is all that should be needed to move the pins.

Make careful note of the installed position of these pins (Figure 6). They must be reinstalled in the proper position. The pin on the main hinge has a knurled end that faces toward the outside. The pin at the support has a large end and a small end. The large end faces the inside.

Figure 7:

Release the clips that retain the deflector screen portion of the deflector (Figure 7). The deflector can now be removed from the sunroof.

Figure 8:

With the deflector removed, the deflector support needs to be modified at the area where the spring rests to accommodate the new double leaf spring.

Figure 9:

The tabs will need to be removed with a small chisel. Apply tape underneath the tabs so that the removed tab is not lost but removed and discarded.

Figure 10:

After removing the tabs, paint over the bare spots with a black permanent marker.

Figure 11:

The new wind deflector and new double leaf springs can now be installed in the reverse order of removal. Use needle nose pliers to reinsert the pins as shown.

Tip: It is strongly suggested that a thorough test drive with the customer be conducted - preferably before and after the replacement of the deflector - to ensure that the customer's noise concern is addressed to his or her satisfaction. Remind your customer that buffeting will occur with the sliding roof panel fully open and the vehicle traveling at expressway speeds. Note that when traveling at these speeds, the sliding roof panel should be open to the comfort position, as noted in the Owner's Manual.

Warranty





Required Parts and Tools





Additional Information

All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.