Dutch Doors - May Exhibit Water Leak at Weatherstrip
BULLETIN NUMBER: 93-10-50SECTION: 10
NUMBER: 8
CORPORATE REFERENCE NUMBER: 361501
DATE: March 1993
SUBJECT:
DUTCH DOOR WATER LEAKS (REPLACE WEATHERSTRIP)
MODELS:
1992-93 M/L VANS EQUIPPED WITH RPO E54
CONDITION
Some 1992-93 M/L Vans with Dutch Doors may exhibit a water leak at the rear door opening frame assembly (flange) weatherstrip. This will usually result in wet carpet at the left or right side of the carpet sill plate.
CAUSE
This condition may be the result of insufficient compression of the "D" ring weatherstrip to the liftgate/ lower doors.
CORRECTION
A new door opening frame assembly (flange) weatherstrip has been released into production. The new weathersthp is similar to the old weatherstrip, except for an increased thickness of 4 mm and a smoother transition at the "Golf Club" area (the area where the lower doors meet the liftgate-Figure 1). In addition, the weatherstrip air relief holes have been relocated so that they are now inside the vehicle. The rest of the weatherstrip is also thicker, thus resulting in better compression.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
1992-93 M/L Vans with Dutch Doors built after the following VIN breakpoints have the new parts incorporated into production.
GMC PB501358
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove the rear air conditioning duct (if equipped) or the interior roof molding.
2. Remove the screws from the quarter panel side moldings to gain access to the weatherstrip flange.
3. Remove the lower carpet sill plate.
4. Remove the weatherstrip from the flange.
5. Clean the flange with a release agent or equivalent.
6. Apply weatherstrip adhesive (P/N 12345097 or equivalent) to the flange area, 12-18 inches from the centerline of vehicle. Apply weatherstrip adhesive to the contours of the flange (Figure 2). Add 3 to 4 inches to each side of the center.
7. Install the weatherstrip to the flange in the following order (Figure 1 and 2):
a) Attach to flange at the "Golf Club" area and align the "Golf Club" joint with the bottom edge of the striker, repeat steps for the other side.
b) Close the lower doors and align the weatherstrip "Golf Club" and "Batwing Joint". The "Golf Club" should overlap the "Batwing Joint" approximately 1.5 inches and there should be no gaps between the weatherstrip at this area (Figure 1).
c) Install the weatherstrip into the contours and verify that the lip of the weatherstrip is fully seated to the frame opening.
d) Finish installing the weatherstrip to the flange, and gently insure it is fully seated with a rubber mallet or equivalent.
8. Water test the vehicle using a high pressure washer for 2-3 minutes.
9. Install the lower carpet sill plate.
10. Install the rear quarter panels and screws.
11. Install the rear air conditioning duct (if equipped) or the interior roof molding.
12. Use a mild detergent (i.e. dishwater soap or equivalent) to lubricate the rear weatherstrips at the "Batwing Joint" and "Golf Club" area. This will allow the weatherstrip to seat into place until a final set has taken.
PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
WEATHERSTRIP ASM 15961523
LIFTGATE
Parts are expected to be available on 3/01/93.
WARRANTY INFORMATION