Instrument Panel/Windshield - Squeaks/Grunts

Article No.
93-8-3

April 14, 1993

^ SHEET METAL - COWL TOP - "SQUEAK", "RUBBING SOUND", "GRUNT" NOISE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 2/1/93

^ NOISE - "SQUEAK", "RUBBING SOUND", "GRUNT" - COWL TOP SHEET METAL - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 2/1/93



FORD: 1992-93 TEMPO

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1992-93 TOPAZ


ISSUE:
Noises such as "squeaks", "rubbing sounds" or "grunts" that appear to be coming from the instrument panel or lower windshield may actually be coming from the cowl top panel weld flanges rubbing against the front apron and side member assembly. The noises may come from the right or left side or both sides when turning, accelerating or decelerating.

ACTION:
Eliminate the weld flange rubbing by using the following service procedure.


1. With an assistant, drive the car and determine if the noise is coming from one side or the other or both sides.

2. Disconnect the headlamp wiring and center park lamp wiring on Topaz.

3. Remove the grille on Tempo. Remove the center park lamp on Topaz.

4. Remove the front bumper, park lamps, grille opening reinforcement (with headlamps installed) and the necessary fender, splash shield and insulator.





5. Move the wiring to the side to expose the weld flange behind the right hand and/or left hand shock tower, Figure 1.

a. Insert a screwdriver as shown in Figure 1.

b. Pry the flange up to create a slight gap to the sheet metal below it.





6. If side sheet metal squeaks are present, refer to Figure 2 and proceed as follows:






a. Insert a flat bladed screwdriver underneath the weld flange and pry the flange up about 1/4" (6.35 mm), away from the sheet metal below, to stop the contact between the two. See Figure 3.





b. Drill a 1/4" (6.35 mm) hole where the three (3) thicknesses of sheet metal come together, Figure 4.

c. Lightly coat the edges of the hole with Super Seal (D8AZ-19515-BA) or equivalent.

d. Install one (1) rivet (382601-S100).

7. Install the removed parts.

8. Test drive the vehicle to verify that the noise has stopped.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

382601-S100 Rivet (Pkg/10) BS
D8AZ-19515-BA Super Seal (Pkg/12) B

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
930803A Fix For Cowl Top Area - 1 0.3 Hr.
or Both
930803B Fix For Side Area - 1 Side 1.6 Hrs.
930803C Fix For Side Area - Both 2.4 Hrs.
Sides

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7002345 56

OASIS CODES:
111000, 702000, 702100, 702300