Interior - Creak Noise From Center Trim Area
Group Ref.: BodyBulletin No.: 331049
Date: October, 1993
SUBJECT:
CREAK NOISE FROM CENTER DOOR TRIM AREA (COUPE - INSTALL TAPE, SEDAN - REMOVE PLASTIC WALL)
MODELS:
1992-93 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Condition:
Some owners of the above vehicles may comment about a creaking noise coming from the center door trim area when the door is being closed, or when the vehicle is traveling over rough surfaces.
Cause:
An interference condition may exist between the armrest pull handle and the map pocket of the door trim panel.
Correction:
The condition should be verified by pulling out on the door pull handle while pushing in on the map pocket. If the creak noise is heard, the coupe model can be corrected by simply placing a piece of 3M - 5430 squeak reduction tape (or equivalent) in the area of the interference. The sedan model can be repaired by removing the door panel and removing a plastic wall from the back side of the door trim panel.
Service Information:
Coupe:
1. Cut a two inch length of 3M - 5430 squeak reduction tape (or equivalent).
2. Place the tape between the pull handle and the map pocket. Refer to Figure 1.
3. Verify that the creak is gone by pulling out on the door pull handle while pushing in on the map pocket. If the noise still exists, reposition the tape until the noise stops.
Sedan:
1. Remove the affected door trim panel, refer to Section 10-6 of the appropriate service manual.
2. Using a utility knife, cut off the plastic wall at the front of the map pocket just under the pull handle. Refer to Figure 2.
3. Install the door trim panel, refer to procedure in Section 10-6 of the appropriate service manual. For vehicles repaired under warranty use:
Labor Operation Number: T3384
Labor Time: 0.6 hr. (Sedan)
0.2 hr. (Coupe)