Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 376

used to deflect light to a limited-access area to assist in locating a leak point.

BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD

Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can be detected without water testing. Position the vehicle in a
brightly lit area. From inside the darkened luggage compartment inspect around seals and body seams. If
necessary, have a helper direct a drop light over the suspected leak areas around the luggage compartment. If
light is visible through a normally sealed location, water could enter through the opening.

PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD

When a water leak into the passenger compartment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize the
passenger compartment and soap test exterior of the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compartment, close all
doors and windows, start engine, and set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If engine can not be
started, connect a charger to the battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower. With interior pressurized,
apply dish detergent solution to suspected leak area on the exterior of the vehicle. Apply detergent solution with
spray device or soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point
could be at that location.

WIND NOISE

Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper body component
alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas. All body
sealing points should be airtight in normal driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not always seal
airtight under all conditions. At times, side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be noticed in the
passenger compartment during high cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass adjustments to stop wind
noise that occurs under severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and excessive closing or latching
effort. After a repair procedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify noise has stopped before returning
vehicle to use.

VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS

Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and body components are aligned and sealed. If component
alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the appropriate article for proper procedures.

ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE

1. Drive the vehicle to verify the general location of the wind noise.

2. Apply 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape in 150 mm (6 in.) lengths along weatherstrips, weld seams or

moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehicle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is
applied, remove tape, locate, and repair defect.

POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE

Moldings standing away from body surface can catch wind and whistle.

Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.

Misaligned movable components.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.

Weld burn through holes.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

BODY LUBRICATION

All mechanisms and linkages should be lubricated when necessary. This will maintain ease of operation and
provide protection against rust and excessive wear. The weatherstrip seals should be lubricated to prolong their
life as well as to improve door sealing.

All applicable exterior and interior vehicle operating mechanisms should be inspected and cleaned. Pivot/sliding
contact areas on the mechanisms should then be lubricated.

1. When necessary, lubricate the operating mechanisms with the specified lubricants.

2. Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil passenger's

clothing.

3. Before applying lubricant, the component should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess lubricant

should be removed.

4. The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch striker, and safety latch should be lubricated periodically.

5. The door lock cylinders should be lubricated twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).

Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.

Apply a small amount to the key and insert it into the lock cylinder.

Rotate it to the locked position and then back to the unlocked position several times.

Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.

PLASTIC BODY PANEL REPAIR

There are many different types of plastics used in today's automotive environment. We group plastics in three
different categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of an adhesion
promoter for repair. These types of plastic are used extensively on DaimlerChrysler Motors vehicles. Always
follow repair material manufacturer's plastic identification and repair procedures.

Rigid Plastics:

Component

Fluid, Lubricant, and Genuine Part

Hinges:

Door & Hood Mopar® Engine Oil

Lift Gate Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB

Latches: Hood/Safety Catch

Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB

Seat Regulator & Track

Mopar® Multi-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB

Lock Cylinders

Mopar® Lock Cylinder Lube

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods, Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC, ABS, and
Polycarbonates.

Semi-Rigid Plastics:

Examples of semi-rigid plastic use: Interior Panels, Under Hood Panels, and other Body Trim Panels.

Flexible Plastics:

Examples of flexible plastic use: Fascias, Body Moldings, and upper and lower Fascia Covers.

Repair Procedure:

The repair procedure for all three categories of plastics is basically the same. The one difference is the material
used for the repair. The materials must be specific for each substrate, rigid repair material for rigid plastic
repair, semi-rigid repair material for semi-rigid plastic repair and flexible repair material for flexible plastic
repair.

Adhesion Promoter/Surface Modifier:

Adhesion Promoters/Surface Modifiers are required for certain plastics. All three categories may have plastics
that require the use of adhesion promoter/surface modifiers. Always follow repair material manufacturer's
plastic identification and repair procedures.

SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS

RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, AND FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PARTS TYPES

WARNING:

Eye protection should be used when servicing components.
Personal injury can result.

Use an OSHA approved breathing mask when mixing epoxy,
grinding, and spraying paint or solvents in a confined area. Personal
injury can result.

Avoid prolonged skin contact with resin, petroleum, or alcohol
based solvents. Personal injury can result.

Do not venture under a hoisted vehicle that is not properly
supported on safety stands. Personal injury can result.

NOTE:

When holes must be drilled or cut in body panels, verify locations of
internal body components and electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can
result.

Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on undamaged painted
surfaces around repair areas. Damage to finish can result.

CODE

FAMILY NAME

COMMON TRADE

TYPICAL

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

NAME

APPLICATION

ASA

ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE
ACRYLITE

LURAN S

CONSOLES, GRILLES

ABS

ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE
STYRENE

TERLURAN

"A" PILLARS,
CONSOLES, GRILLES

ABS/PC

ABS/PC ALLOY

PULSE, PROLOY,
BAYBLEND

DOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS

ABS/PVC

ABS/PV ALLOY

PROLOY, PULSE,
LUSTRAN, CYCLOVIN

DOOR PANELS,
GRILLES, TRIM

BMC

BULK MOLDING COMPOUND BMC

FENDER EXTENSIONS

EMA

EHTYLENE METHYL
ACRYLATE/IONOMER

SURLYN, EMA,
IONOMER

BUMPER GUARDS,
PADS

METTON

METTON

METTON

GRILLES, KICK
PANELS, RUNNING
BOARDS

MPPO

MODIFIED POLYPHENYLENE
OXIDE

MPPO

SPOILER ASSEMBLY

PA

POLYAMID

ZYTEL, VYDYNE, PA,
MINLON

FENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS

PET

THERMOPLASTIC
POLYESTER

RYNITE

TRIM

PBT/PPO

PBT/PPO ALLOY

GERMAX

CLADDINGS

PBTP

POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATE

PBT, PBTP, POCAN,
VALOX

WHEEL COVERS,
FENDERS, GRILLES

PBTP/EEBC POLYBUTYLENE

THEREPTHALATE/EEBC
ALLOY

BEXLOY, "M",
PBTP/EEBC

FASCIAS, ROCKER
PANEL, MOLDINGS

PC

POLYCARBONATE

LEXAN, MERLON,
CALIBRE, MAKROLON
PC

TAIL LIGHT LENSES, IP
TRIM, VALANCE
PANELS

PC/ABS

PC/ABS ALLOY

GERMAX, BAY
BLENDS, PULSE

DOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS

PPO

POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE

AZDEL, HOSTALEN,
MARLEX, PRFAX,
NORYL, GTX, PPO

INTERIOR TRIM, DOOR
PANELS, SPLASH
SHIELDS, STEERING
COLUMN SHROUD

PPO/PA

POLYPHENYLENE/POLYAMID PPO/PA, GTX 910

FENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS

PR/FV

FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
PLASTIC

FIBERGLASS, FV,
PR/FV

BODY PANELS

PS

POLYSTYRENE

LUSTREX, STYRON, PS DOOR PANELS, DASH

PANELS

RTM

RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING
COMPOUND

RTM

BODY PANELS

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro