Body - Howl/Honk Noise From A-Pillar/Windshield Area

NUMBER: 23-023-08

GROUP: Body

DATE: August 1, 2008

SUBJECT:
Whistle, Honk Or Howl Sound Coming From "A" Pillar Or Windshield Area

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves applying clear flowable silicone sealer to the backside of the windshield molding lip seal to adhere the lip seal to the A-Pillar.

MODELS:

2008 (RI) Town & Country/Grand Caravan

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The customer may experience a whistle, honk or howl sound from the A-Pillar area or windshield area of A-Pillar on either side of the vehicle. A combination of high ambient temperatures above 32° C (90°F), high driving speeds 112 Kph (70 Mph) or higher and cross winds are required to make this sound occur. The condition may be intermittent or can be continuous when the conditions are met.

An outer lip seal on the windshield moulding that contacts the A-Pillar may vibrate and cause this sound.

DIAGNOSIS:
If the vehicle exhibits the condition described in the Symptom/Condition, perform the Repair Procedure.





PARTS REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:





1. Start at the top or bottom of the A-Pillar and insert a thin fiber stick between the A-Pillar and the windshield molding lip seal so the lip seal is lifted up and away from the A-Pillar. (Fig. 1).

NOTE:
A thin card (plastic) can be used as a tool to lift the lip seal from the A-Pillar if a thin fiber stick is not available.

NOTE:
The area where the sealer is applied is narrow. Carefully cut the silicone nozzle tip at the narrowest point at an angle to be able to apply the silicone into the area described.

2. Insert the nozzle of the silicone sealant in between the A-Pillar and windshield molding lip just behind the fiber stick.

3. Move the fiber stick slowly along the A-Pillar while allowing the silicone to flow onto the back side of the molding lip and A-Pillar.

4. Proceed as far along the A-Pillar as possible. Do not overfill cavity. There must be an adequate volume of silicone to adhere the tip of the lip seal to the A-Pillar.

5. Wipe the A-Pillar surface clean of any excess (exposed) silicone sealant.

6. Allow sufficient time for the newly applied sealer to air dry.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.





TIME ALLOWANCE:





FAILURE CODE:

Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.