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Rear Exterior Door Panel - Not Tight Against Structure

BULLETIN NO.: 96-T-19C

ISSUE DATE: November, 1998

GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Body-O7

CORPORATION NO.: 7815O9R

SUBJECT:
Rear Exterior Door Panel is Not Tight Against Door Structure
(Adjust Door Structure Flange.)

Due to revisions under Models Affected, this bulletin supercedes bulletin 96-T-19B, which should be discarded.

MODELS AFFECTED:
1996-1999 Saturn Sedans and Wagons.

CONDITION:
Rear upper corner of rear exterior door panel does not stay tight against door structure, causing a loose, non-flush condition.

CAUSE:
Rear door side window outer sealing strip does not tightly hold top of exterior door panel to door structure.

CORRECTION:
Remove rear door side window outer sealing strip and adjust door structure flange according to procedures in this bulletin.

PROCEDURES





1. Remove lower retaining screw from rear side door window frame front applique.





2. Starting at front, gently lift rear side door window outer sealing strip, disengaging it from the door structure and exterior door panel.

IMPORTANT:
A putty knife with the blade covered with tape may be used to gently pry rear side door window outer sealing strip from flange.

3. Cover rear side door quarter vent glass with a thickly padded material, taping material into place to avoid movement.





4. Using a wedge of wood and a light hammer, tap on the rear edge of the rear door structure flange, moving it inboard towards the center of the vehicle. The only part of the flange that should be moved is the part that is slightly curved. Amount of movement will vary according to the looseness of the panel.

IMPORTANT:
Do not change the position of the flange anywhere forward of the rear window glass channel.

5. Install rear side door window outer sealing strip to door and check fit and flushness against door structure. If required, adjust flange again, using procedure in step 4, until rear side door window outer sealing strip is tight against door structure.





6. Press rear side door window outer sealing strip onto outer belt flange.

7. Check alignment at front edge of door.





8. Install rear side door window frame front applique lower screw and tighten.

Torque: 2 N.m (18 in-lbs)





CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as shown.