Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1603

23 - 18 BODY
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent 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
crosswinds. 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 pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
Wind noise can also be caused by improperly fitted
exterior moldings or body ornamentation. Loose
moldings can flutter, creating a buzzing or chattering
noise. An open cavity or protruding edge can create a
whistling or howling noise. Inspect the exterior of the
vehicle to verify that these conditions do not exist.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
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 vehi-
cle. 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.
• Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
• Weld burn through holes.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch, open and support hood on
prop rod.
RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL GRILLE
(2) Remove screws holding grille to parking lamps
(Fig. 1).
(3) Remove screw holding grille to radiator closure
panel.
(4) Separate grille from vehicle.
Fig. 1 Grille
INSTALLATION
(1) Place grille into position on vehicle.
(2) Install screw holding grille to radiator closure
panel.
(3) Install screws holding grille to parking lamps.
HOOD LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Support hood on prop rod.
(3) Remove grille.
(4) Remove screws holding hood latch to radiator
closure panel (Fig. 2).
(5) Separate hood latch from closure panel.
(6) Disengage remote release cable from latch.
Fig. 2 Hood Latch
HOOD LATCH SCREWS PARK AND TURN SIGNAL RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL GRILLE LAMP
PL