PI0828A

File in Section:
Service Bulletin
Bulletin No.:
Date:
PI0828A
March, 2013
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:
Inspection and Repair Guidelines for Dust Intrusion into Passenger Compartment
Models:
2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox
2010-2013 GMC Terrain
This PI is being revised to add the Chevrolet Equinox models and update
Warranty Information. Please discard PI0828.
Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment that excessive dust is entering into the passenger compartment through the side
doors or rear liftgate areas. This is usually found to occur when the vehicle is driven in high dust areas. Examples of
this condition are shown in the graphics below.
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The cause of this condition may be that the dust/debris is working past the side door or liftgate sealing surfaces.
Recommendation/Instructions
Important: When verifying the condition, ensure that the vehicle is being driven with the windows completely closed
and the HVAC off or in recirculation mode.
Once the condition is verified, look for evidence of any visual dust flow or leak path at the side doors or the liftgate
area of the vehicle. This leak path will help designate the direction the repair should take.
1. In extreme cases where the passenger compartment is so dirty that an obvious dust leak path is not evident, we
recommend detailing the vehicle, then road testing the vehicle to try and duplicate the condition.
2. If a dust leak path is evident at the side door(s), adjust the affected door ensuring a uniform compression of the
door seal to the body and complete the following steps:
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Note: A vehicle will sometimes show evidence of dirt/dust being pulled past the backside of the rocker moldings as
shown above. A double sided tape is added to the moldings to help eliminate this condition.
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2.1. Remove the left and right rocker panel moldings (seals). Refer to Rocker Panel Molding Replacement in
SI. Inspect the seals for any deformations or damage and replace as appropriate.
2.2. Thoroughly clean the seals and the contact area of the rocker panels with 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive
Cleaner P/N 08984, or equivalent.
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2.3. Apply 3M™ Automotive Adhesion Promoter, or equivalent, to the entire length of the seals and between
each push pin. The promoter should be centered in line with the push pins and cover an approximate area
15 mm (0.590 in) wide.
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Note: The recommended size of the two-sided tape is approximately 1.5 mm (0.060 in) thick and 13 mm
(0.500 in) wide.
2.4. Apply 3M™ Automotive Acrylic Plus Attachment Tape P/N 06397 (1), or equivalent, to each seal by
pushing the seal push pins through the two-sided tape.
2.5. Reinstall the left and right rocker seals, ensuring to completely wet out the tape onto the rocker panel.
3. If a dust leak path is evident in the liftgate area, complete the following steps:
3.1. Inspect the liftgate hinges and adjust the liftgate and/or latch striker as necessary. Refer to Liftgate
Adjustment in SI.
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3.2. Inspect the upper pinch weld flange on the body side of the gate to ensure it is perpendicular to the liftgate
inner surface. The liftgate seal should have uniform compression around the complete perimeter of
the seal.
3.3. If the pinch weld is not perpendicular, remove the liftgate seal. Refer to Liftgate Weatherstrip Replacement
in SI. Inspect the seal for any deformations or damage and replace as appropriate.
3.4. Clean the seal mounting area with 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner P/N 08984, or equivalent.
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3.5. Using an adjustable wrench, or similar tool, carefully bend the pinch weld to a position perpendicular to the
liftgate interface.
3.6. Reinstall the liftgate seal, ensuring uniform compression around the complete perimeter of the seal.
4. Inspect the passenger compartment air filter and replace as needed. Refer to Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement in SI.
Note: Once repairs are made (and if not equipped), the addition of GM four wheel accessory splash guards should
also be considered as an improvement to help the vehicle avoid this dust/debris condition. The installation of splash
guards will direct the dust/debris away from the door seals and prevent mud from working into the rocker panel area.
Please advise the customer that the installation and cost of this repair will not be covered under the vehicle's
warranty.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
06396*
3M™ Automotive Adhesion Promoter
06397*
3M™ Automotive Acrylic Plus Attachment Tape
19170499
GUARD PKG, FRT & RR SPH (MOLDED) — CHEVROLET
19170503
GUARD PKG, FRT & RR SPH (MOLDED) — GMC
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/
materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility for the
products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
B6846*
Dust Intrusion Repairs
Submit Actual
Clock Time
* This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.