Chrysler Concorde 1993, Service Manual, Page: 723 / 820

BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, im-
proper body component alignment, body seam poros-
ity,
missing plugs, or blocked drain holes.
Centrifugal and gravitational force can cause water
to drip from a location away from the actual leak
point, making leak detection difficult. All body seal-
ing points should be water tight in normal wet driv-
ing conditions. Water flowing downward from the
front of the vehicle should not enter the passenger or
luggage compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will
not always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to en-
ter the passenger compartment during high pressure
washing or hard driving rain (severe) conditions.
Over compensating on door or glass adjustments to
stop a water leak that occurs under severe condi-
tions, can cause premature seal wear and excessive
closing or latching effort. After completing a repair,
water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped before
returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK
TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA, PERSONAL IN-
JURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak has been
determined, simulate the conditions as closely as pos-
sible.
•
If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open
ended garden hose.
•
If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds in
a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in the direction comparable to actual condi-
tions.
•
If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on
left turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the
leak occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the
vehicle. For hoisting recommendations refer to Group
0, Lubrication and Maintenance, General Informa-
tion section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point of entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove in-
terior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to
the leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned with-
out being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak ap-
pears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point
of entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that leak has stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water splashes or runs from the cavity it is
dammed up in, often at a distance from the entry
point. Most water leaks of this type become apparent
after accelerating, stopping, turning, or when on a
incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be 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 vehi-
cle in a brightly light area. From inside the dark-
ened luggage compartment inspect around seals and
body seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop
light over the suspected leak areas around the lug-
gage compartment. If light is visible through a nor-
mally sealed location, water could enter through the
opening.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment can not be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, 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 assure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the ve-
hicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
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