Top Stack (Convertible Top) - Interior Water Leaks
NO: TSB-99-42A-005DATE: February, 1999
MODEL: 1996-99 Eclipse Spyder
SUBJECT:
TOP STACK WATER LEAKS - WEATHERSTRIP STUFFER KIT INSTALLATION
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains new repair procedures related to water leaks in two areas of the Eclipse Spyder top stack:
^ Leaks at the A-pillar between the door glass and the weatherstrips.
^ Leaks between the rear rail weatherstrips and the quarter-glass sash seal.
The new information in this bulletin should be used along with the service manuals for the affected models and previous TSBs relating to top stack water leaks, weatherstrip and side window adjustments.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Some Eclipse Spyder customers may complain of excess water entering the vehicle around the topstack assembly. Various procedures can be tried depending upon the location of the leak.
NOTE:
DO NOT replace the top assembly. It is not necessary to replace the top to correct the following conditions.
I. A-pillar Leaks
1) Update side rail foam to the new rail foam material. (Vehicles produced before 9/97)
2) Confirm proper installation of header weatherstrip.
3) Adjust front rail weatherstrip retainer (holder) as necessary.
4) Replace header weatherstrip or add stuffers to header weatherstrip A-pillar area.
5) Add silicone to front rail between weatherstrip and rail.
6) Adjust glass as necessary.
II. Center Rail Weatherstrip Leaks
1) Updating side rail foam to the new rail foam material. (Same as above)
2) Adjust side rail weatherstrip retainers (holders) as necessary.
3) Adjust glass as necessary.
III. Rear Rail Weatherstrip or Quarter-glass Sash Leaks
1) Updating side rail foam to the new rail foam material.
2) Enlarge rear weatherstrip drain hole if not previously done. (Vehicles produced before 6/18/97)
3) Adjust side rail weatherstrip retainers as necessary.
4) Add a rear rail stuffer.
5) Adjust glass as necessary.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1996-99 Eclipse Spyder Convertible
PROCEDURE
Water Test and Preliminary Procedures
1. Water test the vehicle in the best method which duplicates customer complaint. Refer to Service Manual Supplement, TSB-98-42A-003, or the 1999 Eclipse/Eclipse Spyder Service Manual, Volume 3 for complete water test procedures.
2. If the vehicle was produced prior to 9/97 and the side rail foam was not previously replaced, replace the side rail foam according to TSB 98-42A-001.
NOTE:
Water testing after each step is necessary to prevent excessive labor. Do not perform any adjustments to an area where the customer has not complained of a leak.
I. A-pillar Leaks
A. FOR LEAKS FROM UNDER THE HEADER weatherstrip:
Refer to TSB-97-42A-011 for repair procedures and proper installation method. Water test the vehicle to confirm repair.
B. FOR LEAKS BETWEEN DOOR GLASS AND weatherstrips:
Stuffer Kit Installation (Header)
NOTE:
Before installation of the header stuffer, refer to Service Manual Supplement, TSB-98-42A-003 and make sure the front rail weatherstrip retainers (holders) are adjusted properly, and if not, adjust them.
1. Open the top to the half opened position.
2. Inspect the header and front rail weatherstrips for damage and replace as necessary.
NOTE:
Some new header weatherstrips may already have the stuffers installed. If, after inspection, you decide to replace the header weatherstrip, inspect the new weather strip to see if it has the stuffer. If it does not, go to step 4 and install the stuffer before you install the new weatherstrip. If the new weatherstrip does have the stuffer, install the new weatherstrip onto the vehicle then go to step 8.if the new header weatherstrip has the stuffers included, there is no reason to install the front stuffers from the kit
3. Detach the weatherstrip from the retainer at the top area of the A-pillar to gain access to the underside of the weatherstrip (about 150 mm in both directions is sufficient for removal from retainer).
4. Locate the mold seam opening in the part and separate the glue holding it together.
5. Insert a front stuffer from kit P/N MR311150 into the weatherstrip seam opening. Refer to the illustration in Step 1 for stuffer orientation.
NOTE:
The longer part of stuffer is on the side closest to the retainer.
6. Clean off the butyl on the header panel and reapply according to TSB-97-42A-011.
7. Reinstall the header weatherstrip into the retainer. Make sure weatherstrip is properly seated.
8. Close and latch the top.
9. Water test vehicle to confirm repair.
10. If water still leaks over the glass, apply silicone (black for black tops, clear for tan tops) between the front rail weatherstrip and front rail.
11. Water test vehicle.
12. If leak still occurs, adjust the door glass as necessary.
NOTE:
Glass adjustments are very sensitive. One single adjustment can alter another part of the glass setting. Try to make small adjustments one at a time. Start with the easiest adjustments points first. Upstops and downstops should be tried first, then tilt positions. After adjustments, make sure the glass cycles properly and to its full-up position with the door opened, and closed with the topstack fully closed.
13. Water test vehicle to confirm repair.
II. Center Rail Weatherstrip Leaks
A. REPAIR PROCEDURES
Center rail leaks will usually be corrected with new rail foam or A-pillar leak repairs.
1. If a center leak is the only leak on the side, adjust the rear of the front rail retainer outward, or the front of the center rail retainer outward. Refer to Service Manual Supplement, TSB-98-42A-003.
2. Water test the vehicle to confirm adjustments have reduced the leak(s)
3. If the leak is still present, adjust door glass rear upstops.
4. Water test vehicle to confirm adjustment.
III. Rear Rail Weatherstrip or Quarter-glass Leaks.
A. REPAIR PROCEDURES
Stuffer Kit Installation (Rear Rail)
1. Open topstack to the half open position.
2. Inspect the rear rail weatherstrip drain hole. If the hole has not been enlarged previously then follow TSB-97-42A-011 on enlarging the drain hole.
3. Inspect center rail weatherstrip for damage and replace as necessary.
4. Water test vehicle to verify adjustment.
5. If leak is still present, add a rear stuffer from kit. Add a few drops of weatherstrip adhesive on the outer edge of the rear portion of the stuffer and insert up through the lower portion of the rear rail weatherstrip. Hold the stuffer against the weatherstrip briefly to allow adhesive to set. Lift the front of the stuffer in the area of the weatherstrip drain hole (at the front of the weatherstrip). Place a small amount of adhesive between the stuffer and the weatherstrip, then hold the stuffer against the weatherstrip to set the adhesive. Repeat for the other side.
6. Close the convertible top then water test the vehicle to verify repair.
7. If a leak is still present, then adjust the quarter-glass. See quarter-glass adjustment hints at the end of this bulletin.
PARTS INFORMATION
Required for procedures in this bulletin:
Stuffer Kit, Part Number MR311150
WARRANTY INFORMATION
QUARTER-GLASS ADJUSTMENT HINTS