Paint - Finish Damage at Roof Rack Air Dam

Classification:
BT99-047

Reference:
NTB00-035

Date:
April 10, 2000

2000 XTERRA, ROOF PAINT DAMAGE AT LOWER EDGE OF ROOF RACK AIR DAM

APPLIED VEHICLE(S):
2000 Xterra (WD22)

APPLIED VIN
Prior to 5N1ED28**YC542500

SERVICE INFORMATION





If a customer removes the roof rack air dam panel on an equipped 2000 Xterra to clean underneath and discovers a "line" of scratches/abrasions at the contact point between the dam leading edge and the roof panel (see Figure 1), it may be caused by dust and debris collecting underneath the air dam and then "abrading" into the paint as the air dam vibrates. A Paint Protector Film is now available to cover this area and to prevent this from occurring again.

Use the following procedure to apply the Paint Protector Film from the Parts Information section of this bulletin.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the 4 Torx-head Screws that secure the air dam to the front of the roof rack. Then, remove the air dam and set it aside.

2. Using the following steps, prepare and inspect the roof area:





a. Carefully clean and dry the roof area shown in Figure 2.

b. Using a wax and grease remover (PPG DX-330 or VOC equivalent), clean any traces of wax from the painted surface shown in Figure 2.

c. Carefully clean the same area again using isopropyl alcohol.

3. In a spray bottle, make a mixture of 70% water and 30% isopropyl alcohol.





4. On a clean, alcohol-resistant work surface, lay out the Paint Protector Film. Using scissors, trim 1.25 in. (32 mm) from the ends of the Paint Protector Film as shown in Figure 3. Make the cut parallel to the end of the Film.

NOTE:
The Paint Protector Film has a built-in location guide. This location guide "frames" the strip that will be left on the vehicle when you are done.





5. Peel the paper backing from the adhesive side of the Paint Protector Film (see Figure 4) and place the Film back onto the work surface adhesive-side up.





6. Spray the 70% water/30% isopropyl alcohol mixture onto the adhesive side of the Paint Protector Film (see Figure 5).





7. Position the Paint Protector Film onto the vehicle roof, using the built-in location guide (see Figure 6).





8. Squeegee the Paint Protector Film into place, using a firm pressure (see Figure 7).





9. Carefully remove the location guide, leaving the Paint Protector Film in place (see Figure 8).

10. Firmly press the Paint Protector Film onto the vehicle with the squeegee.

12. Place the air dam across the front of the roof rack side rail assemblies and align the air dam slots with the threaded inserts found in the side rail assemblies.

CAUTION:
Take care not to bump or move the Paint Protector Strip. It will still be wet and not firmly glued into place.

13. Install 4 Torx screws through the air dam slots into the side rail threaded inserts. Tighten the screws by hand to 3.0 ft. lbs., or 1 extra turn after the screw is seated in place. Do not overtorque the screws.

NOTE:
There should be no visible gap between the air dam seal and the roof.





PARTS INFORMATION

CLAIMS INFORMATION





Submit a "CM" line claim using the claims coding information table shown.

"CM" I.D.: B0072