Info - New Style Water Deflector
| Subject: | New Style Water Deflector |
| Models: | 2002 Oldsmobile Alero |
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am |
Built After the Following VIN Breakpoints:
VIN | Door |
|---|---|
M649576 | Front Doors -- Sedan |
C247845 | |
M688760 | Rear Doors -- Sedan |
C283078 | |
C275531 | Coupe Doors |
A new style water deflector has been released for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero. This updated part replaces the plastic-type, butyl attached water deflector. The new molded foam water deflector is production-installed with the door trim panel to the aligning holes in the door metal, using pin and grommet type retainers. The water deflector adheres to the door metal by an adhesive strip built into the deflector. This type of attachment assures that the water deflector is consistently positioned and sealed to the door. The benefits of this type of deflector include better water control, better sound insulation and improved installation and fit. This new water deflector utilizes three less door attachments and longer door speaker harnesses than past model year vehicles.
To access the door glass, window regulator, latch assembly, lock rods or other inner door components, you must partially remove the water deflector. Carefully peel the top half of the water deflector from the door down to the crease line in the water deflector. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a plastic trim stick to disengage the adhesive on the back side of the water deflector to the door.
Important: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE WATER DEFLECTOR.
The bottom portion of the water deflector is a critical part of water management. If the bottom portion of the water deflector is not sealed to the door, water may enter the vehicle at the bottom of the door instead of being diverted back inside the door.Then, simply fold the top portion down and allow it to hang. If the upper portion of the water deflector is damaged, you may repair it by installing duct tape to the deflector. However, if the lower portion of the water deflector becomes damaged, a new one must be installed. Follow these steps to install a new deflector:
- 1. Clean the door metal surface with an alcohol base cleaner.
- 2. Locate the pre-punched holes in the replacement water deflector onto the new door trim panel pin and grommet type retainers.
- 3. Feed and correctly route the wire harnesses.
- 4. Pull the protective backing from the adhesive and install the door trim panel to the door.
- 5. Make sure the retainers are fully seated to the door.
