Instrument Panel (IP) Upper Trim Panel and Defroster Grille Lifting/Loose/Warping (Apply Adhesive)

This bulletin is being revised to include the ends of the trim pad to the repair. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-49-013A (Section 08-Body & Accessories).

Some customers may comment that the IP upper trim panel in the area of the windshield defroster grille or at the ends of the trim pad appear to be lifting/loose/warping. This may be especially noticeable on the RH side of the IP upper trim panel.

This condition may be due to the IP upper trim panel's skin and foam separating from the panel's plastic sub-structure around the windshield defroster grille opening and the speaker grille opening.

Apply adhesive between the IP upper trim panel's skin and foam to the top surface of the panel's plastic sub-structure around the windshield defroster and speaker grille openings.

Important: During the repair procedure, it is very important to keep the IP Upper Trim Panel warm, especially the areas that are being repaired.

Important: Upper repair shown; repair to the end is similar.

1. Remove the IP upper trim panel.

Refer to Trim Pad Replacement - IP Upper (DeVille) in the Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console sub-section of the Service Manual for the removal procedure.

2. Lay the IP upper trim panel on a clean flat surface.



3. From the top surface of the IP upper trim panel's plastic sub-structure (1), at the windshield defroster grille opening, remove all of the old adhesive tape.

3.1.	Lift up the skin and foam (2) and use a flat, bladed scraper to remove as much of the tape as possible.

3.2.	Use 3M® General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, P/Ns 8984, 8986, 8987, or equivalent, to ensure all of the tape and adhesive is removed.

4. If the skin and foam of the IP upper trim panel has separated from the panel's plastic sub-structure beyond the defroster grille opening, remove the old adhesive from the uncovered surfaces using the adhesive cleaner.
5. Remove the speaker grille.
6. If the skin and foam has separated from the panel's plastic sub-structure around the speaker grille opening, remove the old adhesive from the uncovered surfaces (3) using the adhesive cleaner.



7. Apply medium to high heat across the top surface of the IP upper trim panel above the areas (4) where the skin and foam has separated from the panel's plastic sub-structure. Apply low to medium heat across the top surface of the IP upper trim panel above the defroster and speaker grille areas.
8. As the top surface cools, at the defroster grille edge (5), carefully pull on the panel's cover in order to stretch and smooth out the skin and foam. With the other hand, use a clean shop towel and rub across the panel's cover to ensure a smooth flat surface.
9. Beyond the defroster grille opening, along the top surface of the panel's plastic sub-structure:

9.1.	Apply adhesive such as 3M® Quick Fix Adhesive (Cyanoacrylate), P/N 08155, or an equivalent.

9.2.	Apply pressure to the top surface of the IP upper trim panel along the areas where the adhesive was applied.

9.3.	As the adhesive dries, use a clean shop towel and rub across the top surface to ensure a smooth flat surface.

10. At the speaker grille opening:

•	Apply adhesive along the top surface of the panel's plastic sub-structure.

•	Apply pressure to the top surface of the IP upper trim panel along the areas where the adhesive was applied.

•	Use binder clips to hold the skin and foam in place.

11. Start at one end of the defroster grille opening and generously apply a 15-20 cm (6-8 in) length of the quick fix adhesive along the top surface of the IP trim panel.



12. Use the palm of one hand to press and hold the IP upper trim panel's skin and foam to the panel's adhesive covered top surface.
13. With the thumb of your other hand (6) or with the end of a wooden ruler, apply pressure back and forth along the area where the adhesive was applied in order to work it into the inside edge of the panel's skin and foam. Do this for approximately 2 minutes.
14. Start at the end of the last application of adhesive and apply another 15-20 cm (6-8 in) length of adhesive along the top surface of the IP trim panel. Repeat Steps 12 and 13.
15. Repeat Step 14 as necessary.
16. Install the IP upper trim panel.

Refer to Trim Pad Replacement - IP Upper (DeVille) in the Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console sub-section of the Service Manual for the installation procedure.




17. If the defroster grille is loose and will not stay in position:

•	Apply a very small amount of clear silicone adhesive on the defroster grille edge nearest the windshield (7).

•	Install the defroster grille. Apply pressure to the top surface of the defroster grille along the areas where the adhesive was applied.

•	If necessary, lift up the edge of the defroster grille nearest the speaker grille and apply one drop of the quick fix adhesive to both ends and at the center of the defroster grille. As the adhesive dries, apply pressure.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: