REAR DOOR COURTESY LAMP PILLAR REPAIR

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1987 DE VILLE AND FLEETWOOD (C)

Some 1987 FWD De Ville and Fleetwood models may experience an interference condition between the left rear door courtesy lamp lens and the rear lock pillar trim panel (see Figure 1).

This condition may be caused by an excessive gap between the lock pillar trim panel and the lock pillar (see Figure 2).

To repair this condition, the following steps should be taken:

1. Remove the two back body lock pillar lower trim panel retaining screws following the procedures described in the 1987 General Motors Body Service Manual, Section 6C, page 5 (see Figure 3).

2. Press the trim panel firmly onto the lock pillar pinch weld flange to obtain maximum clearance between the rear arm rest courtesy lamp lens and the trim panel.

3. Holding the trim panel tightly against the lock pillar, drill new trim panel retaining screw hole(s), as required, with a 7/64" drill bit. Reinstall the trim panel screws and tighten.

4. Reinstall the rear seat cushion and rear seatback as described in the 1987 General Motors Body Service Manual.

If the clearance between the courtesy lamp lens and the trim panel is still insufficient to prevent interference, the following steps should be taken:

5. Remove the door inner trim panel following the procedure described in the 1987 General Motors Body Service Manual, Section 5C, page 1.

6. Place the door trim panel face down on a clean, protected surface. Loosen the five armrest retaining screws slightly (see Figure 4).

7. Move the armrest forward on the door trim panel to provide additional clearance between the armrest courtesy lamp lens and the lock pillar trim panel (see Figure 5). Tighten the five retaining screws.

8. Reinstall the door inner trim panel following procedures described in the 1987 General Motors Body Service Manual.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.