TRUNK COMPARTMENT FRONT TRIM ASSEMBLY WORKS LOOSE. Cadillac Seville 1990

SUBJECT: TRUNK TRIM ASSEMBLY, FRONT OF COMPARTMENT (FASTENER REPAIR PROCEDURES) (Revised to correct missing text in Page 3)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1990 E, K

(Cadillac, Oldsmobile):

Some 1990 Cadillac Eldorados and Sevilles and Oldsmobile Toronados may experience a condition of the trunk compartment front trim assembly not remaining secured. This condition is caused by insufficient engagement and/or strength of the hook-and-loop fasteners used to attach the trim.

(Cadillac):

NOTE: Early Eldorados and Sevilles were attached with a push-in type fastener through the speaker cover. However, the slot in the speaker cover has since been revised to a hole and enlarged to accept the new fastener.

Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile):

In 1990 the fastening system for the rear compartment front trim assembly (back of seat) was changed in Production to a combination of Dual Lock(R) (locking material with heavy plastic fingers) and Velcro(R)-type loop material. The Dual Lock(R) is attached to a push-in fastener which is assembled to sheet metal (Buick/Olds) or speaker housing (Cadillac); the Velcro(R) loop is attached to the trim. This combination provides a strong attachment for trunk trim.

To secure the trim panel, lightly touch the loop patch to the Dual Lock(R); added pressure is not necessary nor desired.

Trim Removal:

If the front trim assembly is removed for any reason on a vehicle with the new Dual Lock(R) loop fastening system, it is necessary to carefully separate the fasteners to avoid damage.

Locate the fasteners. Holding the loop material against the carpet with one hand, pull lightly while running a finger from your opposite hand between the fasteners to separate the loops.

Fastener Repair:

Even if care is taken in removal of the trim, there is a high probability that one or both of the fasteners will be damaged, as they can be difficult to separate. The loop material may be pulled away from the carpet or the Dual Lock(R) may break from its base while remaining mated to the opposite fastener.

To eliminate the Dual Lock(R) loop system, use one of the procedures specified under "Insufficient Trim Retention". Or, the following procedure may be used to repair the Dual Lock(R) if the fastener is broken or to reattach the loop material to the carpet.

1. Carefully detach the loop material from the Dual Lock(R).

2. To reattach the loop material to the carpet, use GM weatherstrip adhesive, P/N 12345097. To bond properly follow the instructions for use on the side of the adhesive tube.

3. To reattach the Dual Lock(R) to base fastener, first rough up the bonding surface of both pieces with a heavy grit sandpaper.

4. Use either GM weatherstrip adhesive, P/N 12345097, or an inside mirror adhesive kit, P/N 1052369, to bond the Dual Lock(R) patch to the base. If using the mirror adhesive kit, the accelerator is applied to both pieces while the adhesive is applied to only one surface. Follow the instructions for use on the package.

(Olds) Position each shelf tab vertically to provide a good mounting surface for trim attachment.

5. Allow sufficient time for adhesive to set before reattaching the trim. The carpet bond will set up within two hours. Dual Lock(R) fasteners used with weatherstrip adhesive may have to set overnight to dry thoroughly and provide a good bond.

Insufficient Trim Retention:

To eliminate a complaint of insufficient trim retention, use one of the two optional procedures listed below. Procedure 1 uses self-tapping screws while procedure 2 specifies a push in fastener available through GMSPO.

Procedure 1 - Self-Tapping Screws

1. Remove existing Dual Lock(R) or hook-and-loop type fasteners from the carpet trim and from the shelf tabs (Olds)/speaker cover (Cadillac)/sheet metal (Buick).

NOTE: The push-in fastener may have to be cut away to remove.

(Buick):

2. Drill a small starter hole in the sheet metal near the original fastener locations.

3. Position the trim panel. Using a small black self-tapping sheet metal screw, such as P/N 20378000 or 11505104, fasten the trim panel to the sheet metal. If other similar screws are used instead, maximum length of screws is 1/2" (13mm).

(Oldsmobile):

2. Drill a small starter hole in the sheet metal near the original fastener locations. This may be necessary even if using a self-drilling screw due to the instability of the mounting tabs.

3. Position each mounting tab vertically.

4. Position the trim panel to the tabs. Using a small black self-tapping sheet metal screw, such as P/N 20378000, fasten the trim panel to the sheet metal tabs.

(Cadillac):

2. Position the trim panel. Using a small black self-tapping sheet metal or plastic screw, such as P/N #20491250 or P/N #20378000, fasten the trim panel to the speaker covers near the top.

Procedure 2 - Push-In Fastener (P/N 1645359)

1. Remove existing Dual Lock(R) fastener(s). Loop material does not have to be removed from carpet trim.

2. Position carpeted trim and mark mounting hole locations on the trim.

3. Make a small "X" cut through trim at each mounting location.

4. Push fastener, P/N 1645359, through the cut in the carpet.

5. Position carpet. Locate mounting holes, press fasteners into holes to secure the carpet.

Use the most applicable Labour Operation and Time from the Canadian Labour Time Guide.

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.