TAILLAMP BREAKS AS DECK LID IS SHUT (DECK LID REPAIR PROC.)

SUBJECT: TAIL LAMP BREAKS AS DECK LID IS SHUT (DECK LID REPAIR PROCEDURE)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1992 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE

CONDITION:

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Some 1992 Bonneville models may experience tail lamp breakage when shutting the deck lid. The breakage occurs as shown in Figure 1. Replacing only the broken lamp will not repair the condition.

CAUSE:

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The quarter panel mounted lamp breaks, but the cause is the deck lid hem flange. This condition is caused by the hem flange in the deck lid mounted tail lamp pocket not being completely flat to the deck lid inner panel or excessive sealer over the hem flange.

CORRECTION:

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To correct this condition, the following steps must be followed:

1. Remove the tail lamp assembly from the deck lid.

2. Remove the deck lid from the vehicle.

3. Lay the deck lid upside down so that the deck lid sits on the outer panel. The deck lid must be laid on a soft pad to assure no paint damage.

4. Use a thin scraper to remove the sealer from the hem flange in the area to be repaired. (See Figure 2)

5. Tap the hem flange in the area shown until the hem flange is tight to the inner panel. The area requiring rework is approximately 20mm X 40mm and is shown in Figure 2 as a shaded area. Use extreme care to not damage the deck lid outer panel.

6. Apply sealer to the reworked area.

7. Touch up the paint in the reworked area.

8. Re-install the deck lid.

9. Re-install the deck lid mounted tail lamp assembly.

For vehicles repaired under warranty use:

Labor Time: 0.8 hrs.

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.