Buick Encore: Diagnostic information and procedures
WATERLEAK TEST PREPARATION
- GM vehicles are designed to operate under normal environmental
conditions.
- The design criteria for sealing materials and components takes into
consideration the sealing forces
required to withstand the natural elements. These specifications cannot take
into consideration any
artificial conditions, i.e., high pressure car washes.
- The water leak test procedure has been correlated to the natural
elements and will determine the ability of
a vehicle to perform under normal operating conditions.
- The first step in diagnosing a leak is determining the conditions under
which a leak occurs. If the general
leak area can be found, the exact entry point can be isolated using a water
hose or an air hose. Some trim
panels or components may need to be removed in order to repair the leak.
- If leaks are found around a door, door window, rear compartment lid or
liftgate area this does not
necessarily indicate a bad weatherstrip. An adjustment to these areas may
resolve the condition.
Watertest Stand Assembly
Fig. 1: View Of Watertest Stand Assembly
- Assemble the water test stand as shown.
Fig. 2: Illustrating How Water Spray From Stands Should Overlap Vehicle
- Position the stands as shown. The water spray from the stands
should overlap the vehicle as shown.
- Have an assistant inside of the vehicle during the test in order to
locate any leaks.
- The water pressure at the nozzle should maintain a 155 kPa (22 psi), for
at least 4 minutes.
Fig. 3: Identifying Proper Water Spray Angles
- In order to check the windshield, aim the water spray 30 degrees down
and 45 degrees toward the rear.
Aim the water towards the corner of the windshield.\
- In order to check the side windows for leaks, position the water stand
towards the center of the rear
quarter, aiming the water spray 30 degrees down and 45 degrees toward the
rear.
- In order to check the back window, aim the water spray 30 degrees down
and 30 degrees toward the front.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS (WATERLEAK REPAIR)
Recommended Materials (Waterleak Repair)
DUST LEAKS
Dust may leak into the vehicle where water will not. This happens
particularly in the lower portion of the
interior.
Forward motion of the vehicle can create a slight vacuum which pulls air and
dust into the vehicle.
In order to determine the location of dust leaks, perform the following steps:
- Remove the mats from the floor.
- Remove the mats from the kick panel.
- Remove the insulation from the floor.
- Remove the insulation from the kick panel.
- Drive the vehicle on a dusty road.
- Examine the interior.
Dust in the shape of a small cone or slit will usually be found at the point
of leakage.
- Mark the points of leakage.
NOTE: Ensure that the interior is darkened when performing this
step.
- Shine bright lamps on the underside of the floor and the cowl.
- Have an assistant mark any points inside of the vehicle for any points
where the light shines through.
- Inspect the weld joints.
- Inspect the body mounts.
- Seal any leaks with an air-drying, body-sealing compound.
WATER HOSE TEST
Fig. 4: Performing Water Hose Test
NOTE: Use a water hose without the nozzle attached.
- Have an assistant inside of the vehicle in order to locate the leak.
- Begin testing at the base of the window or the windshield.
- Slowly move the hose upward and across the top of the vehicle.
AIR HOSE TEST
Fig. 5: Performing Air Hose Test
CAUTION: The air hose test should only be used on fully cured urethane
adhesive. Otherwise, damage to the urethane adhesive bead could
result in additional leaks.
- Using a liquid detergent, diluted with water in a spray bottle, spray
the window at the edges. Begin at the
bottom and gradually move up and across the top.
NOTE: The compressed air should not exceed 205 kPa (30 psi).
- Have an assistant inside of the vehicle with an air hose.
- Have the assistant aim the compressed air at the suspected areas.
Bubbles will form in the soap solution at the location of the leak.
READ NEXT:
BODY WATERLEAK REPAIR
Fig. 6: Cutting Out A Portion Of The Adhesive Caulking (1 Of 2)
WARNING: If the vehicle interior is exposed to moisture and becomes
soaked up to
the level of the sensing and d
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
This article is intended for general information purposes only. This
information may not apply to all makes and
models. If vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (AB
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to
be specific to any
unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. For model-specific
information s
SEE MORE:
CAUTION: Do not remove the pigtail from either the heated oxygen sensor
(HO2S) or
the oxygen sensor (O2S). Removing the pigtail or the connector will affect
sensor operation.
Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the HO2S. Keep the inline
electrical connector and the louvered end free of
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
Tire overloading and
overheating, which could
lead to a blowout.
Premature or
irregula