Buick Encore: Trim height inspection
Trim Height Measurement
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height.
Incorrect trim heights can cause the
vehicle to bottom out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and
symptoms similar to wheel
alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns
and before checking the
wheel alignment.
Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:
- Set the tire pressure to the specifications shown on the certification
label. Refer to Vehicle Certification,
Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label .
NOTE: One U.S. gallon of gasoline weighs approximately 6.5 lbs. One
liter of
gasoline weighs approximately 0.7 kg.
- Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a
full tank.
- Make sure the passenger and rear compartments are empty, except for the
spare tire.
- Make sure the vehicle is on a flat and level surface, such as an
alignment rack.
- Check that all the vehicle doors are securely closed.
- Check that the vehicle hood and rear deck lids are securely closed.
- Check for installed after market accessories or modifications that could
affect trim height measurement:
- Larger or smaller than production wheels and tires.
- Lifting or Lowering Kits
- Wheel Opening Flares or Ground Effects
Measuring the P and R Dimension
Fig. 1: Measuring P And R Dimension
Measurement Definitions
P Height: The vertical distance from the center of the front wheel to the top
of the wheel opening.
R Height: The vertical distance from the center of the rear wheel to the top of
the wheel opening.
Use the following procedures to measure the P and R dimensions:
NOTE:
- Measure from the center of the wheel well opening to the ground.
- The left and right P and R height differences should be no more than
15 mm (0.60 in).
- Push the front bumper down a minimum of 38 mm (1.59 in) and release.
Perform this step three times.
- Measure and record the trim height per the "Measurement Definitions"
above.
- Lift the bumper up a minimum of 38 mm (1.59 in) and release. Perform
this step three times.
- Measure and record the trim height per the "Measurement Definitions"
above.
- The true P height measurement is the average of the measurements taken
in step 2 and 4. Refer to Trim
Height Specifications (USA), Trim Height Specifications (Canada)
- Repeat the above steps at the rear of the vehicle for the R heights.
Measuring the Z Dimension
Fig. 2: Measuring Z Dimension
Measurement Definition
The Z Height: The vertical distance from the center of the ball joint cup (1)
to the bottom of cradle, center of
lower control arm rear bushing mount (2).
The Z Height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the
front end of the vehicle. There
is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension parts.
Use the following procedures to check the Z height dimension:
- Using your hands, lift the front bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle.
- Repeat the jouncing operation a total of 3 times.
- Measure the vertical distance from the center of ball joint cup to the
bottom of cradle, center of lower
control arm rear bushing mount.
- Using your hands, jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately
38 mm (1.59 in).
- Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle.
- Repeat the jouncing operation a total of 3 times.
- Measure the Z height dimension.
- The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the
low measurements. Refer to Trim
Height Specifications (USA), Trim Height Specifications (Canada).
Measuring the D Dimension
Fig. 3: Measuring D Dimension
Measurement Definition
The D Height: The vertical distance from the bolt head center of rear shock
absorber lower attachment (1) to the bottom surface of underbody side rail (2),
vertically above the shock bolt head.
The D Height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride height.
There is no adjustment
procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension parts.
Use the following procedure to check the D height dimension:
- With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm
(1.59 in).
- Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times.
- Measure the vertical distance from the bolt head center of rear shock
absorber lower attachment to the
bottom surface of underbody side rail, vertically above the shock bolt head.
- Repeat this task for the other side of the vehicle.
- Using your hands, jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately
38 mm (1.59 in).
- Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times.
- Measure the D height dimension.
- The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and the
low measurements. Refer to Trim
Height Specifications (USA), Trim Height Specifications (Canada).
- If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the
following conditions:
SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
SPECIAL TOOLS
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Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Ve
Tire pressure indicator sensor replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking
the Vehicle .
Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle. R
SEE MORE:
The vehicle has a number of
computers that record information
about the vehicle's performance and
how it is driven or used. For
example, the vehicle uses computer
modules to monitor and control
engine and transmission
performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment
and deploy them in a
OBJECT DETECTION DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (REARVISION CAMERA, UVC)
Rear Vision Camera System Operation
The rear vision camera system consists of a video camera located at the rear
of the vehicle and the navigation
radio.
When the transmission is placed into REVERSE, a 12 volt signal is sent to th