Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom Chart

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Dust and water leaks	Body sealer missing Opening in welding or body joints Components not fully installed Components missing Components damaged	REMOVE the trim. CHECK for leaks and SEAL with the appropriate sealer. ROAD TEST or WATER TEST for leaks. RECHECK the trim for leaks; USE a light under the vehicle with the trim removed. CHECK the interior of the body at the joints and weld lines.
	Leaks at door and window seals or sheet metal joints in doors or door openings	SEAL leaks with silicone gasket and sealant.
	Loose/misaligned weatherstrip	REATTACH weatherstrip. INSTALL new pin-type retainers if damaged. USE trim and weatherstrip adhesive as necessary.
	Poor door fit	ADJUST the striker or hinges as necessary. REFER to BODY CLOSURES article. CHECK for acceptable door efforts and use spray chalk on weatherstrip to verify repair.
Dust/water leaks at the floor pan and grommets	Missing or damaged plugs and/or grommets	CHECK the plugs for correct installation. INSTALL new plugs if necessary.
Door drain holes collecting water	Holes clogged with mud or road tar	CLEAN the drain holes of dirt and foreign material with a punch or screwdriver. CHECK the drain holes regularly.
Water leaks and wind noise around perimeter of windshield	Gaps in the sealant bead	RESEAL windshield. REFER to GLASS, FRAMES AND MECHANISMS article.
	Windshield misaligned or not installed correctly	REINSTALL the windshield. REFER to GLASS, FRAMES AND MECHANISMS article.
	Open in weld or body joint	See above condition for dust and water leaks.
Wind noise	Lower corner of window	REMOVE the door trim. RESEAT the inner belt to the corner. SEAL the leaks with sealant.
	Loose or misaligned weatherstrip	ATTACH the weatherstrip correctly. INSTALL new pin-type retainers if damaged. USE the weatherstrip adhesive as necessary.
	Poor door fit	ADJUST the striker or hinges as necessary. REFER to BODY CLOSURES article. CHECK for acceptable door efforts after the repair.
	Door handle whistle	REMOVE the door handle and INSTALL the door handle correctly. If the whistle persists, INSTALL a new door handle. REFER to HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS article.
Rattles	Loose wires/cables in doors	MAKE SURE all wires/cables are correctly routed and inserted in the correct clips.
	Loose objects in door wells, pillars and quarter panels	CHECK the doors by carefully striking the underside of the door with a rubber mallet. LISTEN for loose objects in the door. REPAIR the door or REMOVE the loose objects as necessary. TIGHTEN the body bolts and screws.
	Buzz from components of instrument panel	IDENTIFY which components of the instrument panel are buzzing. ADD a dampening material between the 2 surfaces to eliminate the buzz.