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09-021/04 2004 RX-8 - SOLVENT CRACKS APPEAR ON REAR COMBINATION LIGHT LENS AND / OR FRONT SIDE MARKER LIGHT LENS
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2004 RX-8
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may experience cracks on the rear combination light lens and/or front side marker light lens. The cracks may be caused by the type of cleaner used during cleaning of the body after removing the RAPGARD protective film.
CAUSE
Rear combination light lenses and front side marker light lenses are made using a heat/vibration weld installation process. If isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline is used to remove adhesive residue after RAPGARD protective film is removed, it may attack the surface of the lens, causing solvent cracks. Due to the RX-8's design, the solvent is easily trapped between the rear bumper and rear combination light assembly and the front bumper and front side marker light assembly.
PREVENTIVE MEASURE
DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline to clean RAPGARD protective film residue from vehicle. Use kerosene or other cleaners that DO NOT contain isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline.
and this associated one:
09-022/04 ALL MODELS - RAPGARD (BODY PROTECTION FILM) HANDLING PROCEDURE
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
All models with RAPGARD protective film.
DESCRIPTION
When removing RAPGARD protective film from new vehicles, please follow the repair instructions to prevent damage to vehicles from improper removal techniques.
NOTE: Using isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline can cause solvent cracking on rear combination light lenses and/or front side marker light lenses. DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline to remove protective film residue from vehicle after RAPGARD protective film removal.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Inspection Procedure
When the vehicle is delivered to your dealership, inspect the surface of the RAPGARD protective film for tears, punctures, or lifting. Fraying of the film's edges is OK. If the film is not damaged, leave the RAPGARD protective film in place as long as possible. If the RAPGARD protective film is damaged, immediately remove the RAPGARD protective film from the attached area and inspect for body damage. See Recommended Removal Procedure. If body damage is found, repair according to approved methods and file a transportation damage claim. If body damage is not found, leave the remaining RAPGARD protective film in place as long as possible.
NOTE: RAPGARD can remain on vehicle for six months after vehicle production date. RAPGARD is designed to prevent the vehicle's body from environmental damages such as scratches, airborne fall out, acid rain etc. DO NOT remove the RAPGARD protective film until six months after vehicle production date unless vehicle is scheduled for display or immediate sale.
Maintenance Procedure
Inspect condition of the body panels and paint through the RAPGARD protective film regularly (RAPGARD protective film is thin enough to see through). If damage is found, take the necessary action according to dealer procedures. It is OK to wash the vehicle with RAPGARD in place if necessary.
Recommended Removal Procedure
CAUTION: Wear protective gloves when removing RAPGARD protective film. The adhesive residue may irritate skin. Rinse any residue off of skin using soap and water if exposed.
Before removing the RAPGARD protective film, spray the vehicle with lukewarm water to eliminate dirt and stabilize the RAPGARD protective film's surface temperature.
NOTE: The RAPGARD protective film's surface temperature must be between 40-80F (5-25C). If not, the RAPGARD protective film will come off in small pieces or strips. This will cause the removal procedure to be more difficult and time consuming. If the RAPGARD protective film's surface temperature cannot be maintained between 40-80F, park the vehicle indoors and perform this procedure the following morning.
Remove RAPGARD protective film by pulling back at a 90-135 degree angle. If RAPGARD protective film tears, roll into a cylinder shape. If RAPGARD protective film overlaps, peel off one layer at a time.
Disposal Procedure
RAPGARD is made from polyolefin thermoplastic. This material is non-hazardous. RAPGARD can be disposed of similar to plastic seat covers. Always follow local waste-disposal regulations.
Cleaning Procedure
After removing RAPGARD protective film, some adhesive residue will remain on the body surface. Dust and dirt will accumulate in areas that the adhesive is not cleaned, which may result in scratching. Clean adhesive residue immediately after removing the RAPGARD with kerosene or cleaners NOT containing isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline. Make sure to use a soft, clean and dry cloth.
NOTE: Adhesive residue is sometimes invisible or difficult to find by visual inspection. Lightly run your hand over the body to confirm the residue is completely removed from the body.
NOTE: DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol or white gasoline to remove adhesive residue.
Color Modification Procedure
Streaks may appear on the paint where two pieces of RAPGARD protective film has overlapped. These will disappear after the vehicle is in sunlight for 1 to 2 hours. If streaks remain after exposure to sunlight, warm up the surface using a drier or infrared lamp for 30 minutes. (Recommended temperature setting is 120F (50C) - 160F (70C)). If streaks are still present, polish with water and #)1500 to -2000 grit sandpaper. If necessary, perform the applicable paint repair procedure.
NOTE: It is possible for the areas between the layers of RAPGARD protective film to discolor from long term storage. If this occurs, clean the area with kerosene and then polish with mild rubbing or polishing compound.
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altho if i had posted this in the tsb thread i guess i would have. 
Linear Mode
