Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: How to Identify Plastic Parts
Plastic parts can be identified by the SAE code, which is usually found on the rear of the part, and/or by the characteristics of the plastic. Knowing the type of plastic aids in selecting the proper repair materials and in selecting the proper repair procedure.
Look for the SAE code stamped into the part.
- Code Found
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Match the code to those in the plastic identification chart to determine whether the plastic is thermoplastic or thermoset plastic, and whether the plastic is rigid or flexible. Refer to Plastic Identification and Refinishing Systems.
- No Code Found
-
Warning:
Do NOT use a plastic burn test to distinguish the type of plastic. The burn test produces vapors which are harmful.
Perform one or both of the following tests to determine if the part is thermoplastic polyolefin or thermoset non-polyolefin.
- Float Test
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- Cut a shaving of plastic from the back of the part.
The shaving should be free of mold release agents and paint.
- Place the shaving in a container of water.
- Thermoplastic polyolefin floats.
- Thermoset non-polyolefin sinks.
- Cut a shaving of plastic from the back of the part.
- Abrasion Test
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- Sand a spot near the damaged area with Grade?€‰36 Roloc Disc.
- Thermoplastic polyolefin material melts or frays when sanded.
- Thermoset non-polyolefin material sands cleanly.
Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics can be either rigid or flexible. Thermoplastic plastic parts are best repaired with a hot iron plastic material-feed welder, but are usually replaced. Thermoset plastic can be repaired with epoxy or other more rigid 2 package repair material.
For general repair instructions, refer to General Plastic Repair.
General Plastic Repair
Warning: In order to reduce the risk of personal injury when exposed
to toxic fumes while grinding, cutting, or applying repair material on any type
of sheet molded compound or RIM rigid plas ...
Plastic Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Gasoline/Gasoline Vapors Warning.
Note: There are several types of plastic collar fuel and evaporative
emission quick conne ...
Other materials:
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
The green vehicle ahead indicator will appear when a vehicle is detected ahead.
Whenever this indicator does not appear, FCA will not respond. The indicator may
disappear on curves, highway exit ramps, or hills, or due to poor visibility. The
FCA system will not detect another vehicle ahead ...
Halogen Bulb Warning
Warning: Halogen bulbs contain gas under pressure. Handling a bulb
improperly could cause it to shatter into flying glass fragments. To help avoid
personal injury:
Turn off the lamp switch and allow the bulb to cool before changing
the bulb.
Leave the lamp switch OFF until th ...
Exhaust Rear Muffler Replacement (LUV,LUW)
Special Tools
CH-6614 Chain Pipe Cutter
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Exhaust Service Warning.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
Cut the exhaust rear mu ...
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