Trunk / Liftgate: Adjustments

Tailgate Adjustment

NOTE:

- Have an assistant help you when adjusting the tailgate.
- Take care not to scratch the tailgate, the body, or the related parts.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.

1. Remove these items:

- Quarter pillar trim, both sides
- Tailgate weatherstrip, as needed Service and Repair
- Ceiling light Service and Repair

2. Pull down the rear portion of the headliner Service and Repair. Take care not to bend the headliner excessively.

3. Remove the tailgate support strut from each side Service and Repair.

4. Pry up at the notch (A) to release the front hooks (B) and pivot the cap (C) on the rear hooks (D), then remove the cap.






5. Slightly loosen the tailgate hinge mounting nuts (A) and the striker mounting bolts (B).





6. Adjust the tailgate (C) alignment in the following sequence:

- Adjust the tailgate hinges (D) right and left, using the elongated holes in the tailgate hinges.
- Turn the tailgate edge cushions (E), in or out as necessary, to make the tailgate fits flush with the body at the side edges.
- Adjust the fit between the tailgate and the tailgate opening by moving the striker (F), and adjust the striker right or left until it is centered in the tailgate latch (G).

7. Tighten each bolts and nuts to the specified torque.

8. Check that the tailgate opens properly and locks securely.

9. Reinstall the tailgate support struts securely.

10. Apply new body seam sealer into the cracks in the sealed area (A) around the tailgate hinge (B), and let the sealer dry.





11. Apply touch-up paint to the hinge mounting bolts and around the hinges, and let the paint dry.

12. Apply multipurpose grease to the pivot portion of the tailgate hinges as indicated by the arrows.

13. Check for water leaks.

14. Reinstall all removed parts.