Spare Tire Cover - Latch Mechanism Adjustment

BULLETIN NUMBER:
SB99-13-S001

ISSUE DATE:
JANUARY 1999

GROUP:
ACCESSORIES

1998-99 TROOPER (UX) SPARE TIRE COVER: LATCH MECHANISM ADJUSTMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLES
All 1998-99 Trooper (UX) models.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Condition:
Spare tire hard cover is not secure. The latch becomes loose or unhinged.

Possible Cause:
At the time of PDI and installation of the spare tire hard cover, the adjustable latch may not have been properly set to the proper latching tension.

Correction:
When installing a spare tire hard cover, follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin for proper latch adjustment.

Be sure to inform all service technicians involved with the PDI process of the procedures in this bulletin.

SERVICE PROCEDURE





1. With an 8 mm open ended wrench, loosen the lock-nut of the latch. (Figure 1)





2. Adjust the length of the clasp by turning the clasp. (Figure 2)
^ Turn the clasp clockwise to tighten the latching tension.
^ Turn the clasp counter-clockwise to loosen the latching tension.

IMPORTANT
Do not over-tighten the clasp. Excessive latching tension may damage the latch and/or the spare tire cover.





3. Tighten the clasp until slight tension may be felt on the latch handle beginning from the 7 o'clock position when latching. (Figure 3)





4. After the clasp is adjusted to obtain the correct latching tension, retighten the lock-nut of the latch using the 8mm wrench. (Figure 4)





5. When latching, fully close the latch handle to the locking tab. (Figure 5)





6. Before operation of the vehicle, inspect the proper fit and positioning of the cover and the "Trooper" logo. (Figure 6)