Body - Liftgate Garnish Contacts Combination Lamp

NUMBER: 07-69-12
DATE: 09/12/12

APPLICABILITY:
2012 & 2013MY Outback

SUBJECT:
Procedure to Increase Clearance / Gap between the Combination Lamp and Rear Gate Garnish

INTRODUCTION

If you encounter a customer complaint of the rear gate garnish contacting the rear combination lamp, it may be caused by changes in temperature resulting in expansion and contraction of the combination lamp(s). This bulletin provides a procedure for increasing the clearance or gap between the rear combination lamp(s) (left and /or right) and the rear gate garnish. To remedy the condition, the combination lamp will need to be modified to allow for a slight adjustment.

COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION

(This information is still pending at this time.)

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION

1)- Read through and understand the following procedure as outlined in the photos and descriptions below BEFORE you begin.





Shown above is an overall view of the area to inspect for insufficient gap. When the procedure is complete, the desired gap is 3mm. Below is an example of an insufficient gap prior to the procedure.





2)- Open the rear gate, remove the trim cover then remove the two 10mm bolts retaining the combination lamp(s). Use caution to avoid touching the bulbs and protect them from damage or contamination. If they become fingerprinted or dirty, clean them with isopropyl alcohol before reinstallation.





3)- Once the lamp is removed, approximately 1 to 1.5mm of material will need to be removed from the "outside" portion of the alignment tab using a small flat file as shown in the next 2 photos.





4)- When completed, re-install the lamp(s) as described below.

5)- Next, close the rear gate then measure to confirm you now have the specified 3mm gap. Steps 2-5 may need to be repeated if the gap is still insufficient. Once the 3mm gap is achieved, the final torque specification for the retaining bolts is .76 kgf-m (5.5 ft. lbs or 66 inch-pounds).

6)- Verify the combination lamp(s) operate normally then re-install the lamp trim cover(s).

7)- Use the appropriate color Genuine Subaru Touch-Up paint to repair any contact-damaged areas of the garnish to complete the procedure.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION





For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the following information:





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