Trunk Lid - Contacts Tail Light Lenses
Group: 55Number: 94-01
Date: Jan 18, 1994
Subject:
Trunk Lid Contacts Tail Light Lenses
Model(s): Jetta
Some Jetta III vehicles have shown to be sensitive to improper trunk lid adjustments. If the lid is adjusted too low in the rear or if the striker plate is adjusted too tight, the corners of the trunk lid might contact the tail light lenses if the lid is slammed shut. This can result in cracks or pinholes in the top of the lenses, allowing water to enter the tail light assemblies and possibly the trunk area itself.
To correct this situation, two changes have been implemented in production as of 11/93:
The tips at the corners of the trunk lid have been re-contoured to provide additional clearance in the critical areas.
The rubber adjustment bumpers used for the trunk lid are now the same as the bumpers used for the front hood. These are a slightly harder rubber compound than the original rear bumpers.
Previously built vehicles which experience problems with contact with the lid can also be corrected:
Adjust the striker plate for the trunk latch to ensure the trunk lid is flush with the quarter panels. The edge of the trunk lid must not sit lower than the corresponding body line on the quarter panels with the lid closed and latched.
^ Replace the original rubber bumpers with those used on the Passat, part number 357 827 500. These are an even harder rubber compound than the new bumpers used in production and will ensure adequate clearance is maintained, even with the original tip contours of the older version lid.
^ Adjust the rubber bumpers out just enough to obtain the proper lid height, and then 1 or 2 mm more to obtain proper pre-load. Too much preload will create closing and opening problems, especially when using the remote opening switch. Too little preload will leave the trunk lid sitting too low and also allow the latch to rattle over bumps.
^ After completing all adjustments, measure the distance from the edge of the lid to the top of the tail light lenses directly below. Approximately 6 mm is normal for this gap with a properly adjusted lid. If the gap is less than 5 mm, loosen and shift the tail light assembly to obtain more clearance.