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 glass trim, both sides Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Pillar Areas
- Cargo area light.

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.

4. Remove the striker cap (A) from the rear trim panel (B).






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





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

- Adjust the tailgate right and left using the elongated holes in the tailgate hinges (D).
- 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 bolt to the specified torque.

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

9. Reinstall the support struts on both sides.

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

11. Apply multipurpose grease to the pivot portion of the tailgate hinges (A) as indicated by the arrows.





12. Reinstall all of the removed parts.