Tailgate Removal

Tailgate Removal

NOTE:

- Have an assistant help you when removing and installing the tailgate.
- Take care not to drop the tailgate.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Inspect the support cable for cracks or damage to the protective cover. If the cover is damaged, replace the cable Service and Repair.

Removal

1. Open the tailgate in drop-down mode.

2. Remove these items:

- Tailgate trim panel
- Rear bumper and both rear bumper absorbers Rear Bumper Removal/Installation
- Tailgate support cable Service and Repair
- Disconnect the tailgate swing-switch connector

3. With navigation system: Disconnect and detach the tailgate wire harness connector (A), and detach the harness clips (B).






4. Hold the tailgate (A) against the body, and with a TORX T50 bit to remove the five TORX bolts securing the left tailgate lower hinge (B) and the right tailgate lower striker (C).





5. Carefully close the tailgate. Make sure both upper latches have locked securely.

6. While holding the tailgate (A), remove remaining four TORX bolts, with a TORX T50 bit, securing the left tailgate lower hinge (B) and the right tailgate lower striker (C).






7. Pull on the upper handle (A) to unlock the left tailgate upper latch (B) and the right tailgate upper latch (C) while holding the tailgate (D).





8. Pull out the tailgate. Remove the shims (E, F) from under the left tailgate lower hinge and the right tailgate lower striker.

9. Place the tailgate on a padded surface to prevent damage.

10. Do the tailgate installation/adjustment procedure Tailgate Installation/Adjustment to reinstall the tailgate.