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 other related parts.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- The sealer around the hinges will crack when you adjust the tailgate. Apply new body seam sealer as needed to fill the cracks.

1. Remove these items:

- Rear door inner seal, as needed
- Tailgate weatherstrip, as needed Service and Repair
- Cargo area side trim panel, as needed Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Rear Side Area
- Quarter pillar trim, both side
- Ceiling light Service and Repair
- Rear grab handles Service and Repair

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 Service and Repair.

4. Slightly loosen each nut.

5. Adjust the tailgate (A) alignment in the following sequence:

- Adjust the tailgate hinges (B) right and left, using the elongated holes.
- Turn the tailgate edge cushions (C), in or out as necessary, to make the tailgate fit flush with the body at the side edges.
- Adjust the fit between the tailgate and tailgate opening by moving the striker (D), and adjust the striker right or left until it is centered in the tailgate latch (E).





6. Tighten each nut securely.

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

8. Reinstall the support struts securely.

9. Apply new body seam sealer into the cracks in the sealed area (A) around the tailgate hinge (B), and let the sealer dry.





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

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

12. Check for water leaks.

13. Reinstall all of the removed parts.