Body - Soft Tonneau Cover Appears Loose/Won't Latch
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 09-08-66-004A
Date: January 04, 2011
Subject: Roll Up Soft Tonneau Cover Appears Loose or Latch Not Functioning Properly (Adjust Upper Side Rail Clamps and/or Rails and/or Replace Rear Latch)
Models:
2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2011 GMC Sierra
Attention:
This bulletin only applies to vehicles with tonneau part numbers 19213900, 19213901, 19213902, 19213903, 19213904 and 19213905.
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2011 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-08-66-004 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the roll up soft tonneau cover is too loose, or that the tonneau cover latch is disengaging and not staying closed.
Two improvements have been implemented since the original release of the tonneau cover. Be sure that the tonneau cover meets the criteria of the items below.
Cause #1
The condition may be caused by improper installation of one or more of the upper side rail clamps. Using the outer groove (1) when a molded bed rail protector IS NOT installed may cause a gap (2) between the pad and pickup box. This may also prevent proper latch retention.
Correction #1
Note
A removable insert, shown above, was added to the outer groove of the upper side rail clamp to help prevent improper positioning from unintentionally occurring.
Check that the clamps are properly installed using the correct groove in the upper side rail clamp. Correct positioning is detailed in the illustration above.
Cause #2
The condition may be caused by the tonneau bows not falling into proper position when the tonneau cover is rolled out. This cause would indicate that repositioning on an upper side rail clamp is needed.
Correction #2
Note the position of the bows and use the appropriate repair below:
- If bows do not fit between the side rails and additional clearance is required, remove the clamp nearest the interference. Remove the orange strip to allow access to the outer groove of the upper clamp. Reinstall the clamp, using the outer groove of the upper clamp.
- If bows are too loose, adjust the clamp nearest the bow with excessive clearance to the inner groove of the upper clamp.
Cause #3
This condition may be caused by a misalignment of the tonneau side rails and/or improper adjustment of the forward tension screws. The graphic above shows a misalignment of the tonneau side rail (1) to the front of the pickup box (2).
Correction #3
1. Verify that the tonneau side rails are aligned with the front of the pickup box as shown above.
2. Ensure that the side rails are aligned with each other in the same fore/aft position (1) on the vehicle.
Note
Vinyl contains unique thermal properties that cause it to expand in cold conditions and retract during hot conditions. Under recommended install temperatures of 21°C (70°F), the tension screws should be adjusted as shown below.
Important
Be sure to adjust both sides to the same tension.
3. Inspect and verify that the tension screws are adjusted to the 4.76 mm (3/16 in) gap shown in the illustration above. If adjustment is necessary to tighten, turn the screw clockwise with the 1/4 inch key provided.
Cause #4
The condition may be caused by over travel of the latch during operation, causing the latch spring to bind.
Correction #4
Note
A new design of the latch system now contains a latch stop (1) to limit the travel of the latch during operation. This new latch stop prevents over travel and keeps the spring from binding.
Verify that the latch system contains a latch stop, noted in the illustration above. If the stop IS NOT present, replace the latch system with latch spring stop service kit, P/N 19213898 and a new latch assembly service kit, P/N 19201885.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
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