Tail Gate Area - Creaking Or Popping Noise

SOURCE:
Honda Service News September 2003

TITLE:
Creaking or Popping From Tailgate Area

APPLIES TO:
2003 Element

SERVICE TIP:

Getting complaints of creaking or popping from the tailgate area when
driving over bumps or when turning? You may need to adjust the tailgate strikers or the hatch striker. Here's how:

1. Make sure both lower tailgate strikers are centered in their latches. Refer to page 20-114 of the 2003 Element S/M if you need to adjust them.

2. Make sure the hatch striker is centered in the latch. Refer to page 20-110 if you need to adjust it. If you can't center the hatch striker, measure the tailgate-to-body gaps (left and right), and adjust the hatch hinges to center the latch.