Trunk / Liftgate: Service and Repair

Tailgate

Parts Location:

Removal
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the rear roof trim cover.
- Pry the six clip positions free from the body panel.

3. Remove the tailgate upper center trim cover.
- Pry the four clip positions (1) free from the tailgate.

4. Remove the tailgate pull box.
- Pry the tailgate pull box from the tailgate assembly.

5. Remove the three clips.
6. Remove the tailgate lower trim cover.
- Pry the thirteen clip positions (1) free from the tailgate.

7. Remove the tailgate upper side trim cover.
- Pry the three clip positions (1) free from the tail gate (RH/LH).







8. Disconnect the high mount stoplight and rear defogger and tailgate lock harness connectors.
9. Pull out the washer hose.
10. Remove the tailgate hinges (RH/LH).
- Remove the two bolts.

11. Remove the tailgate stay assembly (RH/LH).
- Remove the two bolts.

12. Remove the tailgate assembly.
- Remove the tailgate assembly may require two people.
- Carefully remove the tailgate assembly not to damage the hinge.

13. Remove the tailgate upper cover assemblies (RH/LH).
14. Remove the dove tails (RH/LH).
15. Remove the vent grills (RH/LH).
16. Remove the high mount stoplight.
17. Remove the rear wiper arm.
18. Remove the rear wiper motor assembly.
19. Remove the tailgate lock assembly and outside handle.
20. Remove the license plate garnish (1).
- Remove the four screws (3) and the clip (2).







21. Remove the license plate light.
22. Remove the tailgate hamess.

Installation
To install, follow the removal steps in the reverse order, noting the following points:
1. When installing the hinge to the body, exercise special care not to damage the body paint surface.
2. Align the tailgate fitting to the body.
- Check the roof and tailgate (1).
Clearance: 10.7 mm (0.42 in)
Height (step): -2 mm (0.08 in)

3. Check the tailgate fitting to the rear quarter panel (2), (4).
Clearance: 5.0 mm (0.196 in)
Height (step): Flush

4. Check the tailgate fitting to the rear bumper.
Clearance: 6.5 mm (0.26 in)

Adjust clearance with tailgate hinges. Adjust height (step) by tapping on the tailgate lightly with a rubber hammer.