Doors/Glass - Liftgate Glass Water Leaks
Bulletin No: 09-012/12Last Issued: 03/14/2012
Subject: LIFTGATE GLASS WATER LEAKS
BULLETIN NOTE
Please print a copy of this bulletin for the body repair specialist.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2009-2011 Tribute
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent water leak originating from the liftgate glass/seal.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired by a qualified body repair specialist using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Note:
A qualified body repair specialist is required for this repair procedure.
1. Verify customer concern.
2. Open the liftgate glass and remove the rear glass weatherstrip.
3. Remove the rear defrost grid connections and wiper motor wiring harness:
a. Left side - disconnect connector.
b. Right side - remove rubber housing; then depress both sides of white plastic retainer, and then pull wiring out to access and disconnect wiper motor.
4. Disconnect struts at the liftgate glass pivots.
5. Holding the liftgate glass up, remove the seal from the liftgate glass opening.
6. Connect struts at the liftgate glass pivots.
7. Mask the surrounding interior trim and the high mount stop lamp.
NOTE:
Cleaner may damage plastic/vinyl surfaces during the cleaning process.
8. Remove all adhesive and residue from the lift-gate glass opening, using 3M(TM) Specialty Adhesive Remover-Aerosol 38987 or equivalent.
NOTE:
Thoroughly soak rag with cleaner and remove adhesive.
9. Using one of the preferred methods below, measure and record the gap between the liftgate flange and lift-gate glass at twelve (12) different locations as shown. (Figure 1)
Clay Method
a. Use 3M(TM) Perfect-It III Cleaner Clay 38070 or equivalent Modeling Clay and insert softened balls of clay in twelve (12) locations. (Figure 1)
b. After the clay is firmly in place, close the liftgate glass until it latches. Making sure not to slam glass, causing the clay to not read the correct height dimensions.
c. Raise glass, and measure the depressions left in clay and record.(Figure 1)
d. Remove clay pieces one at a time, use a marker and make a dot on sheet metal of each location where you measured.
Alternate Method (when clay is not available)
a. Close the liftgate glass and open the liftgate.
b. Use a metal ruler or equivalent to measure and record the gap between the liftgate flange and liftgate glass in twelve (12) locations as shown. Use a marker to indicate where each measurement was made. (Figure 1)
10. The specification for glass to sheet metal flange gap is 14 mm +/- 3 mm (9/16 inch +/- 1/8 inch). Using the recorded measurements, adjust the sheet metal flange with a pair of duck bill pliers or flange pliers until the flange is within specification.
NOTE:
Steps 9a or 9b may need to be repeated 2-3 times.
11. Unclip struts one at a time and install a new seal around liftgate window opening.
NOTE:
Start at the center bottom seal may at first appear to be too long, any slack should be worked into the corners.
12. Reconnect wiring and window struts.
13. Verify repair.
PART(S) INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:
^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair.
^ This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.
^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.
^ A qualified body repair specialist is required for this repair procedure.
BODY SHOP REPAIR