Tailgate Adjustment
NOTE:
  • Have an assistant help you when adjusting the tailgate.
  • Take care not to scratch the tailgate, body and other related parts.
  • Put on gloves to protect your hands.
  1. Remove these items:
  1. Pull down the rear portion of the headliner. Take care not to bend the headliner excessively.
  1. Pry up on the notch (A) to release the rear hooks (B) and pivot the cap (C) on the front hooks (D), then remove the cap.
  1. Slightly loosen each bolt and nut.
  1. 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).
  1. Tighten each bolt and nut securely.
  1. Check that the tailgate opens properly and locks securely.
  1. Reinstall the support struts securely.
  1. Apply touch-up paint to the hinge mounting nuts and around the hinges, and let the paint dry.
  1. Apply multipurpose grease to the pivot portion of the tailgate hinges (A) as indicated by the arrows.
  1. Reinstall all of the removed parts.