Attachment III - Technical Information

OVERVIEW

This program involves performing specific liftgate latch system repairs on two (2) specific vehicle populations. Each repair procedure identifies the affected vehicles requiring that particular repair.
See the list below for specific repairs needed for each vehicle population.

2004 model year Escape vehicles and 2001-2003 Escape vehicles serviced with subject parts:

^ replace the liftgate latch release rod

^ replace release rod clip

^ replace handle assembly return spring and circlip

2005 model year Escape vehicles:

^ replace the liftgate latch release rod

^ replace release rod clip

LIFTGATE HANDLE REMOVAL AND REPAIR
AFFECTED VEHICLES: 2004 MODEL YEAR ESCAPE VEHICLES AND
2001-2003 MODEL YEAR ESCAPE VEHICLES SERVICED WITH SUBJECT
PARTS

1. Open the liftgate.

2. If equipped, remove the rear wiper motor cover.

3. Remove the four (4) screws and remove the liftgate trim panel.





4. Disconnect the liftgate window latch, liftgate handle and liftgate latch release rods by opening the clips. See Figure 1.





5. Release the liftgate window latch ajar switch wiring harness locator and if equipped, disconnect the liftgate latch actuator electrical connector. See Figure 2.





6. Remove the liftgate latch remote control assembly retaining screw and all four (4) retaining nuts. See Figure 3.





7. Disconnect the liftgate handle-to-remote release rod from the remote control assembly, then remove the remote control. See Figure 4.





8. Remove the liftgate handle assembly and place it on a bench.
See Figure 5.

9. Disassemble the handle as follows:

a) Remove the circlip
b) Pull the pivot rod out of the handle assembly.
c) Note the position of the spring then remove the spring from the handle assembly.

10. NOTE: the new circlip is supplied in the bag with the new spring. Make sure to retain the new circlip for installation to the original pivot rod and handle.

LIFTGATE LATCH REMOVAL AND RELEASE ROD REPLACEMENT
AFFECTED VEHICLES: ALL VEHICLES COVERED BY 04C09

NOTE:
For 2001-2004 model year vehicles, proceed to Step 4.
Ford 2005 model year vehicles, begin the repair on step 1.

1. Open the liftgate.

2. If equipped, remove the rear wiper motor cover.

3. Remove the four (4) screws and remove the liftgate trim panel.

4. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector (located on the liftgate latch).

5. Remove the three (3) liftgate latch bolts and retain.

6. Remove the liftgate latch.





7. Remove the liftgate latch release rod and install the new rod. See Figure 6.

8. Remove the original release rod clip and replace with the new clip.

LIFTGATE LATCH INSTALLATION
AFFECTED VEHICLES: ALL VEHICLES COVERED BY 04C09

1. Position the latch assembly in the vehicle.





2. Apply Motorcraft Medium-Strength Threadlocker TA-25 (blue) to the bolts and install the three (3) liftgate latch bolts. See Figure 7.

3. Tight the bolts to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).

4. Connect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector.

NOTE:
Fore 2001-2004 model year vehicles, proceed to Liftgate Handle Installation.
For 2005 model year vehicles, continue with Step 5 of this procedure.

5. Install the liftgate trim panel and four (4) screws.

6. If equipped, install the rear wiper motor cover.

7. Close the liftgate.