Doors - Tailgate High Closing Effort

SOURCE: Kia PitStop

TITLE: Tailgate High Closing Effort

APPLIES TO: Spectra5

SERVICE TIP:

Some Spectra5 vehicles have rear tailgates that have high close effort. The following is a procedure to adjust the tailgate:






1. Open the tailgate and remove the striker cover to expose the striker screws. Replace the two striker screws with bolts P/N 11403 08203 (Same as Sorento tailgate striker bolts) See the photos.
2. The tailgate can now be adjusted slightly by loosening the two bolts and moving the striker toward the rear of the vehicle. Hold the striker toward the rear while tightening the two bolts. Check the tailgate for acceptable close effort. If the tailgate close effort is still too high, proceed to step 3.






3. Some vehicles with very high close effort will need to have the holes in the striker elongated to gain more adjustment. Remove the striker and place in a vise with one striker hole exposed. Using a round file, carefully file the upper side of the countersunk portion of the holes. File approximately two millimeters (Until the countersunk area is filed away on the upper side only) See photos.
4. Install striker and adjust toward the rear of the vehicle until the proper tailgate close effort is reached. Tighten the two striker bolts and replace the striker trim cover.