Tailgate - Hinge/Latch Release Adjustment Procedure
84ford12Article No. 84-15-5
TAILGATE - NEW HINGE AND LATCH RELEASE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
FORD 1985 AND PRIOR CROWN VICTORIA STATION WAGON
LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985 AND PRIOR GRAND MARQUIS STATION WAGON
Figure 9:
A new upper left hand hinge on gate and a new pivot upper hinge on body has been released for 1985 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis Station Wagons. These new parts permit a more positive engagement of the tailgate hinge on gate to body hinge when opening and closing the tailgate. Dealers performing service adjustment to 1985 vehicles may readily identify these new components. The hinge on gate incorporates a hook pawl and partial open face hinge body. The pivot on the hinge body is a round bearing type pivot rather than a triangular shape design (Figure 9).
Adjustment for Tailgate Upper Hinge and Latch Release Link:
1. Open the tailgate as a gate.
2. Remove the tailgate inside handle and trim panel access cover.
3. Remove the upper hinge release link from the lock release assembly.
4. Position the adjuster on the upper hinge release link to engage the lever on the lock release assembly with no load on the link rod.
Figure 10:
5. Rotate the adjuster four (4) turns toward the left hand upper hinge side and engage the adjuster to the lock release control lever (Figure 10).
NOTE: Rotation of the link adjuster assures a secondary latching function of the upper hinge pawl.
6. Lock the retainer clip over the release link and loosely install the inside handle.
7. Close and open the tailgate as a gate to assure proper function.
8. Install trim panel access cover and secure the inside door handle.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"