Attachment III - Technical Information

Tailgate Applique (Reflector And Socket Assembly) Inspection And Replacement

Affected Models:
1996 Taurus and Sable wagons built from August 14, 1995 through October 19, 1995 at the Atlanta and Chicago Assembly Plants

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

F6DZ-13A457-AA Grommet 4
F6DZ-13A565-EA Tailgate Applique 1





Inspection
Inspect for rear applique end detachment from the tailgate. Refer to Figure 1. If the applique ends are detached, replace the applique.

If the rear applique ends are not detached from the tailgate, remove the applique to inspect for rectangular ventilation ports. If ventilation ports are not present, drill air pressure relief holes.

Follow the removal and installation procedures for both situations.

Removal And Installation

1. Open tailgate.

2. Remove the pull handle by first removing the screw covers then removing two (2) screws.

3. Remove tailgate trim panel by carefully disengaging retainer clips, then lifting the trim panel up over the lock rod and off the tailgate.

4. Remove four (4) retaining screws for each speaker, then disconnect and remove both speakers.

5. Disconnect reverse lamps.

6. Remove capnuts securing applique to tailgate. Close the tailgate and carefully remove applique from tailgate.

NOTE:
If the applique is to be replaced, go to step 10.

7. Place applique face down on clean, covered workbench.





8. Check applique for rectangular ventilation ports in locations shown in Figure 2. If ventilation ports are not present, air pressure relief holes must be drilled in these locations.

9. Use a 4 mm drill bit with a stop placed 9.5 mm down the drill bit shank. This will prevent drilling through the front of the applique. A stop can be made by wrapping masking tape around the drill bit shank 3 or 4 times.





10. Inspect applique outboard grommets, shown in Figure 3, for damage or deterioration. Replace if necessary. On vehicles where the applique has detached from the tailgate, grommet replacement is recommended.

11. Transfer reverse lamp bulbs to new applique (this is not required if the original applique is being re-installed).

12. Connect reverse lamps.

13. Install speakers, ensuring the wiring harness is located in the depression in the tailgate. Connect speaker harnesses. Be careful not to overtorque speaker screws as they strip easily.

14. Install trim panel onto tailgate, ensuring lock rod is properly positioned through hole in panel and all trim clips are intact. Secure trim panel to tailgate engaging all retainer clips.

15. Position pull handle and install retaining screws. Install screw covers.