Service Procedure
LIFTGATE LATCH INOPERATIVE: DOES NOT RELEASE FROM INTERIOR RELEASE OR REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) TRANSMITTERIf the concern is only related to the RKE transmitter, be sure the customer is aware the system is intentionally designed to require the RKE button be pushed two times to open the liftgate. This is to prevent inadvertent activation of the liftgate release when the keys are out of the ignition.
If the concern is related only to the interior release, ensure the customer is fully aware of the system operating characteristics:
^ One or both of the doors must be unlocked for the liftgate interior release to operate.
^ If both doors are locked, the liftgate release will not function.
If the vehicle was built from 9/1/1998 through 12/15/1998 and the concern is present after depressing the RKE button twice and/or when using the interior remote button, it may be necessary to reposition the power actuator with the following procedure.
1. First verify that the interior release switch consistently operates the liftgate latch. If it does not, closely inspect all related connectors and components.
2. Remove the rear trim panel by pulling the center partially out of the push pins (there are two located next to the latch) and pulling the push pins upward out of the panel (the push pin is reusable). Then carefully pull the trim panel away from the sheet metal.
3. Remove the two (2) nuts from the power actuator mounting studs located to the driver's (left hand) side of the liftgate latch.
4. Remove the power actuator from the mounting holes.
5. Enlarge the sheet metal holes using an 8.0 mm (5/16") drill bit.
6. Reinstall the liftgate actuator.
7. Push the actuator toward the liftgate latch so that the mounting studs are in contact with the edges of the newly enlarged holes.
8. Torque the two (2) nuts to 9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft).
9. Reinstall the trim panel.
LIFTGATE DOESN'T "POP-UP" WHEN UNLOCKED
Check for damage/cracks in the spring mounting base. Replace the Lift Assist Springs which show evidence of damage. During installation or replacement, the fasteners should be torqued no greater than 3.2 N.m (28 lb-in) to prevent damaging or distorting the spring mounting base.
Vehicles built from 9/1/1998 have either one or two assist springs located next to the striker on the liftgate itself.
NOTE
VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 91111998 SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE SPRINGS PRESENT DUE TO A DIFFERENT LATCH DESIGN THAT WAS USED. INSTALLATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE SPRINGS ON THESE EARLIER BUILT VEHICLES IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND MAY RESULT IN INCREASED LIFTGATE CLOSING EFFORTS.
All vehicles built after 9/1/1998 should have at least one F8RZ-63431B04-AA assist spring present, and if equipped with a spoiler (factory installed or dealer/aftermarket accessory) then a second spring should also be present, or installed if missing.
NOTE
INSTALLATION OF A SECOND SPRING ON A VEHICLE WHICH IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SPOILER IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND MAY RESULT IN INCREASED LIFTGATE CLOSING EFFORTS.
LIFTGATE ALIGNMENT/HIGH CLOSING EFFORT
On vehicles built from 10/1/1998, the liftgate may become visibly misaligned if the incorrect liftgate strut is present. The struts are calibrated differently on each side of the liftgate. If the incorrect struts are present, the liftgate may twist slightly as it's being closed even after being properly aligned to the body.
Refer to the chart to determine if the correct strut combination is present:
NOTE
THE COLOR REFERENCED IN THE CHART IS THE COLOR OF THE LABEL ON THE STRUT WHICH INCLUDES THE PART NUMBER.
NOTE
IF THE VEHICLE HAS AN AFTER MARKET SPOILER, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE STRUT AS LISTED IN THE CHART.