Body - Liftgate is Difficult To Close
NUMBER: 12-123-10DATE: 09/13/10
APPLICABILITY: 2010MY Outback
SUBJECT: Rear Gate Hard To Close
INTRODUCTION
If you encounter a customer complaint that the rear gate is hard to close, the rear gate weather-strip may be out of position, rear striker out of adjustment and the rear gate stoppers may need to be replaced. To remedy the condition, refer to the repair procedure listed below.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
New style rear gate stoppers were used in production starting in the middle of June 2010.
PART INFORMATION
REPAIR PROCEDURE/INFORMATION
Check weather-strip
^ Confirm if the rear gate weather-strip is properly inserted and seated properly around the entire perimeter. Reinsert/re-seat as necessary.
Check Operation of Rear Gate
^ Does the rear gate close without extra effort? If not, continue with next step.
Adjust Rear Gate Striker
To gain access to the striker bolts, remove the rear floor edge molding which is secured by 4 clips.
^ Mark the current striker position. Mark both the striker and body.
^ Slightly loosen both bolts just enough to move striker.
^ Move the striker rearward (towards the rear bumper) 0.5mm
^ Tighten the bolts 25 +/- 5 Nm, 2.5 +/- 0.5 kgf (18.4 +/- 4 ft-lb)..
Check Operation of Rear Gate
Does the rear gate close without extra effort? If not, continue with next step.
Replace Rear Gate Stopper
^ Remove both rear gate stoppers located on the bottom of the rear gate. Install new rear gate stoppers.
Note:
Silicone spray may be used to ease installation.
^ Recheck operation of rear gate and road test to insure there is no rattle.
WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION