Liftgate Binds When Opening (Adjust Liftgate Striker and Wedge Blocks)

Some customers may comment that the liftgate is hard to open.

The liftgate striker position and/or the liftgate wedge blocks may not be adjusted for optimal opening effort.

Adjust the striker and the wedge blocks.

1. Remove the sill plate. Refer to Compartment Sill Plate Replacement-Rear (SI Document ID #1201452).
2. Mark the location of the striker with a grease pen.
3. Loosen the striker's fasteners enough to allow adjustment. The striker is located with spring pressure as well as the fasteners and may require some additional force to move it.
4. The striker should be relocated a few millimeters rearward and tighten the fasteners.

Tighten
Tighten the fastener to 25 N·m (20 lb ft).

Important: After the opening and closing effort has been corrected by the striker adjustment, the wedge blocks on both sides of the endgate may also need adjustments.

5. Loosen the wedge block fasteners enough to move the blocks rearward.
6. Close the liftgate to relocate the wedge block to the correct position.

Important: If closing efforts are high, or a popping noise is heard when opening, the wedge block is incorrectly adjusted.

7. Open the liftgate and tighten the fastener.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: