Information on Loosening Taillamp Retaining Bolts When Removing Taillamp Housing

Technicians may find that the rear taillamp retaining bolt just keeps spinning when trying to remove the taillamp housing.

This may be due to the riv-nut coming loose from the body or the LOCTITE® may be too strong.

Follow the procedure below to tighten the riv-nut.

Tools Required

J 41708 Rivnut Gun

1. Remove the rear and quarter trim following the procedure in SI in order to gain access to the "D" pillar.



2. Use a 1/4 inch drive ratchet with a 8 mm, 6 point shallow socket. Attach it to the back side of the riv-nut (refer to the illustration above).
3. Remove the two bolts from the taillamp while holding the riv-nut.
4. Re-tighten the riv-nuts using a riv-nut tool or follow the steps below to build a riv-nut tool.




4.1.	A riv-nut tool can be made by using a 6 mm bolt with 1.0  mm threads, approximately 30 mm long (as shown in the illustration above.

4.2.	Bottom out the nut on the bolt .

4.3.	Put a washer on the bolt and install it into the riv-nut.

5. Keep the riv-nut from turning from the back side using an 8 mm, 6 point socket and hold the bolt from the outside while someone torques down the nut.
6. Clean the LOCTITE® from the threads of the taillamp retaining bolt and apply LOCTITE® 222MS to the threads.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

7. Reinstall the trim and verify that the taillamps are functioning properly.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: