Lifting tailgate
Note. New tailgate waterproofing sheets may be required during installation.
Removing
1. Remove the tailgate trim panel as described in paragraph 28.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully separate the plastic waterproofing sheets from the adhesive layer on the door and peel off the sheets. If you are careful, you can remove the waterproofing sheets without damage and reuse them during installation (pic. 16.2).
Pic. 16.2. Carefully peel off the plastic waterproofing sheets from the adhesive layer and remove the sheets from the tailgate
3. Disconnect the rear window washer hose from the wiper motor and release the hose from the appropriate clips.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors of the items listed below (referring to the relevant paragraphs of this chapter, if necessary, and chapter 12):
- A) rear window wiper motor;
- b) tailgate lock motor;
- V) rear window heating elements;
- G) upper brake light;
- d) license plate lights.
5. Release the cable harness clips from the tailgate.
6. Make sure all electrical connectors are disconnected, then release the grommet of the wiring harness and remove the wiring harness from the tailgate.
7. Remove the two screws and hinge covers on each side from the tailgate (pic. 16.7).
Pic. 16.7. Remove the two screws and remove the hinge cover from the tailgate
8. Get a helper. Properly support the tailgate, and then release the spring clips of the support legs and remove the legs from the ball joints on the body.
9. Unscrew the tailgate hinge pin on each side and carefully remove the tailgate from the vehicle (pic. 16.9).
Pic. 16.9. Turn out an axis of a loop of a door, a luggage compartment (marked with an arrow) on each side
Installation
10. If a new tailgate is to be installed, reposition all usable parts onto it (lock mechanism, wiper motor, etc.) (referring to the relevant paragraphs of this chapter, if necessary, and chapter 12).
11. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following points:
- A) Install new waterproofing sheets on the door if «old» sheets were damaged during removal.
- b) If necessary, adjust the rubber feet to ensure that the door closes satisfactorily.
- V) If necessary, adjust the position of the counter part of the tailgate lock to ensure satisfactory operation of the lock.
- G) Finally, install the door trim panel as described in paragraph 28.
Support legs
Removing
12. Keep the tailgate open. To do this, attract an assistant or use a strong wooden block.
13. Using a suitable flat screwdriver, release the spring clip and disconnect the support leg from the ball joint on the body (pic. 16.13).
Pic. 16.13. Release the spring clip and disconnect the support leg from the ball joint on the body
14. Similarly disconnect a rack from the spherical hinge on a tailgate and remove a rack from the car.
Installation
15. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Fix the spring clips properly.