Ford Escape: Body Closures / General Procedures - Liftgate Alignment

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Inspection

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Inspect the body-to-liftgate door dimensions.
   

1. Open the liftgate.
   

1. Position the liftgate opening weather strip aside.
   

1. Release the tabs and remove the liftgate striker cover.
   Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

1. Remove the fasteners and liftgate striker.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

Liftgate left and right, up and down alignment

1. Loosen the bolts to permit movement of the liftgate.
   Loosen:
      :   2 turn(s)

1. Carefully close the liftgate.
   

1. Adjust the liftgate as required.
   

1. Carefully open the liftgate.
   

1. Tighten the fasteners.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

Liftgate in and out alignment

1. Adjust the stops.
   

1. Remove the C-pillar trim panel.
   Refer to: C-Pillar Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 1. Release the clips.
      
   2. Lower the rear headliner.
      

1. Loosen the bolts to permit movement of the liftgate.
   Loosen:
      :   2 turn(s)

1. Adjust the liftgate as required.
   

1. Tighten the fasteners.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. 1. Attach the clips.
      
   2. Position back the rear headliner.
      

1. Install the C-pillar trim panel.
   Refer to: C-Pillar Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

All alignments

1. Inspect the liftgate dimentions.
   

1. If equipped with power liftgate, carry out the power liftgate initialization.
   Refer to: Power Liftgate Initialization (501-03 Body Closures, General Procedures).