Ford Ecosport: Body Closures / General Procedures - Liftgate Alignment

Inspection

1. Check liftgate-to-body dimensions.
   Refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).
   

Adjustment

All alignments

1. Open the liftgate.
   

1. Remove the bolts and liftgate striker.
   

Liftgate left and right, up and down alignment

1. Loosen the bolts enough to permit the movement of the liftgate.
   

1. Carefully close the liftgate.
   

1. Adjust the liftgate to specification.
   Refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).
   

1. Carefully open the liftgate.
   

1. Tighten the bolts.
   Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Liftgate in and out alignment

1. Remove the LH loadspace trim panel.
   Refer to: Loadspace Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Loosen the nuts enough to permit the movement of the liftgate.
   

1. NOTE: Multiple adjustments may be required to ensure flushness with the body side.

   Adjust the nominal overslam bumpers.
   

1. NOTE: Multiple adjustments may be required to ensure flushness with the body side.

   Using plain A4 paper (or similar), place the paper over the swing gate bump stops in the door closure area and close the swing gate. Pull the paper outward to check if the paper can be removed from the closed swing gate. Repeat the adjustment procedure if the paper can be removed.
   

1. Carefully open the liftgate.
   

1. Tighten the nuts.
   Torque:
      1:   18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
      2:   22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. Thoroughly clean any dirt or debris from the bracket.
   

1. Loosen the swing gate mounted bumper bracket fastener.
   Loosen: 2 turn(s)°

1. NOTE: Multiple adjustments may be required to ensure flushness with the body side.

   Align the body side mounted bumper bracket with the swing gate mounted bumper bracket.
   

1. Tighten the swing gate mounted bumper bracket fastener.
   Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)

1. Install the LH loadspace trim panel.
   Refer to: Loadspace Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

All alignments

1. Install the liftgate striker and the bolts.
   Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)

1. Inspect the body-to-liftgate door dimensions.
   Refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).