ASI Resolution - Liftgate May Relatch After Opening with Power Release (Inspect Latch/Replace Rear Liftgate Latch Assist Spring)

This bulletin is being revised to add Correction, Parts and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-08-66-011 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Some customers may comment that after using the power release, the rear liftgate may still be latched and have to be released again in order to open.

After the liftgate is released and the driver or passenger exit, in most cases one of the passenger doors is then closed. This action creates a rush of air that raises the liftgate slightly. If another door is then opened quickly, the resulting vacuum may pull the liftgate down and engage the latch.

Between 2004 and SOP 2006 there are three different build configurations for the rear latch bracket assembly. These changes consist of a new latch assembly during 2005 with an assist spring, and a stronger spring for SOP 2006 which require no further action. Depending on the date of manufacture, follow the instructions below.

2004 Model Year Vehicles

Vehicles built for the 2004 model year cannot be altered. No attempt should be made to change any components. These vehicles were built with the original latch configuration which will not accept a latch assist spring. If the customer encounters this concern stress the location of the touch pad under the lip of the liftgate. This pad will electrically release the hatch, minimizing customer inconvenience.

2005 Model Year Vehicles up to VIN Breakpoint 5F232876

Starting on 1/17/2005, the rear liftgate latch was installed with a 6 lb force assist spring in the latch assembly. Open the liftgate and visually inspect the latch. If a spring is visible, refer to the repair procedure section below and replace the spring with an 8 lb force spring, P/N 15866297. Under some conditions with multiple occupant door opening and closings, it is still possible in rare instances, even with this heavier rate spring installed, that the customer may experience a relatch of the rear liftgate. This is normal.

Vehicles built between SOP 2005 and 1/17/05 (VIN breakpoint 5F232875) may have been built with the revised latch bracket, but without a spring installed. Refer to the photo of the installed spring below. The revised latch bracket will have both a spring pivot stud (the post the spring sits on) and a slot in the latch to receive the straight end of the spring. If the vehicle is determined to have been built with this configuration, but no spring, please install an 8 lb force spring, P/N 15866297, using the repair procedure below.

Repair Procedure

1. Open the rear liftgate.
2. Remove the rear storage area sill molding by pulling upwards.



3. Remove the latch assist spring (if installed) by releasing the hook end of the spring (1) and lifting the circular part of the spring off the mounting post. No tools are required as hand pressure is sufficient.
4. Install the new higher rate spring by sliding the straight end of the spring into the receiver in the latch (2) and position over the post. Hook the bent end of the spring into the retaining slot (1).
5. Install the rear storage area sill molding by pushing until the retaining clips are fully seated.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: