Lincoln Nautilus: Body Closures / Liftgate Alignment. General Procedures

Inspection

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

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. If equipped.
   Remove the load compartment cover.
   

1. Remove the load compartment floor cover.
   

1. If equipped.
   Remove the spare tire cover.
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove the tie down hooks.
   
   1. Open the retainer cover.
      
   2. Remove the retainers.
      
   3. Remove the tie down hook.
      

1. Remove the load compartment scuff plate trim panel pin-type retainers.
   

1. Release the clips and remove the load compartment scuff plate trim panel.
   

1. Remove the liftgate striker.
   Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)

Liftgate left and right, up and down alignment

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

1. 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. Open the liftgate.
   

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

Liftgate in and out alignment

1. Lower the headliner.
   Refer to: Headliner - Lowering (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation) .
   

1. Loosen the nuts.
   

1. NOTE: Nominal overslam bumpers have a small lip and should be adjusted flush with the sheet metal surface.

   Adjust the nominal overslam bumpers.
   

1. 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 nuts.
   Torque: 46 lb.ft (62.5 Nm)

All alignments

1. Install the liftgate striker.
   

1. Close the liftgate.
   

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).
   

1. Install the removed components.
   

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