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Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Exterior Body Panels All sections

Tailgate Acura ZDX I

Exterior Body Panels 12 illustrations ~785 words

Scheme 160

Scheme 160: Component Location Index
Scheme 160: Component Location Index

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 161

Scheme 161: Tailgate Adjustment
Scheme 161: Tailgate Adjustment

Scheme 162

Scheme 162
Scheme 162
  1. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ). NOTE: Open the tailgate by using the emergency lever while adjusting the tailgate (see «TAILGATE LATCH REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#tailgate) ).
  2. Remove these items: Support struts, both sides (see «TAILGATE SUPPORT STRUT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#tailgate) ) Rear trim panel (see «REAR TRIM PANEL»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__rear-trim-panel) )
  3. Slightly loosen the tailgate hinge mounting bolts (A) and the striker mounting bolts (B).
  4. Adjust the tailgate (C) alignment in the following sequence: Adjust the tailgate right and left by using the elongated holes in the tailgate hinges (D). Turn the tailgate edge cushions (E), in or out as necessary, to make the tailgate fit flush with the body at the side edges. Adjust the fit between the tailgate and the tailgate opening by moving the striker (F), and adjust the striker right or left until it is centered in the tailgate latch (G).
  5. Tighten each bolt to the specified torque.
  6. Make sure the tailgate opens properly and locks securely.
  7. Reinstall the support struts on both sides.
  8. Apply touch-up paint to the hinge mounting bolts and around the hinges, and let the paint dry.
  9. Apply multipurpose grease to the pivot area of the tailgate hinges (A) as indicated by the arrows.
  10. Reinstall all remaining removed parts.
  11. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).

Note. Have an assistant help you when removing and installing the tailgate support strut. Use eye protection when prying the support strut clips. Put on gloves to protect your hands. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 163

Scheme 163: Tailgate Support Strut Replacement
Scheme 163: Tailgate Support Strut Replacement

Scheme 164

Scheme 164
Scheme 164
  1. While an assistant supports the tailgate, pry the support strut clips (A) with a flat-tip screwdriver from each end of the tailgate support strut (B) at the tailgate and the body, then release the support strut from the pivot bolts (C). NOTE: Do not remove the clips from the support strut.
  2. Remove the bolts, then remove the pivot brackets (A).
  3. Reinstall the pivot brackets.
  4. While an assistant supports the tailgate, set the support strut clips on the original position, then reattach the tailgate support strut on the pivot bolt by pushing the support strut onto the pivot.

Scheme 165

Scheme 165: Tailgate Weatherstrip Replacement
Scheme 165: Tailgate Weatherstrip Replacement

Scheme 166

Scheme 166
Scheme 166

Scheme 167

Scheme 167
Scheme 167

Scheme 168

Scheme 168
Scheme 168
  1. Remove the left tailgate side trim (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
  2. Remove the pivot bracket mounting bolts, then push the power tailgate rod (A) in the slit (B) of the quarter pillar trim.
  3. Remove the tailgate weatherstrip (A) by pulling it out.
  4. Locate the painted alignment mark on the area (A) of the tailgate weatherstrip (B). Align the painted mark with the alignment mark (C) on the body, and align the joint area (D) of the weatherstrip with the alignment mark (E) on the body, then install the weatherstrip all the way around. NOTE: Make sure there are no wrinkles in the weatherstrip.
  5. Reinstall the pivot bracket (A) with the bolts.
  6. Reinstall the left tailgate side trim (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
  7. Check for water leaks (see step 10 under «DOOR GLASS ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#doors__door-glass-adjustment) ).

Scheme 169

Scheme 169: Tailgate Lower Stop Replacement
Scheme 169: Tailgate Lower Stop Replacement
  1. Remove the tailgate lower stops (A) by pulling them out to release the hooks (B).
  2. Install the stops by pushing on the hook areas until the hooks snap into place.

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. If the tailgate latch cannot be unlocked by using the keyless entry transmitter or the inside/outside tailgate switches, remove the maintenance lid (A) from the tailgate lower trim panel, then turn the emergency lever (B) clockwise as shown.

Scheme 170

Scheme 170: Tailgate Latch Replacement
Scheme 170: Tailgate Latch Replacement

Scheme 171

Scheme 171
Scheme 171
  1. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).
  2. Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
  3. Detach the harness clip (A). Disconnect the power tailgate closer unit connectors (B), and remove the bolts (C, D) securing the tailgate latch (E).
  4. Pull out the tailgate latch (A), then remove it.
  5. Install the latch in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure each connector is plugged in properly. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ). Check for any DTCs that may have been set during repairs, and clear them. Make sure the tailgate opens properly and locks securely.

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