High Mount Stop Lamp Bezel Lifting/Loose, Interfering with Roof Rear Edge When Lift Gate is Opened and/or High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement Info (replace Weatherstrip, Elongate Holes, Apply Adhesive)

This bulletin is being revised to add part number and warranty information. Please discard Advance Service Information Bulletin Number 04-08-42-005 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Some customers may comment on the high mount stop lamp bezel lifting/separating from the vehicle and interfering with the rear edge of the roof whenever the lift gate is opened.

This condition may be due to poor adhesion of the two-sided tape on the upper weatherstrip separating from the vehicle and/or from the high mount stop lamp bezel, especially on the left side.

Inspect the high mount stop lamp bezel for interference with the rear edge of the roof. Refer to the Inspection Procedure in this bulletin.

If the bezel is interfering with the rear edge of the roof, replace the existing lift gate upper weatherstrip, elongate the alignment and outboard fastener holes and apply adhesive. If the bezel has interfered with/damaged the rear edge of the Ultra View roof (CF5, C3B) replace the rear cover. Refer to the repair procedure in this bulletin.

Inspection Procedure

1. Check the lift gate bezel upper weatherstrip for poor tape adhesion by pressing along the leading edge of the high mount stop lamp bezel from corner to corner. A spongy or springy feel is an indication that the weatherstrip tape has separated from the lift gate or bezel surface. Refer to the Repair Procedure in this bulletin.
2. With the aid of an assistant, SLOWLY open the lift gate and observe the gap/clearance between the bezel and the rear edge of the roof. If contact or near contact is observed, refer to the Repair Procedure in this bulletin.

Tools and Materials Required

Caution: When a hold open device is being removed or installed, provide an alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury.

1. Check the high mount stop lamp for proper operation. If some or all of the bulbs are burned out, replace the lamp assembly. If the lamp assembly is to be replaced, this repair procedure must be followed.
2. Open the lift gate.
3. Remove the lift gate interior trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement-Lift Gate in the Body Rear End sub-section of the Service Manual or SI document ID 1271852.
4. Remove the grommets at the upper corners of the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors and the washer hose at the upper corners of the vehicle.
6. With the aid of an assistant, support the lift gate in the open position.
7. Remove both lift gate assist rods from the upper ball studs.
8. Open the access panel doors in the header trim panel.
9. Remove the nuts retaining the lift gate hinges to the vehicle.
10. With the aid of an assistant, remove the lift gate from the vehicle.
11. Remove the fasteners securing the high mount stop lamp bezel to the lift gate.
12. Separate the forward edge of the bezel from the lift gate. It may be necessary to use a heat gun and a commercial-type utility knife.
13. Disconnect the high mount stop lamp electrical connector from the wiring harness.
14. Inspect the bezel for excessive distortion or warpage. Replace if necessary (this is a paint-to-match part).
15. Remove any tape residue from the surfaces of the lift gate and the high mount stop lamp bezel. It may be necessary to use a heat gun and a 50/50 mixture by volume of isopropyl alcohol and water.
16. Remove any clear sealer residue from the lift gate surface.




Important: DO NOT remove more than 2 mm (5/64 in) of material.

17. Use an 8 mm (5/16 in) drill bit to remove 2 mm (5/64 in) of material from the outboard side of the LH and RH high mount stop lamp bezel alignment holes located on the outside upper corners of the lift gate.
18. Remove any metal burrs and debris.




Important: DO NOT remove more than 2 mm (5/64 in) of material.

19. Use an 8 mm (5/16 in) drill bit to remove 2 mm (5/64 in) of material from the outboard side of the LH and RH high mount stop lamp bezel attachment holes located on the inside upper corners of the lift gate.
20. Remove any metal burrs and debris.
21. Scuff the lift gate and high mount stop lamp bezel weatherstrip mating surfaces with a Scotch-Brite™ pad.
22. Use a 50/50 mixture by volume of isopropyl alcohol and water on a dampened lint-free cloth to clean the lift gate and bezel surfaces.
23. Remove the protective red release liner from the non-part number side of the new weatherstrip (P/N 25773051).
24. Align the notches on the new weatherstrip to the ribs on the high mount stop lamp bezel from the center out to the RH edge and to the LH edge.
25. Ensure the outer edge of the weatherstrip butts up to the forward edge of the bezel.
26. Apply even hand pressure along the weatherstrip from the center out. Repeat this process 3-4 times.
27. Remove primer #3 from the adhesive kit. Shake the primer and, using a new dauber, apply to the lift gate surface. Ensure all scratches and bare metal are covered.
28. Apply primer #3 to both sides of the 4 enlarged holes to prevent corrosion.
29. Remove primer #4 from the adhesive kit. Shake the primer and, using a new dauber, apply to the high mount stop lamp bezel surface next to the new weatherstrip.
30. Allow the primers to dry for 10 minutes prior to applying the adhesive.



31. Apply a 13 mm (1/2 in) wide and tall bead of urethane adhesive (3), such as Glass Urethane Adhesive Kit, P/N 12346392 or equivalent, along the edge of the weatherstrip. DO NOT extend the adhesive bead beyond the ends of the protective red tape.
32. Spray the lift gate upper window seal with a soap and water mixture. Lubricating the seal now will help when performing Step 40.
33. Remove the protective red release liner from the weatherstrip.
34. Connect the high mount stop lamp electrical connector to the wiring harness connector.
35. Align the center rear edge of the high mount stop lamp bezel on to the lift gate.
36. Engage the center retaining clip.
37. Engage the LH and RH retaining clips.
38. Ensure the foam gaskets of the locator pins (2) and the outboard fastener attachment points (1) seal the enlarged holes.
39. Install the inboard fasteners that secure the high mount stop bezel to the lift gate. DO NOT tighten at this time.
40. Pull out the upper window seal using a plastic flat bladed tool.
41. Install the two new outboard fasteners, P/N 11519581 (shoulder bolts), that secure the high mount stop bezel to the lift gate.

Tighten
Tighten the four bezel fasteners to 3N·m (27 lb in).

Important: It is important to ensure good tape adhesion to the lift gate sheet metal.

42. Apply even hand pressure along the forward edge of the high mount stop lamp bezel from corner to corner. Repeat this process 3-4 times.
43. With the aid of an assistant, install the lift gate to the vehicle.
44. Install the nuts that retain the lift gate hinges to the vehicle.

Tighten
Tighten the lift gate hinge nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

45. Close the access doors in the header trim panel.
46. Install both lift gate assist rods to the upper ball studs.
47. Connect the electrical connectors and the washer hose at the upper corners of the vehicle.
48. Install the grommets at the upper corners of the vehicle.
49. Install the lift gate interior trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement-Lift Gate in the Body Rear End sub-section of the Service Manual or SI document ID 1271852.
50. Close the lift gate.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: