02/03/2020 13:50:14

Applique - Liftgate (Remove and Replace)

Correction Code 12207002

Special tool required for this procedure:

Supplier Part Number Description
Tesla 1049517-00-A Ergonomic Silicone Seam Roller
Bosch 732-PHT318-TSL Molding Hold Down Tool

Removal

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Protect exterior paint surfaces that surround the liftgate applique before performing this procedure.
  1. Using a trim stick or other suitable tool, carefully and evenly release the fasteners (x5) that secure the applique to the liftgate body panel.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Care must be taken to avoid damage to exterior trim mounting points.
  2. Carefully release the adhesive tape that attaches the applique to the fog/reverse lights.
  3. Remove the rear applique.
  4. Inspect the clips for damage, and replace if required.

Installation

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:
  1. If there is an adhesive patch located in the liftgate area, replace it with a rubber plug.
    1. Remove the screws that attach the rear applique bracket to the tailgate (torque 2.4 Nm).
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Be careful when removing the bracket to not damage the paint on the vehicle.
    2. Remove the applique bracket.
    3. Remove any adhesive on the applique bracket that might interfere with the rubber plug.
    4. Make sure that the plugs are fully seated in the hole, and that the hole is sealed completely.
      Tip: Use the oval plug for the oval-shaped hole and the round plug for the round-shaped hole. Although the round plug fits into the oval hole, it does not seal the hole completely.
  2. Remove all remaining adhesive from the applique and the tail/backup lights.
  3. Clean the mating surfaces and lenses on the applique and the tail/backup lights with an isopropyl alcohol-based solution. Allow the alcohol to fully dry before moving forward with the procedure.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    In order to prevent cracking the lens, only use isopropyl alcohol to clean the lens.
  4. Apply new applique tape when reinstalling the applique.
  5. Working outwards from the center of the applique, press very firmly on the applique using a silicone seam roller to completely seal the applique tape.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not damage the liftgate applique lenses.
    Top path highlighted Bottom path highlighted
  6. Apply pressure to both ends of the applique:
    1. Attach both ends of the applique with tape.
    2. Use molding hold down tools to apply pressure to each end of the applique.
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not damage the liftgate applique lenses.
    3. Wait at least 5 minutes before removing the molding hold down tools and tape.
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Failure to wait at least 5 minutes before removing the molding hold down tool can result in improper adhesion of the applique tape.