You might decide to remove your Jeep Wagoneer tailgate because of dents that prevent the rear window from moving up and down or some other problem. But the removal process can be challenging. Don't panic. Through in-depth research, we have found an easy way to remove the tailgate.
To remove the tailgate from your Jeep Wagoneer, you will need to follow these steps carefully:
- Remove the tailgate access plate and disengage the wiring and harness.
- Take off the metal carpet strips and tailgate gasket around the tailgate.
- Move the carpet and find two access panels. Unfasten the body's hinge and access the hole cover plates.
- With people supporting it on each side, move the tailgate to an almost closed, upright position. Then loosen the tension of the counterbalanced torque rods and pry it from the clips fastened to the body halves of the hinges.
- Drive out the bolts holding up the lower ends of the support arms to the tailgate.
- Finally, remove the tailgate from the Jeep.
Read on for detailed instructions on removing your Jeep Wagoneer's tailgate. You'll also learn more about other tailgate problems and how to fix them.
Removing The Jeep Wagoneer Tailgate
The worst scenario is when your car's trunk problem is more than just a minor lock problem or blockage. You might consider removing and replacing the tailgate of your Jeep Wagoneer.
You can easily do this yourself if you follow these comprehensive steps carefully. Of course, you'll also need a few more hands for support.
Before you start, you'll need:
- screwdrivers
- wrench or socket
- duct tape (or any tape that provide steady and good hold)
- protective gears (gloves and goggles)
1. Remove the tailgate access plate.
You should remove the tailgate access plate that supports the door when it is closed. Then disengage the wiring and harness.
2. Take off the metal carpet strips located at the edge of the tailgate. Then remove the tailgate gasket.
To remove the gasket, start from the vertical section and go along the bottom. Just like the modern interior panels, the weather stripping is attached in a small, black plastic material called "buttons."
To gently remove these buttons from the Jeep, use a flathead screwdriver or an interior panel tool.
3. Move the carpet and locate two access panels.
You do not need to remove the chrome carpet bars. There should be four PITA screws holding the panels: two are at top left and right, and the other two are under the weather stripping you removed beforehand.
You can then unfasten the body's hinge access to the hole cover plates. Unscrewing the panels will give you access to the hinge bolts and the torque bar that holds down the trunk.
4. With people supporting it on each side, move the tailgate to an almost closed, upright position.
Then you can loosen the tension of the counterbalanced torque rods and pry it from the clips fastened to the body halves of the hinges. To do it, carefully remove five bolts on each hinge, then the two bolts holding the torque bar hold down.
When loosening the hinges, be sure that there is little to no pressure on the torque bars. Avoid laying down the tailgate body too much to avoid more stress.
This method will give you less force needed and lessen the risk of sudden pressure release when unhinging the bolts. To be safer, use protective gear such as eye protection goggles.
5. Drive out the bolts holding up the lower ends of the support arms to the tailgate.
6. Move the tailgate away from the Jeep.
Remove all ten bolts and screws. Then move the tailgate away from the Jeep.
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How Do You Open A Stuck Jeep Wagoneer Tailgate?
Recent Jeep Wagoneers have an automatic lift-gate system that is hands-free, and you don’t have to press any button. However, there are instances in which it is useful to open the rear trunk of a Jeep Wagoneer manually.
If you load a lot of items into the back of your Jeep Wagoneer, the boot lock can get blocked and obstruct the opening mechanism.
Another situation might be a problem related to the central lock of your car, which will force you to open your tailgate from the passenger side. Any of these situations can prevent your trunk from opening, making it difficult to unload your stuff.
It's a good thing that there are solutions for these problems.
Manually Opening A Blocked Tailgate
Fortunately, a blocked trunk in a Jeep Wagoneer is not a severe problem. The problem might occur due to a small, thin object or other item that has slipped into the rear lock of your car.
Forcing your trunk open might result in damage to your lock. Applying enough downward force on your trunk while pressing the release button is the best way to go about it.
If that doesn't work, try pulling horizontally with enough power so as not to damage the door to unlock the opening.
You can also get in the passenger seat and try to cut or pull out the object that's obstructing the lock. You can remove the covering from the inside of the trunk for better visibility.
Manually Opening A Tailgate From The Inside
In the case that the central lock release button of your Jeep Wagoneer no longer works, there is an emergency mechanism that you can use to open the trunk from the inside. It exists on most models of cars.
Whether it is equipped or not depends on the model and year of your Jeep Wagoneer. If you’re unsure, look on the driver's side to see if you can find either one of these devices.
- Closing cable: If you can spot a closing cable that's connected to the trunk, pull it in the opposite direction of the lock. Once activated, it will open the lock immediately and push the trunk outward.
- Emergency lever: Manufacturers have also equipped specific Jeep Wagoneer models with emergency levers. To find the lever, locate the trunk latch first. It's commonly found at the center of the car’s body, jointed to the trunk lid. If you spot it in your car, pull it towards you to open the car’s trunk.
Installing The Jeep Wagoneer Tailgate
To install a new or repaired tailgate, reverse steps one to five mentioned above. Please note that it is better to set the torque bars to the tailgate jut.
Then tape two or three places on the body and the hinges at an angle to keep them in place while you move the tailgate to perfectly align it into position.
How Do You Fix A Rusty Tailgate?
How Do You Fix A Rusty Tailgate?You can try to fix your rusty tailgate using a patch panel. However, it won't last long because these panels seem to be made of cheaper grade steel.vIt is better to replace it with a good used tailgate from your local junkyard or to buy it online.
Suppose the available replacement is out of your budget, or you simply can’t find the exact model. In that case, you can watch this tailgate-repair-made-easy YouTube video.
What's So Special About A Jeep Wagoneer?
The Jeep Wagoneer is a luxurious SUV longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced as a new model for 2022. It can carry up to eight people in three-row seats. Its chassis is equipped with a rugged-style ladder frame with advanced technology suspension.
There are many great things about this luxurious car. Among the highlights are:
- Exterior Design & Color Options
- Interior Features
- Safety & Technology
Final Thoughts
Removing and replacing the tailgate may be the only option left to fix the trunk of your Jeep Wagoneer. Detaching the tailgate of a Jeep Wagoneer is complex process but you can do it following the steps mentioned above.
Remember that you'll need extra help for support, and don’t forget to wear protective equipment when doing the job. When detaching and reattaching, properly secure heavy car parts to prevent compromising the vehicle stability and serious injuries.
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