Instructions to remove rear interior panel

[cayenne]

I'm placing an order for a service manual today, but it won't help me over the holiday weekend...

Can anyone with a service manual take a screenshot of the instructions to remove the rear interior panel surrounding the rear hatch latch? I don't want to go yanking on it and find there is a hidden fastener etc... As I've been aligning body panel on the new GT, it seems my latch itself needs to be adjusted upwards vertically. To get the hatch to close without a violent slam, I have to adjust the rubber bumpers in nearly all the way, but at that point the hatch is below the two rear fender panels. Seems the latch needs to be adjusted upwards (hoping there is a vertical adjustment on it)...

[roadrunner]

From the manual...

1.Open the liftgate.

2.Remove the two push pin fasteners from the latch striker area.

3.Route the liftgate weatherstrip under the trunk trim panel (1).

4.Remove the trunk trim panel (1) from the trunk pan (2).

[cayenne]

Thank You sir!!

That will get me going, and I can get in there and see if there is some vertical adjustment in the latch. I'll feedback what I find to the forum.

[cayenne]

Just an update for anyone that wants to adjust the rear hatch latching mechanism. I removed the trunk trim panel this morning and found plenty of vertical adjustment in the latching mechanism. Simple adjustment, 10MM socket, 3 bolts, and you can fine tune until your heart is content.

I was able to get my rear hatch adjusted to where it shuts and locks with a gentle 2-3 finger shut and all the gaps are aligned as I wanted them.

[lochnessmonster]

Nice job cayenne!! Did you get that back glass centered better? That was the one where I thought you might have to take it to a body shop etc.

[cayenne]

Nice job cayenne!! Did you get that back glass centered better? That was the one where I thought you might have to take it to a body shop etc.

Not really... One project lead to the next, I did get all the body panel gaps squared away as Andy suggested between the latch and striker adjustments, but now that all the gaps are spot on, the glass is still off a bit. It was definitely installed just under 1/8" closer to the passengers side.

Overall this is the only area that hasn't impressed me with the car. The glass was definitely installed off center and I've found several small (1-2") scratches in the glass. Someone was off their game the day they did mine.

[apeas2]

By the way, whats the little black button do next to the rear hatch key location? Mine does nothing. Thanks!

[cayenne]

By the way, whats the little black button do next to the rear hatch key location? Mine does nothing. Thanks!

Are you referring to the button that's hidden up under the lip? That is your trunk release. You shouldn't have to use the key to open your trunk.

[apeas2]

Are you referring to the button that's hidden up under the lip? That is your trunk release. You shouldn't have to use the key to open your trunk.

That's what I thought. With the key fob in my hand, that button doesnt see to work.

[ViperSmith]

Not really... One project lead to the next, I did get all the body panel gaps squared away as Andy suggested between the latch and striker adjustments, but now that all the gaps are spot on, the glass is still off a bit. It was definitely installed just under 1/8" closer to the passengers side.

Overall this is the only area that hasn't impressed me with the car. The glass was definitely installed off center and I've found several small (1-2") scratches in the glass. Someone was off their game the day they did mine.

That's called a "Monday Build" :p

[lochnessmonster]

That's what I thought. With the key fob in my hand, that button doesnt see to work.

You might want to put a new battery in your key fob. One of mine ran out of juice. Just be careful when you are prying the fob apart.

With respect to the inconsistencies in the build quality, I just view it as a reminder that this is the last hand built car made by a major manufacturer in America, and that gives the car a more "human" character to me. Just as we are flawed, so too is the car. I find that endearing. At the end of the day, if you are anything like me, you will either forget all about it, or your OCD will eventually take over and force you to fix it.

[cayenne]

I agress lochness, my OCD kicks in on all my car projects but some things are better left alone and forgotten. The scratches in the glass are disappointing. Not sure what happened there. Either way, more damage would probably be done replacing the glass and that isn't worth it.

[lochnessmonster]

Yeah, let the "handbuilt" aspect allow you to accept it and see if that keeps the OCD at bay ;)