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Rear Tailgate wont shut or open correctly

popstatwo

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I have a new wrangler JL. For some reason the rear tailgate wont shut unless I slam it, and to open it, I have to pull on it a couple of times. I removed some adhesive/padding that was in the area but I'm still having issues. Has anyone had a similar issue? Thanks in advance for any help.
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chevymitchell

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I have a new wrangler JL. For some reason the rear tailgate wont shut unless I slam it, and to open it, I have to pull on it a couple of times. I removed some adhesive/padding that was in the area but I'm still having issues. Has anyone had a similar issue? Thanks in advance for any help.
Loosen the hinge bolts and make the adjustment. It's an easy adjustment to make. It might take you a few times to get it right, but you'll get it.
 

carlhenry

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take it back 2 the dealer if they see u played with it it is on u
 

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JeepU4IA

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While the tailgate is closed, check to see if the edges line up with the body/tub of the Jeep. If so, you probably need to adjust the latch receiver. That receiver adjusts up/down as well as forward/rearward and needs to be just perfect for the tailgate to close properly. A little trial and error and you'll get it right.

The hinge bolts are painted so I'd prefer not to break the paint if not needed.
 

Northern88

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Check if it’s the cover that goes over the storage compartment. Mine moves around all the time and will get in the way of the tailgate closing.
 
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popstatwo

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While the tailgate is closed, check to see if the edges line up with the body/tub of the Jeep. If so, you probably need to adjust the latch receiver. That receiver adjusts up/down as well as forward/rearward and needs to be just perfect for the tailgate to close properly. A little trial and error and you'll get it right.

The hinge bolts are painted so I'd prefer not to break the paint if not needed.
This worked perfectly. Thank you for your help.
 
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popstatwo

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Check if it’s the cover that goes over the storage compartment. Mine moves around all the time and will get in the way of the tailgate closing.
I checked that and it wasn't the issue. Thanks though
 

laraza2k1

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Check the rubber boot/seal that meets the the tub (body) to the tailgate and make sure its properly fastened down. Had some work done a few weeks ago and the shop did not reinstall the rubber seal correctly and had a similar issue when closing the tailgate.
 

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fwiw, I found this thread doing a search for why my 2023 tailgate seemed to need too much force to get it to latch. The tell-tale clue for me was that when it didn't latch, even if I pushed on the door it wouldn't connect. Turned out the striker was set just a little too far back (i.e. frontward). Loosened two bolts using the Jeep toolkit, slid the striker a little forward (i.e. rearward), retightened, tested the fit, snugged everything down and... viola! Tailgate closes like it should. If you do this, just beware of sliding the striker too far. It will latch easily, but you'll notice the gate won't line up well with the body panel.
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