Hand Start Fasteners in Reverse
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
To avoid the possibility of cross-threading pre-existing threads during fastener replacement, begin by first hand-inserting the new fastener and rotating counter-clockwise. This reverse rotation allows for the location of existing fastener threads to ensure the fastener does not cross-thread upon thread re-engagement. Once the existing fastener threads are located, hand-start individual fasteners manually until finger tight.